Hi - I had a left vertical skin sparing mastectomy back in April 2016 with insertion of an Aeroform tissue expander (not the saline expander, but a gas one so no need for saline injections). In a couple of months I'll be having the DIEP reco using my own body tissue. The tissue expander was only ever an interim option for me.
The Aeroform, because it's gaseous, really feels quite hard (I have always likened it to feeling like I've got a handbag sewn into my chest); it also collapse a few months in and so I wear a semi prosthesis so no one else, to all intents and purposes has any idea which boob is no longer there :).
For months I couldn't sleep on my stomach (I am a tummy sleeper) but then was able to, provided I build a little tent of pillows and give space so my boob isn't directly touching the mattress.
I'm no longer in pain, but I am a bit uncomfortable. I gain solace from knowing it's not for much longer. What I'm not looking forward to is the PS inflating the tissue expander again just before surgery to ensure the skin stays stretched.....but that'll be ok, have had worse and it won't be for too long anyways.
Of course, everyone's experience is different. And I wish you well making yours.
Cheers
