Tissue Expander causing pain on my rib cage

Thanks Veronica31, one night of sleeping drain free was better, but when DH asked if I slept, "OK", I replied that I don't know when I'll sleep, "Ok" but I did sleep better. I think I just have some anxiety overall with what was done and what is in my body. I'm sure I will settle with time.

It took 3 discussions with my PS before we decided to place my TE above the muscle. I believe that isn't the majority of cases, but after weighing pros and cons I chose above. She said she has done it several times for women of similar build to me and really like the result and that cinched it for me. I will be curious to get her overall impressions when we talk Friday.

Thanks for the encouragement. Today was my first day getting up with my kids as they prepared for school since the day before surgery. Kinda nice

Sorry you are having so much pain butterflykdh. It sounds like it's really affecting your daily quality. I understand feeling that window of time is very long when you are so uncomfortable. Has your PS offered any advice?

It's not even been a month since my surgery so I think I'm still healing from that and getting used to things. It sure is a surreal experience.

Best wishes for comfort!

HI ascovell,

You are about a week behind me. I had BMX on 3/1. It was only last week that I could notice I truly was feeling better. Not perfect, but energy level up and starting last Friday I found I would have some windows where I would forget about my chest for a little while. What a treat! I went to coffee with some friends and until one started talking about her Mom's BC, I had forgotten I was recovering from my own BMX and have those uncomfortable TEs stuffed in my chest. So, I think it will come and those moments will happen more and more. I had my drains out at 1 week but it was still another week before I really felt better, too.

I have my first fill tomorrow. I could have started last week but my DH suggested waiting to allow for ample healing time. I'm glad he did because I was still having so much discomfort last week on many levels - the TEs, the nerves firing off crazily in my chest and still surgical incision pain that I think a fill would have a been too much. Now, although I'm anxious about tomorrow, I have a little anticipation because I feel so much more clear headed and the discomfort level is down.

Even last week although I knew I felt better I was still wiped by the end of the day and couldn't wait to plop in my recliner and open up my bra. Just the mental energy of being aware of my chest discomfort was physically exhausting! I'm not feeling that way at the end of the day since this weekend so I do think I'm continuing to feel better.

For how much pain I had from my TEs in the first few weeks I am still amazed that my body truly adapted to it. I didn't think it would happen and wondered how on earth I could wait through this summer for the implant surgery. Yet, one night I slept without the TE pain on my left side waking me up and it hasn't returned. The pain on my right TE lower edge that was preventing me from even walking 1-2 minutes in my house without gasping and needing to sit immediately to relieve it, is completely gone! That one my PS identified as a spot where the alloderm is stitched to my chest wall. She said she could snip it at implant time if if was still painful. I was like no way will I last until then if this pain doesn't disappear! I can barely walk a 100 feet! But wham, it's gone.

So I hope that gives you hope that it will surprisingly get better and soon. I can't believe how much I didn't understand about this recovery process despite my reading!

Have a great day and treat yourself!

Hi again ascovell, I'm so glad you've had great success with your first 2 fills! Bonus - no muscle spasms! Just out of curiosity I'm wondering what meds they gave you for muscle spasms - is it a muscle relaxant? I probably already told you but I went above the muscle so spasms won't be an issue, but when I originally had planned to go under the muscle I was going to be part of a blind study where they use Botox at the time of surgery to see if it helps to prevent muscle spasms. Even though I went a different route, I will be interested to find out if that does indeed help.

Ugh, the tingling and other feelings! My guess is that we are experiencing a similar sensation. I sometimes just want to sit naked on top to prevent anything from touching me and making that hyper-sensitivity flare up! I know it's nerve sensations/hypersensitivity because removing what's touching me helps right away. I am a convinced that the 2 fills I've had aggravate that anew. I asked for something and the NP was going to give me Neurontin but she seemed to be talking me out of it with warnings about side effects. I pressed on how bad they were and she said it can make you very tired. As it was, I didn't get the prescription and am hopeful that each day will make this get a little better.

Interestingly, I feel the best when I'm out walking. Why that would calm the nerves down, I don't know. It's more aggravating when I'm just sitting around.

This past week has been very rough. Our family got hit with what seems like influenza and strep. My chest is much more irritated since yesterday. I *think* that all my coughing has made my TEs rub and irritate my chest wall. Geez, one step forward, two steps back along the way!

Waiting 2 weeks now before 3rd fill. Hopefully my family will get healthy during that stretch and I'll be ready for that next streeettttccchhhh!

Best wishes!

I think the tingling will get better because mine is definitely better. So much better that I'm a little sad I have to wait until next week for fill 3. I might be becoming a little greedy. My fills are "only" 50cc (LOL, the NP kept calling it a tiny fill when I was there last. I had to correct her and say it was big for me!). I still have spots in my expanders that are bent because they are under-filled. My greediness is coming from the hopes of seeing those smooth out with the fills.

Despite the setback with being sick last week my chest pain disappeared as quickly as the virus. I even fell asleep kind of laying on my side the other morning. I either use a small pillow or even keep part of my arm under my side so I'm not really laying on the side of the TE. What a joy!

My TEs are 300cc. I can not even imagine what I would/will look like with them completely filled. I'm bigger now than I ever was with only 100cc in each. LOL, I feel like a science experiment.