Hi, I’m new to the forum and would like advice from ladies who have suffered with pain and tightness since having the op, and what options you have been given, if any.
I had right sided mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction 2.5 years ago and immediately after surgery I had a huge band of pain and tightness that is getting worse and worse over time. I can feel it every minute of every day and it feels like all of my right side is being crushed. My posture is terrible as I can’t stand or sit up straight, and I hunch over. I can’t do the simplest of things without ending up with the most terrible back pain and cramping. I can’t even bear to sleep on this side due to the huge band of tightness. I even feel it is affecting my breathing as I can’t seem to take in a deep breath.
It appears these symptoms are to be a more common problem than I was led to believe initially. Before surgery I was told that I wouldn’t be able to rock climb, or play golf however, I am left unable to do pretty much anything with my right side.
I have spoken to my breast care nurse who feels that it may be scar tissue causing the issue. I’m not sure this is correct as I have suffered with this since the day after surgery. I’m aware I may have since developed scar tissue, which is now making the problem worse.
I am seeing my breast surgeon in a few weeks and am trying to establish what my options are going to be, as I don’t want to be fobbed off at the appointment, as I can’t carry on like this.
I was told previously that I could have some fat taken from my thigh and injected into the scar site to try and improve the symptoms, although there was no guarantee this would work, and I was told I would have to put weight on to do this! I have also seen that some ladies have had the flap deconstructed.
I am very reluctant to have any further surgery as I had a few problems post op, including a frozen shoulder, but I am now thinking I may be left with no other option.
Would be good to hear from others who have been through this too!
Hi so i had LD reconstruction in 2004. I had quite a journey with various medics. Spasms cramping and constant nerve pain. It took me 5 years to get a resolution but i did in the end!
First of all i had to have the nerve to the muscle cut. Plastic surgeon who did original surgery wouldnt do it as said could spoil the recon but luckily by then my breast surgeon had started do recons.
That helped with spasms and cramping.
Then nerve pain kicked in. No one knew what to do for that and i saw 3 pain specialists and physiotherapist, psychologist (they thought it was in my mind)! Acupuncture & nerve Injections.
Eventually saw a lovely lady pain consultant who prescribed amytriptyline at quite a high dose and reducing to a maintenance dose. That made the nerve pain totally bearable although by this time im 5 years down the line!
Finally i was seeing a private physiotherapist for an achillese problem and got talking about the scar tissue left in my back being so tight. She asked if id ever heard of chinese cupping. Its like cups/drain plingers that use suction to stick on the back.
I thought anything was woth a try. They release scar tissue and boy did they work well!
Sorry to go on but the things that worked and allowed me to get back to my normal self were
Nerve cut in surgery
Amytriptyline
Chinese cupping
Unfortunately im back on the bc rollercoaster with recurrence in the reconstruction but after 21 years clear im not complaining too much!
So sorry to read you have so much discomfort after you LD flap, I was extremely uncomfortable after my surgery almost 10 years ago now, this did go on for almost 6 years and has left me lopsided.
Please don’t give up push for help or even surgery to make you feel more comfortable. I would suggest a good plastic surgeon who will listen to you.
Hi Patten60,
I had a left mastectomy with left LD flap last September and like you, I was told the only things I wouldn’t be able to do was climb mountains. With hobbies of church bell-ringing and sailing this hasn’t proved to be true. The plastic surgeon also failed to mention that the scar would extend from my spine across the half of the back and under the breast. (He must be so busy with this work, he must have forgotten to mention this!). All I got was “it’ll be under your bra line”. Since surgery I have been sore and tight. I had initial physio, but the back remains tight and pulls my posture down. I have been told to massage the scar and rub in moisturiser or Double base gel. That works for the rest of me, but being single I cannot reach the back scar. No one can help with an aid to help with this and I have resorted to a gauze pad tied to a window blind cleaning tool to help. As I’ve got stronger from surgery I’ve been more mobile, almost back to normal running around. The back however is the thing that is a constant nagging “pain in the back”. I am wishing I’d gone flat. Having had to change back to NHS care as work cancelled my contract on sick leave, I haven’t seen the same person twice and think the CNS breast nurse has been abducted by aliens. I was told this was the original surgical plan for breast cancer and is now used for patients who are unable to have a tummy tuck. Of all my historical surgery (Bowel surgery in my youth), this is the worst outcome I have had. It’s slowing how I get over this “cancer thingy”, as I always have the tightness reminding me. I think the solution is to badger for more physio as this can break down scar tissue, find a singing teacher and learn to sing/ join a choir. I’ve been singing all my life and getting back to it after surgery was useful and I found that breathing was not impeded after the first few weeks of having to stand up straight and hold up a music stand! It was good to be making some noise! I’m hoping to return to an adult ballet class but as I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet will not be dancing at Covent Garden any time soon. I just want to be moving normally whatever may have happened to my boobs. I’m happy to forward any information I obtain in how to get some action on the matter. Don’t give up advocating for yourself. Best of luck.
For tight back scar tissue which i struggled with do a bit of research on chinese cupping deep therapy. It really helped my back tightness and released scar tissue.
