Hi Jen,
I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction in Dec 2011. I was advised to take it very easy for the first month when I got home from the initial surgery. I was not allowed to lift anything heavy or use my arms to push up on things eg getting out of a chair. I did my physio exercises every day and each day I progressed more and more. The first couple of days I had a bit of pain and felt the expander "flapping" around and I was advised to take Nurofen and Panadol which helped. I found I didn't need the painkillers. You and your body are adjusting to the changes and if you are not sure if the pain is normal, then I would ring your breast care nurse. I rang them on several occasions as I wasn't sure if it was normal and how to deal with the pain.
The cold is a funny thing and freaked me out the first time it happened. I know when my body is cold (and the outside temp is cold) because my chest starts to contract. Initially I found this unnerving as I felt that my whole chest was moving and thought people could notice it but now I just hug my chest when it starts to happen or just ignore it. I think of it as my internal body temperature gauge :-)
When i had my expanders filled the first time I had no pain. Unfortunately the remaining times I was in considerable pain. I had Panadeine Forte before my appointments which eased the pain but didn't remove it. I used to take the day off from work as I knew that I wouldn't be able to do anything or sleep very well due to the pain.
The expanders are uncomfortable. I describe them as wearing a really bad bra that you couldn't adjust. After a while you get used to it and it just becomes a part of you for a while.
Good luck and all the best.
Hi Jen , I had my bi-lateral mastectomy with expander reconstruction on 28th Nov 2012 and mine are still uncomfortable. I have gradually been having them filled with saline to reach my desired look and each time they hurt for awhile. On Anzac Day,the left one went flat and on the 29th May, I had it replaced and some more saline in each one. The left breast was very sore for about 2 weeks but is now settling down. I still have 3 more fills to go and know each is going to make me sore again for awhile but to me it's worth it. My surgeon and breast care nurse recommended Valium to calm the chest muscles and moisturising the skin to help with the stretching as the breasts get bigger but of course speak to your Dr , surgeon or breast care nurse for their thoughts. All the best with your expander. Leanne Xxx
