Pain 6 months after surgery

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Hi there,

I had Diep reconstruction on my left side on April 2nd this year. 36 hours after the operation I had a hematoma and I was taken back for emergency surgery but it was a success and the flap was fine. Since the surgery I obviously had all the normal pain and nerve sensations but this started to ease after about 3 months.

However, in the last couple of days I’ve been experiencing very deep and sharp throbbing pain ever couple of hours. Massaging helps calm the pain. There is no discoloration and Redness etc but it’s perhaps a little, tiny bit swollen. I’m paranoid that it’s another hematoma. Could that happen this late on?

I’m also conscious that it could just be that I’m a little run down as life has been a bit hectic the last couple of weeks, the most hectic since pre-op. I haven’t been massaging as much and perhaps this is just my body’s way of telling me to slow down?

I’d be grateful for your thoughts of this!
Thanks x

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Hi

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Jayne

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Hello fler-m

Thank you for your post.

It’s understandable to be concerned about having another haematoma when you are experiencing unexpected pain and discomfort.

It’s normal to have some pain or discomfort in the weeks and months after surgery. However, your body can take time to fully heal, and it’s not unusual for pain to develop some time after your treatment. Do contact your breast care nurse or treatment team to let them know about any changes or new pain that doesn’t go away.

Looking after yourself is always important especially after surgery. Recognising that life has been busy for you lately is helpful and knowing that your body needs time and energy to recover fully might help you slow down a bit.

We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

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Best wishes

Wendy

Breast Care Nurse

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