Im currently having my implant inflated with 100 ml saline every 3 weeks but is it normal to find the pain increases and takes longer to recover after each inflate? are the mood swings just me, or has other ladies found as the implant increase so do the moods/emotions!
I’ve been doing the exercises but this time the saline just doesn;t seem to be drooping, the port seems to be more prominent but only to me.
Feeling totally fed up when I’ve come so far…
Anne
Hi Annen
i an not sure what kind of implant you have inserted, but do you know if it will be exchanged for a permanent one some time in the future? Do you have a tissue expander in at the moment?
TE’s tend to be hard and round, where as the replacement implants are more ‘tear shaped’ and do eventually ‘droop’ over time.
The pain you experience is normal and does subside, but iniitially the area hurts following a saline fill.
I am guessing you are probably fed up now and just want everything over and done with?
Reconstruction can be a long journey and one which tests our emotions and patience.
Maybe speak to your BCN about how you are feeling Annen?
I hope all goes well for you…
Naz xxx
Hi Naz
Yes I have an expander which will be replaced eventually with a permanent implant. I’m feeling my patience is totally tested and just want my life back, it just seems such a long process and pretty much constant pain regardless of painkillers etc. Thanks for your quick reply., I just need reminding that it will be worth it in the end - which is unknown, I’ve been told I need about another 2 more inflates but don’t know how long my consultant will want me to wait until the permanent implant is inserted. I’ve got an appointment booked with my BCN next month, so I’m starting to think positively again and have started making the next list of questions.
Thanks for a quick reply
Anne xxx
I too had an expander implant fitted on my right breast on Oct 17th. I was back in surgery the next day due to a blood clot. At the time the surgeon filled the expander to half capacity. Like you I too have been in constant pain since. Feels like I have the pointed end of a rugby ball being pushed through my ribs all the time. I am happy with the result though and I know that when the permanent implant is put in in six months time (that’s what ive been told) it will be the tear drop kind that the surgeon and I chose for me, it will look more natural.
I too am really worried this constant irritation is going to last that long. Thought it was just me being a whimp until i read your posts and a freind of mine who had a mastecomy without any recon was over the surgery in a couple of weeks. I also had a 425ml fill last Wednesday which was tourture. 20 mins it took to find the port with numerous injection attemps and lastly with the help of a scanner. I still have around 75ml to go. eeek. Also painkillers for me aren’t working anymore either.
How long since your ops Anne and Naz?
Sandy xxx
Hi Sandy
I had my mx with immediate reconstruction done on 16th August, it sounds like each consultant does it their way. I was told mine had 50 ml to start with and then have had 100 ml put in every 3 to 4 weeks so I reckon I’ve now had 500 ml with another 2 inflates to go. I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait for the permanent implant, the books say one thing and the consultant said after the expander was complete but didn’t actually say how long. I read that 6 months is about normal from start to finish, but at the moment it seems a long 6 months! Anyway 425 ml in one go sounds a lot, and all that time finding the port - ouch! I’m tempted to say only put 50 ml in next time but then it’ll take longer and I just want to get back to normal.
Since the last infil I’ve felt like I’ve been in more constant pain, but its reassuring to know I’m not the only one going through this. The pain was mentioned in passing and so much was expected and was feeling totally fed up when I made the first post. It does feel like a rugby ball with the pointed end up near my armpit and pressing heavily on my chest I do remember seeing the proper one was much softer and obviously with no port will be comfier.
I get a lot of support from friends and family particularly those who have had any type of BC, but I don’t know anyone else who has had recon with implants to compare. I’m pleased with how I’m progressing and have even been to aqua zumba with my boss! She couldn’t believe how quickly I’m growing, so I keep reminding her of the pain to justify my absence. It’s probably the not knowing exactly how long its all going to take and I know I’m not ready yet to go back to work but another factor of missing my life as it was 6 months ago.
I do sometimes think if I’d not had the recon, I’d have been back at work by now and no pain, but I decided I’m too young to wear prosthetics for the rest of my life.
Thank you for your support, it really helps and I hope you feel the same way too even if we are being wimpy! Do you also find the pain makes you lose your appetite?
Anne x