Is DIEP Flap answer for chronic pain?

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited September 2016 in Breast Reconstruction
Is DIEP Flap answer for chronic pain?
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  • teslachik
    teslachik Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2016

    In December 2014 I had a nipple sparing mastectomy and lymph nodes removed. At the time of the surgery an expander was put in and three weeks later I developed an infection and it was removed and replaced with a new espander. Three weeks after that surgery I developed another infection and the expander was removed. I had started to develop pain where the drains were (all 3 surgeries they were in the exact same location) and the scar that had been used for all 3 surgeries. After chemo I started radiation and on my 12th day developed 2nd degree burns and still had 18 more to go. Ever since then I have been in chronic pain. I have no luck with pain killers so I do not take them. I have been given patches, ointments and pills and am currently taken gabapentin because I have tried everything else. The gabapentin does know the pain from a 9 to a 7 but it is exhausting. Anyhow my plastic surgeon tried lipo and injected some fat into my breast to try and raise my fascia off of my chest wall and allow movement. Finally here is my question I had one Dr. tell me that the DIEP flap would remove the scar tissue potentially easing my pain in that area and another one tell me no such luck. Has anyone experienced pain that was relieved or somewhat resolved from the DIEP flap surgery?

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  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited September 2016

    Have you seen a physical therapist who specializes in lymphadema? They also have techniques to help with the scar tissue and pain.

    I had DIEP surgery. I am happy with the cosmetic result but not so happy with how numb it has left my stomach area.

    I just started seeing a PT for lymphadema. Although I only officially had two lymph nodes removed, the PT said any surgery can change the pathway of lymph fluid, including the tummy tuck from the DIEP. I am over two years out and still get swelling in my breast, stomach and now my arm.

    I'm on the fence about DIEP recon because it affects such a large area of your body. You don't want to trade one problem for another.

    Good luck to you and I hope you find a solution to your pain.

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