Anyone else had Breast reconstruction with Strattice Mesh

[riversidedawn]

Rlmbsupermum, that's what I'm doing tomorrow! Had implant back in sept 14, lots of problems, infections, surgery x 6. Now I've taken the plunge and having DIEP tomorrow. It's probably too late, but any tips would be appreciated x

[PureTechy]

Thanks to breast augmentation, my life was changed. The procedure did not only bring my old breasts back but improved it in ways I have never imagined. I don’t know what perfect breasts are but after getting the surgery, I think I’ve got the best ones I could ever have. I’m very happy with my decision.

[Rlmbsupermum]

Hi Mandy, I am sorry you had such a bad time. For your reassurance as the lady in previous message said, our strattice is different. Just to update you I no longer have the stratfice and implant. I hated the feeling of the implant, it felt completed detached from my real body and made my breast look square. I took the huge decision to have a Diep Flap in March and it was the best thing I have done. I now have a breast that is made of 'me'. It is major abdominal and breast surgery but for me it was the right decision. I wish you a healthy and comfortable future x

[Kiki2]

My previous post was 2 years ago, but I am now pleased to report that 2.5 years post op, the "foob" now feels much more comfortable and I am no longer constantly aware of it. It is still numb and always will be but not painful any more or feeling like a football! The cosmetic effect is very good. Xx

[lankylass]

I am almost sure it's not the same time of mesh. I had a pelvic floor repair some years back but without mesh-the gunsel surgeon said there had been lots of issues with it so he didn't use it anymore but he did explain it was an artificial mesh not animal tissue. Strattice is pig tissue that has been de-pigged if that's the right word. I had bovine pericardium- cow tissue from the muscle around the heart that had been de-cowed. It is supposed to be neutral to human tissue so less chance of rejection. So a bra cup type pocket is made and stitched to the chest wall and the implant or whatever slots into it. Holding the recon in place.15 months since my silicone implant and still no feeling in chest apart from tightness underneath where the pocket was sewn on. But I do a lot of yoga and stretch classes - but I'm blowed if it's going to prevent me getting on with my life. I can't cope with post surgery bras due to the same issue as the band underneath isn't deep enough. I've bought some Bralets from M n S which are comfy but not very supportive to my normal 64 yr old boob! Ah well.... You sound to be having a really rubbish time.

[mandy894692]

Hi I'm new here as well. You discribed exactly the same as me as well. No feeling in boob, but it does get itchy and you scratch it and it doesn't relieve the itch.

I was diagnosed in 2008 and had my dbx in to 2009. With rconstrution at the same time. The complications were almost happening at beginning. I had many complications after surgery, my scars weren't healing, off i went to theatre and given a good clean. I wont bore you with all the details. I do NOT have any implants, but at least 1/52 something happens and fluid is found when anti biotics have been useless. 

The reason I'm writing is we are in 2017 and still have infections, on one occasion a large piece of " plastic " came out of my chest. I'm wondering about the mesh that was used. There are concerns with mesh That's being used for vaginal reasons. Google it. I wonder if the mesh that is used could be the same, which is causing major problems for me.

Good luck in your fight

[riversidedawn]

Just to say i had mx and implant recon September last year. All nodes taken out so was stiff and uncomfortable. However I was driving and back to yoga after 3 weeks. I did yoga about 5 times a week throughout my chemo and towards the end started back to swimming and body combat classes. It's so important to keep up the exercises and movement especially if you're going on to radiotherapy as you'll need to lie with your arm above your head.

[Paula barnes]

This has helped.....and vety positive which is what people need to hear.i am gutted no more running for what seems ages off-just hope it makes me a better runner in the end- Your experience is honest and helpful - ot just seems such a long process-which it is .....such is life but dont want to dwell on feeling sorry for myself or being negative -thanks for your storey px

[Paula barnes]

Apolgise for my response - yes you are correct just post op 4weeks and honestly say others who are pre op stage please remember many many other brave women have been through all of this -please be brave it is do able 😊Px

[AbiS]

