Forum Discussion

Karen_P's avatar
Karen_P
Member
11 years ago

Breast Protectors

After my double mastectomy in March I've been experiencing quite a lot of nerve pain.  It's not that painful, but is very irritating, like intense sunburn.  But it is made worse when I wear anything normal, so going out can be an issue as by the end of the day it can feel very tender.  The feeling isn't on the wound itself, but usually on the skin below it.  I did a bit of research, which was rather depressing as some ladies experienced it for years!!!  One lady mentioned her husband made her a contraption out of a coat hanger to keep her clothes from touching her.  With this in mind I did a bit of a search on line and found a number of items (primarily for fencing or marital arts) that I thought might do the same thing.  But before I go any further down this track I was wondering if anyone else had found a solution.  Especially as I'll be due to have reconstruction in a few months so the issue will be on going.   My main worry is I think it will stop be being able to drive confidentially.  Thanks Karen

pain

3 Replies

  • Nicole_Helen's avatar
    Nicole_Helen
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Karen, I understand the feeling you are having as I am having it too and it also feels like 1000's of ants crawling under my skin. I have found the sports bra like crop top to be helpful as I too cannot wear clothes normally as when they touch my body it is a really yucky feeling. I have a few different types and have found the cotton ones from BIG W (I think they were under $10 each) to be the best the nylon ones irritate me after a while. I had double mastectomy and expander surgery on 13th January and I wear these 24/7. Also try massaging the wound and skin around with BioOil I am doing that as I have been told by the Physio It will help the nerves. Anyway it it is worth a try. Take care and I hope you feel comfortable soon. xx

    double mastectom were them 24/7 at the moment and hope I do not always have to.
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Karen, I know the type of pain you are experiencing. When I had my second mastectomy, I required further surgery 3 weeks later due to the formation of a huge blood clot under my expander. Prior to this my surgical pain was just "normal". After this extra surgery which reuired the expander to be removed and washed out and then replaced, I experienced a real hypersensitivity to the whole area. Like you, it felt like a sun burn and really irritated. I could no longer wear my post surgical bra, and even a light T shirt was enough to thoroughly irritate it. I found some soft padding and used that to protect the area. ( I used the soft stuff that goes under a plaster cast). It helped. You will be pleased to know that this did settle down, and I have no problems at all. It seemed to take a few months to settle down, and I found massaging the scar tissue helpful. I hope you find some relief soon. You could ring your Breast Care nurse and speak with her. She will probably reassure you and explain that what you are experiencing is fairly normal, and everyone heals a bit differently, but the nerve endings should settle down soon.
  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Karen

    I see no-one has replied to your post so here I am !

    I only had a right mastectomy but do get that same feeling as well as some fluid build-up.  I find that I have to wear a solid bra all the time and that relieves the discomfort quite a lot - probably as it does not move across my body.

    The Berlei post op bra, whilst I call them 'big bertha', seems to be good for everyday use.  I know many ladies use the 'ahh bra' but I have not tried that.

    Hope this helps.  Good luck.  Look forward to hearing how you overcome the problem.

    Summer :-)