Pain in rib and back after expander fill

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Rjdm
Rjdm Member Posts: 4
edited November 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello,

I am new here. I had bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction/placement of tissue expanders on 10/10. I had my third fill today (60cc). My first two fills did not cause any additional pain to the normal post op tightness and soreness. Since a couple hours after my fill, I have experienced pain in the left rib into my back and it takes my breath away. Certain movements or really deep breaths cause the pain in the back as well. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this

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  • Peacetoallcuzweneedit
    Peacetoallcuzweneedit Member Posts: 233
    edited November 2017

    I have not experienced that after fills but when I sleep wrong I get some interesting pains...was this a "big" fill? Maybe the expander is pushing on something...

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  • Rjdm
    Rjdm Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2017

    No...it wasn’t any bigger than the others. I had 150cc immediately post mastectomy and the last 2 fills were the same as today’s, 60cc. I am at 330cc and the TE’s have 375cc “max capacity”.

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  • NGC2024
    NGC2024 Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2017

    Hi, I have had a similar experience, with a lot of pains associated with my fills, especially as I neared the end of them. I had my final fill four days ago (a measly 25cc to top me off)and the pain with certain movements (especially overnight) is still breathtaking. I see this response is late to reach you but I wanted to respond in case it helps someone else. I hope the pain has subsided for you.

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  • TWills
    TWills Member Posts: 679
    edited November 2017

    Even though you've had the same fill amount before you've got more total now so it's more pressure on your anatomy. My rib area hurt more with my last fill and it was the smallest by far. It settled down fairly quickly though and hopefully yours will too.

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  • Rjdm
    Rjdm Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2017

    Thank you! Yes, the plastic surgeon said the same thing...the increased volume is pressing on all those muscles and on the rib cage. It finally did settle down after a couple days with help of medication and rest. I will go less often with smaller fills. Thanks again, it’s nice to know I’m not alone.

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  • Rjdm
    Rjdm Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2017

    And yes, NGC2024, the worst times for me are at night. The intense pain subsided, but the soreness and tightness seemto always be there. Since I started this journey, I have always had pain when getting up in the morning that loosens up during the day as I move more. My last fill wasn't as much (40cc) and I am still sore 4 days later too. Hope your pain subsides quickly. I keep reminding myself that “this is just temporary".

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