Just new to this but thought I'd add my story of mastectomy with immediate recon with strattice and implant. My PS didn't recommend the tissue expander as I need radio therapy and she said the strattice would protect the implant more. However I've heard varying different stories from women so i guess we're all different. Before my surgery back in September I avoided these forums as they actually scared me, reading stories of women going through bad reactions etc. We are all different and I just wanted to post that I have got through it fine. I had a drain in for a week. I had a sentinel node biopsy 2 weeks before main surgery so I knew they wouldn't need to come out. Maybe that's why it's easier for me as I didn't need all my lymph nodes out. I am also very small chested to begin with and my PS told me they had to use the flattest implant they had!!! Anyway the nipple is gone and I've a scar running across my breast but it looks good. It gives better cleavage than my other natural breast. In fact I think I may need to have my other natural breast lifted. The first few weeks it feels hard and bowling ball like. I'd a panic attack about the second day after surgery. I felt I couldn't breath and just wanted to rip it out of me. But ladies, after week 6 it suddenly just felt OK. I forget about it most of the time. I get no pain at all. It's still numb and think it always will be but my PS advised me to keep massaging it. She's right. I've started to get used to the numb feeling and the scar has become flat now and I'm not scared to touch it anymore. The more it starts to feel like 'you' the better you will feel about it. I had a reaction after 2 weeks. It wasn't sore but the breast developed a rash- reddy/purple. It probably would have been itchy if I had feeling in the breast. The PS thought it was reaction to clothes but I think it was red breast syndrome. It disappeared after a week. I've still to get radiotherapy starting in Feb and that might harden the implant up.
but just to say, the posts in forums rarely tell of 'good news' stories. If you're about to go into this I'd avoid reading posts as you'll be so scared. I just wanted to post my not so bad experience. I'm not bragging it's just they're rarely seen. I'm from Ireland and there's a lot of 'pink ribbon programme' pilates. Try that after 6 weeks post surgery. It's great to stretch out the chest and build up your movement. I was also driving about 3 weeks post. I'm having chemo at the minute but can't wait to get back to the gym and start building myself up again. The worst part of all this is that I haven't been able to work out since September!! Good luck everyone.

[Rlmbsupermum]

Hi Paula hope you are healing well. At this stage of course you will be as you describe. What you need to concentrate on is allowing yourself to be looked after. Indulge in the excuse you have nothing else to do than recover. Read all those books you wish you had time to read. Find the the things that make your happy hormones rush, music candles friends? Keep in touch and don't rush xx

[Paula barnes]

Hey i know this is a while ago mow but just had my op two days ago and one min im up next im down -suppose its all part of it- just waiting results now of tumour taken out - appreciate these honest posts

[Thefabulousmrslacey]

Hey, I had a double mastectomy in the Autumn in 2010 (aged 37 with 4 young kids, bit of a shock) chemo etc but  still alive and well.

I had a strattice reconstruction  and tissue expanders in march 2014, then had implant exchange in January 2015. The whole process has been a bit of a pain.

I have gone from being completely flat chested , well concave chested because they took so much tissue that my ribs were prominent,  to a b cup. My new boobs are quite firm  but they look good under clothes. I've recently bought myself some latex nipples (from ameona) which make the boobs look very young and perky under tight tops while I wait for my nipple reconstruction later this year.

I've recently been on hols in France and been prancing about in my bikini with confidence, just need to keep checking I'm not flashing my new boobs because they don't have much sensation!

I'm really pleased with the results  although they did take a while to get used to. My husband is terrified of the new girls and is yet to touch them  but that issue is his not mine.

I suppose I just want to encourage you to  be proud of what you have, it may not be what your mother gave you but it's part of your journey, your story, of who you are and I'm sure  you look fab u lous!

. 

[Dawn1]

Hello
I am on week 6 after my reconstruction with mesh and implant and 3 lymph nodes out
I am learning to like my new bloob...
Still a little numb under arm but I have some feeling..
This weekend I am away on a recuperation spa break curtsey of Benedon ( fab company) have helped a lot.
Surgeon said I can swim and go in spa, I am 49 single and I don't want to be frightened to put a 2 piece so I am going to do it this weekend..
I played golf before op and have been looking forward to my golfing holiday, surgeon says I can also play golf...
So next week I am going to see if I can hit a ball..
The way I see things is I am Very lucky to have just lost a breast a rountine mamagram no signs of BC..
I had no choice, masectomy,
I know I have got a long way to go and rubbing bio oil on my bloob I don't like at all...
I guess its part of the process of liking our new part ,
Nothing is perfect,
But I am going to embrace has best I can my new life xx

