Can't sleep after double reconstruction with implants

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Lynne811
Lynne811 Member Posts: 23
edited November 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello everyone was wondering about sleeping after double reconstruction with silicone implants? Had my reconstruction done on February 20th and still can't sleep on my side comfortably, does anyone have any suggestions? I have had 2 previous failed back surgeries and I'm so sore on my back. PS suggested using a pillow under my new implants but doesn't work : (

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited March 2015

    Hi Lynne, I'm also Lynne not many have the e at the end. I had left side DIEP and even after 3 years it is kind of hard to get comfortable. I use pillows and sometimes take pain killer to sleep from hormone therapy side effects. It is getting better with time, also warmth helps for heating pad or shower.

    I recently have used a neck pillow and it has helped with pressure points. Keep experimenting with different pillows.

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited March 2015

    Lynne,

    Feb. 20th was not very long ago! Please give it time. I don't quite remember when I was able to sleep comfortably on my side, but it was at least two months. Until that time, I slept with a wedge pillow, a pillow on top of that, a neck pillow and a pillow under my knees. Sounds complicated but I knew a good nights sleep was important. I'm more than 3 years out and sleep on my side without a second thought. Take care

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  • Janett2014
    Janett2014 Member Posts: 3,833
    edited March 2015

    I found that I could lean slightly to one side with a pillow behind my back. It gave me the illusion of sleeping on my side until I could actually do it. Every few nights I would turn/lean slightly farther. The pillow behind my back really helped. I would kind of wedge it in.

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited March 2015

    It took me about five or six months before I was able to sleep on my side after BMX and then again two or three months after the exchange surgery. I am still not very comfortable on the side that was radiated.

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  • CaliRN
    CaliRN Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2015

    I still have expanders in place but my lymphedema therapist ordered me a couple of inframammary jovi pads. I place them under my sports bra at night on each side and this provides enough cushion to make side sleeping comfortable. I slept in a recliner for 2 months so maybe just more time is needed before being able to sleep on your side. Good luck!

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  • Lynne811
    Lynne811 Member Posts: 23
    edited March 2015

    Thank you everyone so much for all the advice, Going to experiment with some pillows and maybe try the pain pill right before bed. Appreciate all the different advice and yes I know it is pretty early from the reconstruction surgery so I have to be more patient, was just so looking forward to getting a good night's sleep in my bed. Although I do sleep decently in a recliner just looking forward to my bed. Meow yes that's true most people don't have the "E" in Lynne.. Thanks again I hope everyone has a blessed day!

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  • M0mmyof3
    M0mmyof3 Member Posts: 9,696
    edited April 2015

     I sleep on my right side and have not been able to sleep comfortably on that side since my permanent implant surgery last week. I tried using a pillow under the the implants to give them support, but it hasn't helped. I'm worried about causing a rupture in one of them if I keep doing this.

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  • Lynne811
    Lynne811 Member Posts: 23
    edited May 2015

    Hello I completely understand what you are going through I had the exact same problem couldn't get comfortable with pillows or anything. Don't know if this will help but I finally got a large soft towel and rolled it up until it was comfortable to lay on . Had my exchange February 20th and I'm now sleeping comfortably on my left side as I'm having problems with my right. I hope this helps!

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  • sandcastle
    sandcastle Member Posts: 587
    edited May 2015


    Lynne.....I did have Recon....but it Failed...I do remember how hard it was to sleep....Now after getting the expander out on my left side and my right being my OWN.....it is still hard to sleep......it is trial and error......What us girls who have BC have to go through.....only we understand.....Liz

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  • Lynne811
    Lynne811 Member Posts: 23
    edited June 2015

    that is very true, unless you have been thru it it's hard to understand. Going back to PS today for final check up and having right side rib pain and left pectoral muscle pain. Just started PT thru my normal Dr so hopefully get some answers today although I doubt it as he always says they look good you should be happy. Not!

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  • Lynne811
    Lynne811 Member Posts: 23
    edited October 2015

    hello again everyone have a strange question I suppose as my PS thinks that everything is fine and my BS disagrees, I am having some issues with my mentor silicone implant Right side only, I have lumps in the implant on the top, if I lift my arm you can see the outline of the implant perfect round circle and muscle is always sore, neck back etc.... have had problems with right side even with the TE , I'm right handed wondering if I overdid something or why the Dr's disagree also Left is perfectly fine not a problem or complaint on that side. OH and also my Right implant moves to my back when laying down and you can actually SQUISH it and it basically goes flat, can feel a popping sound when he did it like it's air. How do I figure out what is wrong? ? Ultrasound showed no leak , would MRI show more? And how can a surgeon tell you it's normal for a silicone implant to go flat when squeezed? Just really agitated again. Complained about the right side through out the TE and exchange. Starting to feel like I'm going crazy.......😢

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  • Stevens62
    Stevens62 Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2015

    I had right mastectomy with tissue expanders placed on Oct 20. My cancer Dux was Oct 2013 with Left mastectomy and chemo. I am finding I have a lot more pain on my right side than I did after the Left mastectomy. I am taking Tylenol and ibuprofen for pain. The left side is good. I am due for my first saline injections tomorrow. I don't feel I have made any progress from an energy or pain perspective over the last week. I know I am early in the game, but I am discouraged and exhausted.
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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2015

    Stevens-

    We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry that you're feeling discouraged and exhausted; hopefully you turn a corner soon and start to feel better and have more energy! Good luck on your injections tomorrow, we'll be thinking of you!

    The Mods

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