Forum Discussion

Ne's avatar
Ne
Member
10 years ago

Safe to Exercise with Expander before Reconstruction?

Good morning Ladies
So I am 6 months post treatment but have yet to have my breast expander replaced with silicone. I have decided to take up a new exercise regime. I'm doing PT (tailored to my fitness level of 0..lol) but don’t be impressed, because yesterday was only my 2nd session. My question revolves around our abilities and limitations when doing exercise with breast expanders behind the pectoral chest muscles.


Yesterday I did some planking as well as push ups (the easy girly ones where your knees touch the ground) as to not have too much body weight on my chest wall and arms. I managed ok but it felt extremely tight. I didn't experience pain as such but just uncomfortable tightness in my chest wall on the expander side. I might add my expander is currently stretched to maximum capacity in anticipation of my reconstruction surgery, but I just wondered if I am at a higher risk of injury in the chest muscle due to the expander being in place? Also, if there is risk of malfunction in the expander when exposing our chest wall muscles to vigorous exercise like push ups etc? My PT allows for me to listen to my body but I have 0 knowledge if what I am doing is actually safe? I only see my BS at the end of Feb (otherwise I could have asked her) but just wondered if any of you are doing any PT or weight training with expanders still intact and if you have ever been given the all clear for this by a surgeon? Any precautions you've been told of? Thanks

 

 

exercise
  • alexinbrisbane's avatar
    alexinbrisbane
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi again, I think you'll find that exchange surgery to implants is much easier than what you have already been thru. Exchange surgery was same day in and out in the afternoon, although I was booked for overnighter. Revision surgery was even easier than exchange. I am fortunate that I don't have any lymphoedema issues and agree that you do need to take care with that one.

    On the flipside, I did do a surf lesson last week and that may have been a little premature. I'm ok now but that put quite a strain on my chest and was fairly uncomfortable for a few days. But I had fun at the time and got 5 decent waves / rides (whatever the surfies call it) lol.

    All in good time - and we need to learn to live with some of our limitations. Alex xx

  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Wow Alex, one month post surgery, is that 4 weeks?  My reconstruction surgery will be 3 months after my mastectomy.  I was wondering how long it would take to recover from that one.  On top of my expanders I am at risk of lymphoedema and my physio said to take it easy with my 'at risk arm' during PT as to not overload it.  She suggested my PT call her to discuss what's good and what's not so good with the arm.  So many things to take into consideration.  We don't realise what a priviledge normal exercise is untill we go down this track hey.

  • alexinbrisbane's avatar
    alexinbrisbane
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi there

    Sounds to me that you are doing everything fine. I trained with weights and a PT with expanders but just listened to my body as to what feels right. I had no excuses for legs, butt or core but either lightened the upper body load or modified the exercises. I am now one month post revision surgery and am doing pushups on my knees - until I feel totally strong and the scar tissue is fully healed. Now that these implants are final I don't want to take any chances.

    Your friends are well-meaning (I'm sure) but you know what feels ok for you. Keep up the good work. Alex xx

  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    10 years ago

    I like that Jen, pretty much how I've been managing things when it comes to exercise.  I too love swimming!  It works everything really gently.

  • jaycia02's avatar
    jaycia02
    Member
    10 years ago

    Everyone who hasn't had BC seems to tell us to rest and take it easy when stats show that moving is the best thing for us. If your PT knows you have limitations and you aren't experiencing pain when you exercise (apart from your muscles wanting to mutiny) then go for it.

    I still need to stay on my knees for push ups and on my elbows for planks as my expanders must be in a position that they jam into me if I try to take it further. The first time I swam my chest felt irritated for a couple of days but it wasn't painful now I love swimming as my joints don't feel so heavy in the water.  You'll have to keep adapting your workouts as you progress through the different surgeries so you may as well try different things along the way.

    Jen

  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Tanya

    Thank you for your response.  I ended up ringing the recon surgeon's office to ask if ok to proceed and he said I could pretty much do anything I want when it comes to exercise/pt. 

    What I didn't add in my post yesterday is that I am currently 7 weeks post hysterectomy & hernia repair.  I was told by surgeon to not lift any thing heavy for the first 6 weeks or above my head while recovering.  So with PT I've been avoiding any strain on stomach area and doing no jumping at this stage. The planking from my session this week was my very first attempt at exercising my stomach and I only did what I could then stopped.  I am not sure if after 6 weeks if I am allowed to do PT.  I am trying to be careful but some of my friends are concerned I'm being recless. 

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi!  Perhaps you should have a conversation with the Breast care nurse or your GP if you don't want to wait until you see the surgeon.  BREACAN in Melbourne have an exercise program for BC patients but you have to have a written approval from your Dr before you start. 

    There are other sessions on their site as well as.

    Hope that helps and if you're not from Melbourne you can find something in your area. 

    Take care