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Coldcapper's avatar
Coldcapper
Member
12 years ago

Arm Exercise after BC and Reconstruction

Hi to all and well wishes to you all this my first blog - i have got through it diagnosis thru to bi lateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I am on Tamoxifin and have healed. Now I have been told just gentle arm exercises no weights no swimming no anything that may cause the inplant to move out under my arms just cardio and this is forever! Just cardio exercise. I would love to hear from gorgeous ladies who having gone through the dark tunnel have had the under the muscle breast inplants what do you do for upperbody workouts and bat wing arms to be truthfull. I have no strength due to all the Ops etc and immobility but am raring to go now and want to know what I CAN DO going forward. Is Pilates safe for instance.? I see Dragon boat ladies and I know they must all have a story either their own or that of a friend but they are rowing ? I welcome any thoughts or experiences lovely ladies x Coldcapper
exercise
mastectomy
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  • JeanineG's avatar
    JeanineG
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi coldcapper I also see my pectoral muscles change the shape of my implants - a bit icky to look at - but I haven't had any problems with exercise. I just do what feels comfortable. Good luck :)
  • JeanineG's avatar
    JeanineG
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi coldcapper I also see my pectoral muscles change the shape of my implants - a bit icky to look at - but I haven't had any problems with exercise. I just do what feels comfortable. Good luck :)
  • Coldcapper's avatar
    Coldcapper
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thanks Jeanine Good to know - glad your returning to good health and strength - very kind of you to share your experience. I seem to have a full rsnge if movement - no strength after doing battle with BC but feeling stronger now its all over. When i do something that does engage my pectoral muscles I can see the bands of muscle which hold the silicone implants in place slightly deform the breast shape. I can live with that but apparently the implant can pop sideways if to much pressure is applied. I will look up a physio pilates expert in this field - so thsnks again. Coldcapper
  • JeanineG's avatar
    JeanineG
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi I have had bilateral mastectomies and reconstruction with expanders and then saline implants. None of my doctors have told me to avoid arm exercises and I am currently 5 months into doing Pinc Pilates - which is rehab for ladies who have had breast surgery/mastectomy. I am not able to completely engage all my muscle groups and my flexibility is somewhat compromised, but the Pilates has really helped. I would recommend that you only go to someone who is a physio and who can keep an eye on what you do so you don't hurt yourself. Also, if something hurts, stop doing it! Hope this helps, Xxx Jeanine
  • JeanineG's avatar
    JeanineG
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi I have had bilateral mastectomies and reconstruction with expanders and then saline implants. None of my doctors have told me to avoid arm exercises and I am currently 5 months into doing Pinc Pilates - which is rehab for ladies who have had breast surgery/mastectomy. I am not able to completely engage all my muscle groups and my flexibility is somewhat compromised, but the Pilates has really helped. I would recommend that you only go to someone who is a physio and who can keep an eye on what you do so you don't hurt yourself. Also, if something hurts, stop doing it! Hope this helps, Xxx Jeanine
  • JeanineG's avatar
    JeanineG
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi I have had bilateral mastectomies and reconstruction with expanders and then saline implants. None of my doctors have told me to avoid arm exercises and I am currently 5 months into doing Pinc Pilates - which is rehab for ladies who have had breast surgery/mastectomy. I am not able to completely engage all my muscle groups and my flexibility is somewhat compromised, but the Pilates has really helped. I would recommend that you only go to someone who is a physio and who can keep an eye on what you do so you don't hurt yourself. Also, if something hurts, stop doing it! Hope this helps, Xxx Jeanine
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am awaiting my own reconstruction. I will however have a tissue transfer and not implants. There is a breast reconstruction page on this site that has recently been started that you may like to put this post in as all the women in the site have either had or are interested in having a breast reconstruction. . Someone there may be able to answer your question :) Paula :)