[Kiki2]

It will get better, but it does take a while! Not sure if the feeling of a limpet/bowling ball stuck to your chest ever goes away though! I'm nearly 6 months post op now and still quite aware of it. Been trying to build up my running and time at the gym and the "foob' protests a bit at that and aches at times but apart from that it looks as good as I could have hoped and has healed really well. Even managed to wear a bikini on holiday! (Not under wired though) still not gone back to under wired bras, not sure if I ever will! Good luck with your recovery! Xx

[mellc]

Hi, I had my mx and construction on 11th day now. Left side only for me. Still have 1 drain in and the scar is glued as I suffered blister allergy 4 years ago following my lumpectomy. I had DCIS and it returned so had no choice this time. Happily I had my results phoned through from my surgeon last night as there was a delay. All clear no sign of invasive so I was so relieved. Now to get used to this feeling of a limpet stuck on my chest and the terrible burning sensations. It feels like I have the worse sunburn, but like shingles skin pain. I hope it goes soon it's the worst part!!!

[Nicky76]

Hi Ladies, I had dmx with implant and mesh last Tuesday so 6 days ago in Reading. It's great to hear other women's experiences with this, you get so paranoid with everything! I also feel like I have two bowling balls attached to my chest, a feeling of tightness, like someone is sitting on my chest. I had 4 nodes removed from each armpit just over 4 weeks ago, which thankfully came back clear. Pain was probably more intense for that weirdly as more nerves cut through I think. This is more like a constant dull ache with stabbing pains, particularly in eve when I get tired. My bcn says look out for burning sensation but sometimes the pain feels like burning but it doesn't feel hot so I think my brain is just getting confused. They look ok, not really much bruising or redness and surgeon was really pleased. I did loose a nipple on one side. There is quite a bit of fluid around one of them so think I will have my lovely drains in for a while yet. Seeing surgeon on Wednesday. They definitely do not feel like part of me but hopefully I will learn to accept them one day. I was quite positive before my surgery but for some reason feel more down post surgery not sure why. 😞 

[lankylass]

Now over five months after expander implant and I can lie on my side. Still lumpy as I had some saline drained off during chemotherapy so not a good match. BUT the most important thing is that it feels like part of my body and not an alien under the skin although still a bit numb. It has softened and dropped slightly so feels more natural. Now chemo is over apart from herceptin jabs till October, I am not having any more inflation, will be having my permanent teardrop silicone implant surgery October/November time. So I'm reassured that things will and do settle down, give it at least six months minimum and looking forward to a good cosmetic effect next spring.

[smudgersmith24]

Hi everyone. New to this and never joined a forum before but thought I should share my experience.  I had mastectomy on my left side and immediate reconstruction using strattice and an implant.  This surgery I found quite easy.  Didn't have any pain (which was to be expected as hardly any feeling left) and when I stand naked, at first glance there is no difference to my 'old' and 'new' breast.  Straight after surgery I peeked and said, 'wow, I still look normal'  They managed to save my nipple so that has helped massively with what it looks like.  My 'new' breast is very slightly smaller than my other but I figure that's minor after everything else.  I have hardly any feeling at all in my breast.  My nipple could be tweaked all day but I wouldn't feel it.  The only thing I don't like the look of, is if I tense my muscle (which practically every movement causes), I get a very deep indentation from one side of my breast to the other. Apparently this is standard.  My breast is also, not rock hard but very, very firm and I've been told it will stay like this because of all the reconstruction.  I'm assuming in a few years, I will have one pert breast and one saggy lol  (oh the joys of breast cancer).  9 months after reconstruction, I had fat taken from my thighs and put into breast to even out a few dents.  Again, this was fine. I was up and about the next day as usual.  I'm now 16 months post surgery and yes, I am happy with how my breast looks.  Not happy with lack of feeling. whats strange is that I often get an itch in/on my breast. I scratch but can't feel myself scratching which is a bit frustrating.  Over the past 2 months, I get, most days/nights, like an ache and stabbing pain in my breast.  I believe this is pretty normal and something I have to put up with.  Got my annual review in two months so will be mentioning it then.

