pain pain & more pain

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Notbuyingit
Notbuyingit Member Posts: 1,035
edited January 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

ok i endured the TE - had the exchange (implant) before 6 wks of Rads - and still had a lot of pain - i think i have expressed this a time or two in these forums

one month ago i had my final recon to add the nipple/areola - he talked me into replacing the implant - i choose to keep the same size - he claimed he could "loosen the pocket" & remove some scar tissue to help with my pain issues. Then last minute (literally right before surgery) he talked me into having lypho from my tummy to that breast to help "contour" the shape.

my issue is that it hurts more than ever :( i told my DH it has been like some took a hard cardboard circle - like the oatmeal canister- and shoved it into my chest permanently & every time i move it digs into me - does anyone relate?

i am so frustrated because i don't know what to do for relief besides pain meds - any suggestions??

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  • mariajose7
    mariajose7 Member Posts: 12
    edited January 2015

    Hi, I don't think I will be much help for you but I can relate to the pain and feeling like I have a rock under my muscle.

    I had the reconstruction with a saline implant 10 years ago, I live in Spain and here the doctors avoid telling patients anything! I didn't even know the first operation was only temporary and would need second operation. Then after the permanent was put in I was told the smallest they had was too big , doctor wanted to put implant in other to make them even, but I refused.

    It has been uncomfortable and painful and I hate it. on one side it feels like the skin was bunched up and sewn or stapled. I still have staples inside, I suppose that is how they do it?? And I think some of the pinching pain is from the staples.

    I was also told (AFTER THE OPERATION) that it would last about 10 years. So now what do I do?

    I really want to have it taken out. Lately it has been more painful and some numbness on my side.

    I am not sure how the muscle will react when the implant is taken out. I imagine it is good that it is small.


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  • Notbuyingit
    Notbuyingit Member Posts: 1,035
    edited January 2015

    thank you for responding & relating! i was finding it hard to believe I am the only one with pain after reconstruction! just went for a 6 wk check up & of course got the usual - some people take longer to heal....people who have radiation take twice as long...are you doing your massaging? I just want to someone to reassure me that this is not forever! and if i have one more person say" so you're all done now - good for you" IF ONLY THAT WERE TRUE <sigh<

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  • mariajose7
    mariajose7 Member Posts: 12
    edited January 2015

    I was never told anything about massaging? The ps told me not to put stress on the arm and NOT do exercises to get arm moving, then some months later she asked why I couldn't raise my arm!! so I had physio therapy to get it moving again.

    Mine was 10 years ago and I imagine there are a lot of different ways to do the reconstruction. but for me it is forever, it is still painful, (not as bad as the temporary expansor). its uncomfortable, annoying, and I hate it. I have an appointment in march, see what options there are..

    I didn't have radiation so I don't know how that affects things.

    I really hope it gets better for you. Try and hang in there and give it time, but don't listen to anyone that tries to tell you how you feel. If it hurts, it hurts.

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited January 2015

    Try to find a PT therapist who specializes in myofacial release and works frequently with BC patients. I was amazed at how much this therapy broke up some of my scar tissue and relieved my pain

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  • Notbuyingit
    Notbuyingit Member Posts: 1,035
    edited January 2015

    thanks bayoubabe i'll look into

    10 yrs out! yikes!!

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