I went through a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with an implant 4 weeks ago because of BC. It has been very painful, I got swollen and blue now things are better but I still have a lot of pain at night.
I have tried to sleep without a bra as my surgeon dais but I wake up with the feeling of having hard concrete on my chest.
I am worried if I will continue to feel this way?
It is all so distressing, and I feel the surgeon is happy with the result and I should be as well, but I don’t feel well with this pain.
Any experience? How long do I have to wait to feel normal again?
It all went so fast, I am probably still shaken by all.
Following implants and subsequently the DIEP I wore a bra,24/7 for 6 weeks.Yes,the pain and discomfort is quite a worry,however,take regular paracetomol,and an anti inflammatory as well.You will feel normal again.You have had major surgery,and when you gave an implant it is almost like it neve happened as have my shape and therefore should feel normal.Be kind to yourself.
4 weeks is early days! I am just over a year from my immediate recon with implant and strattice. I am still sleeping with a soft bra as I find the implant feels better supported - I also use a pillow to support the implant when I am sleeping on my side otherwise it feels like it is pulling. When I explained this to my surgeon 4 weeks post op she looked at me as if I was mad! And no the doctors do not tell you any of this - mainly I think because they do not know as they have not had it done to them! I was swollen for many months and it is only when I look back at photos from those early weeks and months that I realise how swollen I was. I felt like I had a bowling ball strapped to my chest, and though this is less so now it still feels like a bean bag has been placed inside my body - with a feeling of awareness. But you do get used to it, its not the same as before - it never will be - but you will get used to it as your new normal. Take pain relief for as long as you need - it was months before I stopped the pain killers!
Hi dearest all. I’m not even weeks into that. Had bilateral mastectomy and direct reconstruction with expanders. It’s bad bad bad. I feel like a bowling bawl is inside my chest trying to push through to the outside world. I cannot sleep on my sides. Well, in fact cannot sleep full stop. Hardly can move. Still with drainages. Today I find to be a bad day. I cry almost nonstop. I really hope one day I can smile again.
I do feel for you. The pain is very wearing. I had my mastectomy on 10 Feb, so just over 4 weeks ago. My discomfort has just gone in the last couple of days. I think it is because the fluid build up has finally dissipated. Last night was the first night I didn’t need any painkillers so a real step forward. I am still wearing a bra day and night for comfort and support. The other thing I have found helpful is laying a pillow flat under my torso so that I am slightly raised and my rib cage is resting on a softer surface than the mattress. That allows me to sleep on my side. I hope your pain disappears soon too.
Had my masectomy with expander and implant done exactly a year ago today. Your message has brought it all back to me. I felt awful. My boob was solid and sleeping on my back for weeks was uncomfortable. Hated sports bras and will never wear one again. I walked holding my boob with my arm like a bird with a broken wing. Took me eight weeks to go back to work. I’ve since had my inflations and silicone implant done and things are much better. I can wear “proper” bras even underwired. Waiting to get an uplift on other boob to even things out. Only by reading your message have I realised how things have improved for me and will do for you too. Not going to lie you will have some crap days ahead but this time next year you will be your old self again. Hey I even wore a bikini oh holiday (lost weight after the surgery ) PS take the painkillers. Tramadol helped me.
That’s good to heat chaze, I’m having similar procedure.
I had a MX with immediate implant back in September. I wrote bra day and night for about 6 weeks. I was on tramadol for about 5 weeks. Also slept with a small pillow to support the weight.
Keep doing you exercises so that your shoulder doesn’t sieze up. And try to let your arm swing when you walk - advice fromy physio. Difficult if you have drains in!
My physio and surgeon both encouraged me to get natural movement back asap. I was doing yoga after 3 weeks and I had 27 lymph nodes removed. Must admit, I’ve had no lymphodema advice at all! I can only share my personal experience.
I had mastectomy immediate recon with LD flap and am still in discomfort 12 weeks on . I rarely need to take painkillers now but have pain most days and wake a lot at night. I tried a non sports bra last week and really suffered. I feel very strongly that the ongoing aftereffects were not explained. I am really struggling with fatigue and everyone’s assumption that I’m back at work so therefore I am
ok. Moan over - I do not regret the reconstruction just having a bad day. I am happy with the shape and very grateful to my surgeon (honest) . As FizzB has said please don’t suffer and seek help it’s a massive operation. x