[Barbarella63]

Hi I had a delayed LD flap recon with implant in November '14 and 3 weeks ago had a preventative mx with immediate recon with implant and strattice mesh. I would like to know (from anyone who has had the same ops) how good and even the end result is? At the moment I am seriously wonky which is worrying me slightly, despite my surgeon assuring me that things will settle. I have been told I will need fat grafting to theLD flap at the top and also at the side of the strattice recon. I am concerned that the bottom of the breasts aren't even.

[Kiki2]

Hi, glad things are improving for you, I think it will be months before the implants drop, I am 12 weeks post op and no sign of mine dropping yet! Had check up last week and all has healed well but surgeon said(when I asked) you can expect pain and stiffness in it for up to a year! I'm starting exercising again this week , I was told to wait till 12 weeks apart from walking. My fake boob is still quite hard though possibly a bit better than it was 6 weeks ago. I do have a few bobbly bits showing but apparently they are stitches which will eventually disappear. I can lie on my side but it still feels a bit uncomfortable. Take it steady, better to build it up a bit at a time than rush and pull something!! Good luck! X

[Rlmbsupermum]

Hi N,

You're further along than me, I had my op 2 weeks ago. Yesterday I was told I had Red Breast Syndrome, this did make me laugh, they couldn't think of a better name and now my husband calls be Robin. It isn't funny however I feel like I have ants running around inside my skin, it's driving me mad. I get sudden hot flushes and I've been told it's a reaction to the strattice but it's all normal. It's nice to hear your nearly on your front I can't wait to sleep properly. Hope things get better for you xxx R

[Na123]

I was catching up on this thread,
Super mum - how long did it take for the strattice to start softening and the implants to 'drop'? I am 6 weeks post bilat mx and reconstruction with strattice. Still have temperatures - probably related to however the mesh is made , mesh feels very hard and bony, chest still very tight
But the pain is better, can lie partially on my front, which felt like heaven, and thinking about joining a gym to get fit again
Progress but slow
Happy healing, if you look back things are improving
N xx

[June_BCC]

Hello Rimbsupermum

Welcome to the forums, I’m so pleased that you are finding them helpful.

Whilst waiting for replies to your post maybe you would like to give our free helpline a call where the staff can offer practical information as well as emotional support.  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.

Best wishes

June, moderator

[Rlmbsupermum]

Hi All I had a left side mastectomy last week 5/5/15 with immediate full implant and strattice reconstruction. It hasn't been the easiest, I am a strong old bird, but the pad hasn't been much fun. I have have a lot of odema and had to return for a wash out op a week later (tues this week). It has been great reading this thread because the descriptions I can relate to; the bowling ball on my chest, the swelling, the hot skin, discomfort of drain. What I have taken for this is rest is key. I am so worried about moving to prevent DVTs and oxygen aids healing, movement prevent scoring etc etc (being a midwife I think could be a hinder rather than a help 🙂 ).
I want to let all you lovely ladies know about an amazing bra I found however, so comfortable has pockets with removable pads and an extension, it's actually a nursing bra I will ad the link but not sure if that's ok (admin?) http://www.amazon.co.uk/iLoveSIA-Womens-Nursing-Maternity-Bralette/dp/B00N1YN2XO/ref=pd_sim_by_1/278...
Good luck all xxx

[Na123]

I get the feeling that the surgeons do not want to recognise or admit that the there can be allergic reactions to these matrices
I have tear drop anatomical implants with silicone on the outside with saline expander ports under the arms. The ports are uncomfortable, can't bring my elbows in fully.
Do your breasts feel virtually solid, how long does it take to soften and does it ever feel natural. Feel like two grapefruit halves stuck to chest, no cleavage
Hey ho - better than the alternative
I have an automatic, therefore easier to drive

[lankylass]

You are doing well to be up and driving after four weeks! I just kept turning the engine over so the battery wouldn't go flat but couldn't get into reverse without using both hands. Then I started on chemo so was unfit to drive anyway- just got back into driving but not very far.
I had veritas mesh (bovine pericardium muscle) not porcine strattice, it tends to cause fewer allergies the surgeon said. So you may be right and it was an allergic reaction which hopefully is clearing up.
Have an expander implant in with a port under my armpit which is being pumped up periodically with saline so I look lumpy and lobsided but past caring. When chemo finishes in July I hope to get my permanent silicon anatomical teardrop implant in. And a tattoo next year although my surgeon does nipple tattoos himaelf. Can't imagine him changing his scrubs for a baseball cap and earring though......

