Hi, I had single mx and immediate strattice implant recon 3 weeks ago. It went very well but a week ago (after drain had been removed) it swelled up with fluid bruising and pain, and after seeing the surgeon, it seems that apparently a muscle had lifted probably due to me being too active. Anyway the surgeon aspirated it and I have had to not use my arm at all, and since then the fluid has reduced and bruising is going, but the pain is terrible and really getting me down! Its constant, vice like and feels like a bowling ball inside my chest. The slightest movement I can feel in my chest, even turning my head, and if i get up and walk i look like a little old lady, all hunched up.(I am more used to running, pilates and gardening!) Ive read about ladies being back at work and even running just 4 weeks after surgery, and i can’t imagine that, even being able to sleep in comfort would be nice! Am i expecting too much?Has anyone else had similar experiences? Obviously I’m taking painkillers but am getting really down about it now especially so close to xmas.I can tolerate pain but I really thought it would be reducing by now. Any advice/support would be much appreciated 
Hello Roseka
Welcome to the forums.
This must be a very difficult time for you, I’m sure other users will be along to support you soon.
As well as the support you will receive here we also have a free helpline where you can talk things through with a member of staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.
With best wishes
June, moderator
Hi Roseka
Sorry but I’ve only just seen this! I’m currentlt 4 weeks post double mastectomy with immediate recon but instead of strattice they have used my own skin as a sling.
I’m still in a lot of pain - in particular I’m finding the tight burning/sore sensation all over my breasts the most difficult thing to tolerat - I find it especially bad if I do too much!
Hopefully if you rest more you can overcome your setback!
xxJenxx
Hi Roseka
I am just over two weeks from bilateral mastectomies and am finding it really tough. I saw one lady was out doing six mile walks after just a week, wow !! But everyone is different. I have breezed through 2 caesarains in the past with no problem. But this has been dreadful. I too feel like I have a metal vice on. I have grown two new boobs, which is all fluid and is really uncomfortable. So I guess we have to be patient but I know exactly what you are saying. Sometimes it makes me feel physically sick and I am no wimp.
Keep posting and stay strong, it will pass
Sam x
hi Roseka, I am 10 days post single mx, implant and reduction to other boob. My implant boob is very tight but I have had very little pain. However, I haven’t done much yet!!! I have made a conscious decision to listen to all the advice and take 4 weeks minimum trying to do as little as possible. It is difficult watching the cobwebs grow and dust pile up but that can be cleared in the spring. Walking, or should I say gently strolling out for 15-20 mins is ok but I do get tired quickly. I think there is a danger in underestimating what our bodies have gone through. I hope your rest and recuperation will help the pain to subside. sending you and others on this unwanted journey lots of positive thoughts. X
Thanks for all the kind messages. My worry is that there’s something wrong following the internal bleed as I can feel the chest muscle with every tiny movement. Still, I’m seeing the surgeon tonight so hopefully it’ll be ok and I’ll post an update. The ironic thing is I’m seeing the oncologist later this week to find out if I need chemo and at the moment I’m less worried about that than the reconstruction! Kate x
Is , quite a comfort to read these posts, I am two weeks post bilateral mx and really struggling. Been told today that the sensations are normal, vice around chest, fluid swishing about and limited movement. Sometimes the feelings are so awful they make me feel physically sick
I guess it’s a long haul recovery and no quick wins!!
Ps I am also still sleeping on my back propped up with pillow s. Sleeping on my side is still a definite no no
Murphy69 glad you’re starting to heal and thank you everyone for your comments. I saw the surgeon last night he was happy the muscle has settled and apart from a slight infection in the snb scar and a fragile bit in the main scar its all fine he said I should start gentle exercises now and pain will ease with more movement. And actually it is slightly better today. Now its fingers crossed to see what oncologist says on thurs x
I am now 13 days post mastectomy, implant and reduction. I was doing really well so decided not to take pain killers last night as sleeping tablets had also run out. Boy, am I stupid! Today, I am in a lot of discomfort, tired because I didn’t sleep and overwhelmed by everything. I haven’t had an appointment through for results and just not in the right frame of mind to chase up breast nurses. Hopefully once painkillers I have just taken kick in I will find some oomph! I do think we try to be superwoman but I for one am going to totally give in and accept it is going to take weeks and not days to recover. X
Hi Kentstar
Don’t worry… It gets better.mi had bilateral mx on 28 Nov and last week was horrendous. O have finally turned a corner today 18 days post op. It is much slower progress than you think but it will come. I am keeping up with pain meds and sleeping tabs at night and DEFINITLEY better today for the first time
The pain is definitely easing. Need to do the exercises now :)
Kentstar I was visited by the physio the next day after the op, and had already been given the exercises in a leaflet from the bcn. I’m pretty sure, as it was a breast cancer care leaflet, that you may be able to download it from the website? I had stopped them on instructions of my surgeon due to the bleed but I really need to do them again now as I can feel my shoulder seizing up! I would also highly recommend pilates, I’ve done it for over 10 years and its excellent. I’ll be getting back to that asap and there is also a specific programme for ladies who’ve had breast surgery. Good luck x