Pain after uni mx

HI, I had a double on October 28th and I still have pain. I feel like I am being squezzed by someone across my ribcage. I also have sensations of itching, hotness, and pain on the topside of my breasts. My breast surgeon is very empathetic and said that it could happen for years. I wound up with having painful AWS cording so even my arms and fingertips hurt too.I am prescribed valium, ultracet, meloxicam, neurontin, flexeril, and oxycodone for the pain. I don't take any of the medications unless the stabbing pain in my arm or ribcage gets too much to bear. Tylenol and advil never helped.

I really hope you get some relief..

Hi Bcky, I am a Uni too, no recon. You don't mention that you had recon, so I am assuming you didn't. The feeling of being punched in the sternum, that you are describing, was something I felt too, and a kind of sandpaper, sunburn which is caused by the regeneration of the nerves that have been cut. As time goes on, that will change to other zapping and zinging sensations. I guess you are also speaking of having a concave area, where the tissue was removed. Most of my discomfort came from the disturbance of the nodes under my arm. The iron bra and extreme tightness is what the girls with the TE's or immediate recon speak about.

I did the exercises religiously 4x each day, even though I had cording too. It hurts to do it, but it will ensure you get your range of motion back quickly. I found doing the first lot of exercises for the day, under the hot shower worked for me.

It is very early days for you and there is still lots of inflammation, deep bruising and swelling, you've been through a really brutal surgery! I gently massaged my chest with essential oils in a carrier oil base which helped a lot with that soreness in the sternum. I can't speak for the usefulness of the pain meds, I will do anything to avoid them and had none at all, for the entire process, because I registered discomfort and strange sensation, but not pain.

Try to be kind to yourself, you're body is healing right now, but it will continue to change in both feeling and appearance. I am sure there will be others who will come along to share their expriences too. Take it easy!

Awww, Bcky, I am so sorry you've had this crap to deal with. It isn't fair! I can't imagine what was holding up you LE garments, but at least they are on the way now.

I know it's hard, but you have to try not to let the way others, "think" you should be doing, affect you. They have no clue what you have been through, or how your body is in extreme stress and healing mode, all at the same time.

I couldn't understand what all the weird sensations were that I was feeling, so I actually watched a Mx surgery on the internet, purely for my own interest, certainly, this is not for everyone, but I have to tell you, it was brutal! I don't care what anyone says, I believe that even though we are knocked out, our body knows what is happening to it and that is why, like with all kinds of medical procedures, some people are affected more profoundly, than others.

I was one who suffered extreme tiredness after my Umx. I don't do anesthesia well. I seriously, could drop off to sleep mid sentence in the early weeks, after surgery. That's very normal!

If anyone gives you a hard time, just smile and say "We can discuss this again, when you've been through something similar!"

Gentle hugs to you! Take care of you and let us know how you're doing!

Bcky- I am seeing a therapist now too. This has been an ordeal to say the least. I really feel it down to my inner being. Thank you for having the courage to share that with us. On top of my breast issues, I actually have 4 herniated discs, spinal stenosis and severe degenerative disc disease. I was out of work for two years because of it. After numerous procedures I was able to finally find a new job and then BAM the breast issues, bmx and now reconstruction and it's all been in 3 months. People who have not gone through this process just don't understand. My own family think I should have been over it. I have terrible AWS cording and that is not helping. I just want you to know that your feelings are real. Our lives have been premanently altered at lightning speed. We need to give our bodies and minds time to heal. I am thankful for all the support and encouragement on this site.

I am hoping that the pain lessens up and you have more better days. You will be in my thoughts.

Yes.. It certainly takes time to get over a mascetomy.. I know that being squeezed feeling your talking about.. I always think it feels as if someone has wrapped duct tape around me.. It's not as bad now.. But still doesn't feel right yet.. I'm also struggling to get full shoulder movement back.. I've always been an active person.. So am a tad shocked at how long it is taking..