Regrets about reconstruction?

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momten
momten Member Posts: 3
edited September 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

I had a bilateral mastectomy with TEs over a year ago, permanent implants about 2 months ago. The surgeries went well, the implants healed without complication and look fine.

That said, I am very unhappy with them. I hate the dense, numb weight of them. I hate the way the pectoral muscles pull on the implants. I hate the phantom pain and itchiness. I hate the feeling of having a phone book on my chest when I hug anyone.

I wish there had been some sensible counseling to help with the decision. My breast surgeon pushed me very hard to get implants, but no one really addresses the realities of the surgery. It is the amputation and loss of a body part that implants can't replace.

Has anyone gone flat after reconstruction? If so, how was the surgery/recovery? Did you feel more normal after?

Thanks for any feedback (and sorry for complaining...)

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Comments

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited September 2015

    bettyboops had a thread going about deconstructing. Search for her and you can find it. I hated the implants for a couple years post exchange. Just this summer something clicked in my brain and I don't really notice them anymore. They feel like me. I don't remember the old way. I mentioned that to my PS and she said most women are feeling pretty normal at a year out. I totally understand where you're coming from. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited September 2015

    If you decide to deconstruct there is a wonderful website www flatandfabulous.org. I was very unhappy that they presented recon like it was a piece of cake. Decided I would skip it when I found out the details of what was involved. Wish you well with your choices

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  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited September 2015

    I had reconstruction with implants almost 5 years ago and I don't regret it at all. I have none of the symptoms you describe however I insisted on working with a physical therapist through reconstruction to ensure I would not have issues. I exercise regularly and have no problems. Your pec muscles are probably still tight and that is why you feel the tightness....I felt that at the beginning of reconstruction, but after physical therapy - it really started to go away and soon after permanent implants it was gone. I would see if you can get a physical therapy evaluation. It may be worth trying before deconstructing. Good luck!


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  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 2,182
    edited September 2015

    I had implants and two years of misery. No matter what size or kind of implant, my pec muscles never got used to them. The only thing that helped was Oxycodone and Oxycotin but I did not want to rely on drugs just to live with implants so I had them removed in April this year. I wish I never had them in the first place

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  • Jillybee
    Jillybee Member Posts: 32
    edited September 2015

    I had an implant several years ago,never felt right,however,as time went by,got used to it pulling on pecs.....and as the sizing wasn't quite right,had to have a "chicken fillet"to help boost the size.You do get your head round it,and I then thought at least I am alive and well.....Got Dx 2 years ago,the other side.Opted to have bi lateral Mx,so was even,using implants,liposuction and strattice ......all went wrong,eventually had both implants removed,was therefore flat,hated it...so had DIEP last summer.Now proud owner of a cleavage....at present,dealing with abdominal seroma....another story.I think we need to get our head round it all......but,if you don't like it,consider going flat,but,would you honestly go down that route? I wouldn't ....gentle hugs

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