[Yvie178]

Hi I had a rash over my recon which they thought was probably but not definitely a reaction to the strattice and I was told to take piriton.  Also swelling lasted a lot longer than I thought it would - but then you are hardly given any information post op so you are in the dark really.  I find I still struggle with lying on my side as it pulls and so is not comfortable.  You are doing well if you are driving already.  I struggled with hand brake and still find 5th gear uncomfortable.  Mind you I did have immediate silicon implants so I guess there is more stretching of the muscle when they stick the full sized implant in !  The skin is very thin and so does tend to look a bit blotchy. 

[Na123]

Hi, I am 4 weeks post bilat mx, sentinel nodes, immediate recon with strattice and silicon expandable implants.
Pain and stiffness has been the main problem, not able to lie in sides, reach across or up - seems to have turned the corner this week with pain, but still tight around chest
The strattice feels very hard almost bony, tender with red patches with different part coming up on different days
Also have had a temp of 38.5 - 37.5 for past 3 weeks, investigated at the breast unit with no cause found
Surgeon says allergy or reaction to strattice is unlikely - but I think this is the cause, as it appears to me settling . Has anyone else had any experience of this?
Have only just started driving, short distances
Ups and down - physically improving, emotionally it is less predictable

[Kiki2]

Hi Yvie, just wondered as you are now a year on from your op, how long you continued to feel pain/aching in the recon boob? I was hoping it might be gone by now (10wks on) but perhaps I'm just impatient! X

[Kiki2]

Thank you Lucy, have sorted it now!

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi Kiki2
You will be able to see the envelope icon now, new users can't use the pm service initially so you weren't doing anything wrong-if you click on another users name you will have the option to private message them now
Best wishes
Lucy BCC

[Kiki2]

It says there is an envelope icon to click on but I can't see one, are you able to message me?

[Kiki2]

Thanks Kate and Yvie, good to hear it does settle down . Not sure how to PM you but will look into it Kate good idea!

[Yvie178]

Hi all

I had this op Feb 14 so am well ahead of you - once the swelling has gone down it all settled quite well - though it did take a while for this to happen.  Pleased with the shape, still have a small dent on upper pole despite the fat transfer.  Did not go ahead with the nipple recon - could not face it in the end - and use stick on nipple.  The main thing I find is that there is still a feeling of pressure from the implant, and that I am always aware that it is there - stuck on my chest!  Looking back at the early days pain relief was the most important thing

[kate48]

Hi kiki
I had the same procedure 11 weeks ago and may live near you. If you are interested in being in touch then do pm me. Like you it is only through the forum I have found others in the same boat.
Kate x

[Kiki2]

I had mx with strattice recon at Derby Royal 8 and a half weeks ago. The surgeon was brilliant and has made a really good job. My advice would be keep a close eye on any signs of infection as they can do a lot if they catch it straight away. Mine has healed well after one scare when I had another course of antibiotics. Use the painkillers, you will need them for the first few weeks. I hope all has gone well, keep in touch on here as I would be interested to compare recovery. Have found it hard to find people who've had same op . Good luck !

[jillybee]

Hello Laura888.....yes,had all removed,for some reason,my body rejected anything and everything.However,went for DIEP in July....now got proper,well,almost proper boobs.....need nipples and have scarring ,but dead chuffed.Now got a capsulated Seroma in tummy,referred back to local hospital (my request),have appt on Tuesday.....may need guided aspiration and if not successful ,more surgery....but feelng fabulous.Love and gentle hugs.

