I am due to have a pedicled tram flap recon, probably in June. I thought I was finally pleased with the decision I’d made but on doing a little more research, I’m wondering if I’ve made the right choice. I keep reading about stomach bulges immediately or 2/3 years on, pain in abdomen, stomach problems etc. I’m starting to wonder if I shouldn’t just be grateful that I am in one piece, have my expander out and remain mono boobed! I recently broke 3 ribs in my back on mx side and have damaged some of the muscles, around the area where bra does up. This may have ruled out a LD flap. I had personally ruled this out as I didn’t want an implant and PS said radiotherapy can sometimes compromise blood vessels in back and cause clots. Please can you let me know how any of you have found having a pedicled tram flap, negative or positive. I keep reading on American sites that it is a barbaric op!!
Bump
Hello GMT - I am booked in to have a pedicled tram flap reconstruction on March 22nd. I too have read quite a few horror stories but there are stories to read about every kind of reconstruction. I have a friend who had this op done a year ago. I met up with her last week and she was very keen to show me how it looked now that it has all settled down and the nipple tattoo had been done. I was quite impressed and she said she had no regrets about having it done.
I’ve watched the operation being carried out on youtube and it is quite a long and gruesome to watch operation. However, I know what to expect afterwards and I am prepared for it. I need this for me so that I can move forward with more confidence than I have now.
I was thinking of starting a sort of diary/blog in here so that people can read of my experience of having the operation. If you want to keep in touch away from the eyes of others in here please send me a private message.
Thanks for your positive comments. I’ve been fine up until recently. I thought my recon would be in March / April but have been recently told its not likely to be till June. I think part of the collywobbles is too much time on my hands and also breaking my ribs. I’m quite incapacitated, sleeping sitting up etc and think I’ll have to do this all again too soon. If you don’t mind I’ll prob pm you in a few weeks to see how it’s gone. Thank you again.
Gaynor x
Bump, anyone else got any good or bad news!
thanks,
Gaynor xx
Bump, anyone else got any good or bad news!
thanks,
Gaynor xx
Hi Gmt
I’m sorry to say I’m one of the negative feedbacks from a tram flap. I had mine in feb 2012 and have been left with a tummy bulge that makes me look 6 months pregnant, I’m due to go in hospital next week and get it repaired but not sure how it’ll go.
The shape of the boob is excellent but if I had a choice to make again I would stay away from having a tram flap reconstruction.
I’m a very active person and my tummy feels very sore by the end of the day.
I also had an LD flap at same time and had to have small implant, also this broke down and had to be removed, I’m due to have tissue expander in next week at same time as tummy repair. I have decided if this doesn’t work next week I’m going to tell surgeon to take both recons away and I’ll be breast free, I’d rather have none than be lopsided.
But in saying that its very rare for this to happen and you could be one of the people who have no problems at all, I’ve been very unlucky
Hope I haven’t put you off but thought I’d let you know my experience
Chris x
Thanks Chris, no I need to hear the good and the bad. My worries are the tummy bulge and do now wonder if I’d be better off mono boobed! I do go to a recon group and so prob need to ask more questions. Probably need to ask to see bcn and discuss prosthesis, something that I never discussed with anyone. Looking back I feel I went down the recon route without really being given the alternatives.
thanks again for yor reply, hope all goes well for you next week.
Gaynor xx