Sensations with Implants

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NotVeryBrave
NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
edited July 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

I had a BMX in early May (skin sparing) with immediate recon above the muscle anatomical implants. I was seen in the ER 3 days later for a fever and was hospitalized 5 weeks later for a probable infection on one side. I say probable since the only symptoms were some pink areas on the breast and an area of new discomfort. I was given IV antibiotics for 3 days and sent home on oral.

I'm asking for some input on what is normal for sensations. I've tried to be patient with how things look and feel, but it's hard when you're constantly nervous about problems. I'd really like to move on, to be done healing. I know I have no control over that, though. And I don't know what impact being on Herceptin is having, too.

Initially after surgery, everything hurt. Then it was the tight band around my chest, burning across the upper chest, and pain under my arms and along the sides where the drains had been. Then it was a bruised feeling along the midline. Now I feel like all along the edges of the implants hurt. Is this normal? How long until weird feelings are gone? Sometimes I wonder if some of what I feel is due to a poor choice of size or shape of implant. I'm a little sad to be numb in some spots, but think I might go crazy if these sensations persist.

I really don't like these implants. I'm afraid of further surgery. I don't want to be flat but am so sick of worrying. I see the Infectious Disease doctor tomorrow for follow up on the infection. Hoping all will remain stable when I finish the oral antibiotics. Does anyone have any input?


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  • macb04
    macb04 Member Posts: 1,433
    edited June 2017

    It is the unfortunate norm to loose a lot of sensation after a mx. Sounds like you have lost sensation unevenly. I would say that at the edges of your breast area, you might have increased nerve function left, so that you feel things more acutely at the edge of the implant versus number in the center of the implant.

    It is an awful shock to the system. I home you feel better soon.

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  • Sunrisefish
    Sunrisefish Member Posts: 67
    edited June 2017

    Hi NotVeryBrave, I am right behind you. I had my BMX on May 17. I had skin snd nipple sparing, and I also have the anatomicals placed above the muscle. Mine are Naturelles. Like you I also find them wide and flat on the upper pole. I plan to do fat grafting in 6 months or so to increase the fullness. I had radiation previously so fat grafting is important to add stability to my radiated breast. I have nearly full feeling in the skin, but radiated nipple is numb and non radiated hurts. Feeling can come back at any time, even years later. I still have pain around the edges of the implants and I can feel the edges too.. I have pain in the upper portion and sides. I also occasionslly get zinger types of sharp pains. I am not in love with the shape of the implants but I really feel they are still changing and I have to give them a chance. I have read you need to give the anatomicals 6 months. They are not horrible. Just diffetent. Not the old me. In clothes nobody but me would ever even know I have implants or had a mastectomy. The truth is they are fine. It just takes time to adjust both physically and emotionally.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited June 2017

    Hi NotVeryBrave, Sorry you're struggling with uneven numbness, it is the weirdest feeling! I had pretty significant numbness after my mx, including the whole foob and underarm. Slowly, over the course of a year or more (actually, it was so slowly I didn't even notice exactly when) I got it back. Everything except for my reconstructed nipple. I also understand that sometimes women get zapping sort of pain when nerves start to regrow, so if you get that feeling, it isn't abnormal either. Good luck and warm ((Hugs))

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited June 2017

    I saw the Infectious Disease doctor today and she thinks everything looks good. Almost all of the discoloration has faded. I only have 2 more days of antibiotics left. There's a 5-10% chance that the infection could return. If so - probably within a month or two of ending the antibiotics. So, keeping my fingers crossed ...

    Thank you all for your thoughts. It would make sense that the areas further out that don't have the numbness might "feel" more. I hadn't thought of that. It's just scary when you're concerned about an infection and they ask about how things feel. If this were my old body - I'd know if something was wrong. These days, nothing ever feels really right.

    I appreciate hearing other's experiences. No one really explains how things will feel except that you'll lose sensation. I guess I'm a "work in process" and things are changing somewhat all the time. Just today I noticed that the L side is more cone-shaped now while the R still seems more flat. Good times ...


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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited July 2017

    I am happy to report that I've felt much less pain or discomfort the last few days! It is such a relief to say that after two months!

    I still have areas that are a little sore if I press on them or move a certain way. And I have a new development of itching - pretty much the upper perimeters. At first I was hoping it was nerve regeneration. Now I'm pretty sure it's just the pain receding. But I'll take it!


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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited July 2017

    Yay Notverybrave! Small (positive) steps add up over time :)

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  • Sunrisefish
    Sunrisefish Member Posts: 67
    edited July 2017

    Notverybrave, so glad to hear you are feeling better! Some days are just better than others also!

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited July 2017

    Thanks, girls. Yes - any step in a good direction is a good day!


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