[lankylass]

A week today the plan was a one step skin sparing mastectomy with immediate recon - biological mesh and anatomical silicone implant. The plan was changed just before the op due to surgeon's concerns about rejection, allergies etc. So what he did was insert a small amount of Veritas at the bottom side edge to create a pocket and inserted a saline expander under the pectoral muscle. A more gentle approach and if all goes well, will cut the pectoral muscle, stitch to a Veritas pocket and replace the expander with the silicone implant later on this year. Veritas is bovine pericardium and supposed to cause less allergies than the porcine strattice mesh - and it seems to have taken ok. The drain to the veritas bit hasn't had anything to drain for five days so I take that as a good sign. Both drains out on Monday yay! I will feel less like cyberwoman.

[June_BCC]

Hello Mandip

Welcome to the forums, this must be very difficult time for you. I’m sure other users will be along to support you soon.

In the meantime, maybe you would like to talk things through with a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer practical information as well as emotional support. 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

[mandip]

Hi I had dbl mx July 9 with immediate reconstruction expanders and strattice. ...I have had terrible pain and very disfigured looking...scars healing nice after infection from second surgery July 18 where nipples were removed and according to surgeon left expander flipped (he supposedly corrected). I have not had any injections yet bc of pain and I have opted for second surgical opinion which is this Thursday. Has anyone had similar experience? Desperate for understanding and help....dont feel this is how reconstruction was supposed to go. All the research I've done and pics ive seen dont show disfigured "breasts" like mine look.

[laura888]

Hi Jillybee,

I'm having a lot of problems with my second strattice reconstruction (first one 18 months ago has been perfect).

I think I'll probably have to have this one removed. Would be really useful to hear what happened with yours if you don't mind and what was the solution?

Hope you're well, 

Thanks,

Laura x

[kels2010]

Are there possible complications of strattice and an allergic reaction?? I have so many allergies and I'm wondering if there's a chance you can not get on with the strattice as in your body rejecting it or developing an infection? Happy to hear it's worked well for lots of people xx

[helenstevo]

Thank you. I am so scared. Im not good with pain! Dreading it! Glad you seem to be so well now x

[Yvie178]

Hello

Good luck with your op - I am 10 weeks post op today.  No real infection problems - more allergy type symptoms which I believe is very common with strattice and which they treat with antibiotics regardless of whether infection or not just to be on the safe side.  Be prepared for swelling and bruising and rashes. And be prepared to feel like you have a bowling ball strapped to your chest!  It does get better, or you get used to it I am not sure which but everyone is different and you may sail through it.  Am currently doing some lymphatic massaging twice a day to try and disperse the lovely pocket of tissue by arm pit - if only I could push it into my dents!  Scheduled for second op in August - should be totally healed by then and will then have nipple sharing and my good boob lifted.  I think the main thing after the op and you are home is the fatigue I didn't realise how tired I would be, and not to try to do too much - causes swelling! 

[helenstevo]

Hi im in east midlands. Derby. Having this op done on monday at derby royal. I am petrified!!! So hoping dont get an infection as told as ive already had my chemo & implant & mesh would need to be removed as my body will struggle to fight infections due to chemo & herceptin x

[mabelsgirl]

I had this op mid December 2013 - immediate reconstruction following mastectomy. I had DCIS (second time round so no radiotherapy poss this time). Unfortunately I got an infection which was a bit stubborn but that was eventually seen off with lots of antibiotics. Have been expanded a couple of times and the latest plan is to review in a couple of months when everything has had chance to settle down. The decision will be whether or not to replace the existing implant which my surgeon feels isn't sitting quite right and could be better. Overall I came through the op pretty well, the DCIS has gone, and cosmetic results are already fairly good. I feel a bit lopsided some days but not so much I get self-conscious about it - when I do I use a 'softie' prosthesis on the unaffected breast to prop it up a bit. The port (for the saline used in the expansion process) is a little bit annoying as it sits just where the bra elastic runs but I'm getting used to it after trying different bras and crop tops. I'm in the South-East.

[andief67]

Hi I had this procedure in august last yeat had bilateral mx with immediate reconstructin using strattice under the nhs. Was incredibly lucky and not had problems. Surgeon would like me to consider larger implant and a 'tidy' up but yo me they r perfect. I am in Cambridgeshire

andie

[jillybee]

I had implant with strattice.My surgeon is brilliant.However,when going for a checkup,saw another surgeon and he did not like it.Unfortunately for me,had problems.eventually implant removed,then more surgery,strattice all removed.