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Chris's avatar
Chris
Member
14 years ago

Painful pecs after surgery

Hi Ladies,

Just wondering if anyone has experienced painful pecs after mastectomy and insertion of tissue expanders? Four weeks ago I had a preventative mastectomy and insertion of bilateral tissue expanders. Both felt much the same, though the recent mastectomy site was a little bit more tender. At 20 days I developed a large internal bleed and hematoma, which required surgery to remove about 800mls of old and new blood. That all happened 16 days ago, but this time the whole area is hyper sensitive, to the point that I can't wear a bra, and anything that touches this area, ( the suture line and breast, but especially where the pectoralis muscle goes over the top of the expander ) really irritates. I don't remember having this hypersensitivity when I first had a lumpectomy, followed 3 weeks later by a mastectomy last December. My common sense tells me that it is probably just sensitive due to having the whole area reopened and the tissue expander removed and cleaned and replaced, and another drain put in. The black and blue colouring has gone, but there is still some swelling, and the swollen pec muscle seems to spasm or cramp any time something brushes past it. I know, I'm just being impatient, but I'm curious as to how long it might be like this for. Also any suggestions on what I could massage in to hasten the healing? My first expansion will be next Friday.

Love Chris xx

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  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Ann-Marie, Thanks for the advice about panadol before expansions. I'm a bit worried about what it might feel like. I'm due to go back to work on Thursday, and as it is a new job, and only one day a week, I have decided to have my first expansion the day after this work day rather than before, like the surgeon wanted. I would feel so bad having to take another day off work. This new work place has been so supportive of me, but I only started at the end of July, and have already had so much sick leave. They knew all about my cancer and this surgery, but still took me on, so I want to make sure I do the right thing by them now that I'm feeling alot better. I wish you all the best with your surgery, and look forward to hearing about your knew implants. Love Chris xx
  • jo1234's avatar
    jo1234
    Member
    14 years ago

    Sorry to hear that you are still experiencing pain. I might be  all the nerve endings that have been cut both times.

    I dont know if it is the same but it could be a  similar feeling to what i had on both my legs/knees after bilateral knee replacements. I was told by the surgeon and physio  that it is due to the large incisions and all the  nerve endings that get cut. Heaps of nerves get damaged when they cut through so it could be the same with you.

    They told me i have to massage the area's with a good cream to stimulate the growth.  Try and go sideways across the area twice per day. After 7 months i still have large areas that are very sensitive to touch  still but it is improving with time.  Good luck with your pain and hope you can find a solution soon

    Cheers Joxx

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Danielle and Leonie, I didn't realise Danielle, that you went through an infection and the removal of the expander for 6 months. That really scares me, and it was something that the plastic surgeon mentioned could be a complication of the surgery that I needed to have. I'm glad your discomfort has all settled down, especially since it seems exactly like my discomfort. Even since writing this blog, I feel there has been some improvement. I have managed to get a soft bra on today, and whilst I know I don't need to wear one, it seems to have given me some support, which has reduced the hypersensitivity that I was experiencing when anything brushed my skin. Last week a bra drove me insane after about 2 minutes, so I now think there is some improvement. Even the muscle cramps have been less intense today. I have also started massaging the area with Fisiocrem. This is a very natural cream that I bought from the physio for sore ribs. Only natural plants products, and it is supposed to be good for sore and inflammed muscles. I figured it couldn't hurt, and think it might be helping. Love Chris xx
  • danielle_ghilar's avatar
    danielle_ghilar
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Chris,

    I remember the feeling of not being able to let anything touch my skin, even loose clothing would seem to irritate it. After the first or the second expansion this seemed to settle a little.  There is no need to wear a bra at this stage i did not start to wear a bra until after i had my silicone implants inserted.

    The spasms do settle. I only have them now when i am really cold. The expanders are not the most comfortable experience but as soon as the silicone implants are in its a much more natuural feel and look.

    I did not have a heamatoma ( wrong spelling) but i did get a very bad infection and had to have one expander out for 6 months so i can understand how nervous you would be that everything runs smoothly from here on.

    I really hope that you are ok, i wish you all the best for your first expansion.

    Danielle xx

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    14 years ago

    You are such a trooper and also someone who doesn't complain - so there must be an issue.  I personally can't offer anything as I haven't  any experience in what you are going through.  I have been wondering how all your healing is going. If you can wait until next Friday ASK the question/s then.  If not ring your specialist and ask beforehand - we don't need to suffer any excessive issues or pain.  We have all done our "penance".  Let us know how you get on. XLeonie