I would like to hear from anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to myself. I know of no one in the position I find myself. Maybe I am the only one. I had an LD Flap reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy. There was some debate about whether the muscle was large enough in which case an implant would be used. I was against this, didn’t want an implant but feel I was coerced into signing the consent form where ‘implant’ was mentioned. I stressed right up until being anaesthetised that I didn’t want the implant and would be happy with a smaller breast but which was natural, i.e. LD muscle. An implant was put in and I knew immediately that something was wrong, it was infected. 4 weeks later it was removed and I was told that my breast would simply be ‘flat’. I fully accepted that. But my breast tissue collapsed and adhered to my rib cage (something I was never warned about) leaving me with a very ugly shape, sunken, scar tissue. I have needed counselling. despite further consultations in London I am told there is nothing they can do. Only option is to try the rummy flap op. Also back scar where LD was taken is extremely painful 10 months on. Is this normal. Would love to hear from anyone in similar position.
Hi Janco,
I am sorry you have not got any responses yet and that you have been experiencing this pain. I am sure some users will be along to offer support.
In the meantime you can always call our helplineon 0808 800 6000 who will be able to help answer questions you have and offer a friendly ear. The opening hours are below.
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Late opening Wednesday 9am-7pm
Saturday, 9am-1pm
Best wishes,
Lizzy
Hi Janco I have only just seen this thread but I know you posted back in September. I too am in your position I had an LD reconstruction done in 2014 and have had nothing but problems since. Have had 2 lipofill operations but this has not helped and has re absorbed. I have developed capsular contracture for the second time because of the scarring. I am now on waiting list for a Diep tummy flap op. I feel I have just had 2 years of ops and got nowhere and pretty much back to square one and facing all the risk again but feel as though I have to do something as the implant has got to come out. Have you made a decision about further surgery?? Regarding the back pain I too have continued to suffer with soreness and tightness my scar ended up being a bit lower as they needed more skin. I have been massaging every night or getting hubby to do it even though it is painful it does help I think it is because of adhesions( scar sticking to ribs) so you just have to keep massaging and rubbing cream or oil in for around 5 mins each day mine feels much better now still aware of it but much improved and not as tight x
Hi there. My story is that I was diagnosed with DCIS and my post op pathology showed that I had an 8cm area of high grade mainly pre-cancerous tissue with minor invasions together with Paget’s disease which I knew nothing about prior to my mastectomy. I also have reynauds disease affecting my circulation but my surgeon was still happy to go ahead with mastectomy and immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. First operation on 24 November 2016 followed by 3 further operations over the next 10 days. Each time they reduced the size of the flap to get rid of the bits that were failing. I have now been sent home with a PICO dressing and am seeing the surgeon a fin next week. I am scared to death that after all of this they will take it out as it feels so hard. If this fails there is no way I will consider another flap reconstruction.