tightness post reconstruction

[hamley]

Hi,  I didn't start swimming again until about 3 months after my breast recon.  I had to stop after my nipple recon from which I'm nearly recovered, but I was told by my surgeon to wait until the black crusty scabs have gone (nice!),  That happened three days ago so I will be swimming next week.

[Kess]

I think that's too soon. I Didn't have recon but was still told to wait at least 10 weeks after surgery. I think with recon you have to be very careful. Did they not give you any advice about when you can swim? Might be worth a call to your bcn or ask the helpline. They will be able to advise hoe long you should wait.

[Orchard]

Hi Hamley, just read your post re swimming and wanted to ask how soon after your op you started going? I am 6 weeks post bi mx with LD recon and am desperate to start going but have been told that there's still a risk of infection and not yet. Thanks. X

[hamley]

Hi,  I think it might be worth doing some swimming.  I had a bilateral reconstruction nearly a year ago, the same op as you, and my surgeon told me to go swimming and do breast stroke.  It works really well.  I've recently had a nipple reconstrution (unbelieveably fantastic result!), couldn't swim for 6 weeks so far and I feel very tight across my back and am finding I get a lot of backache too, hanging washing on the line's a nightmare!  That didn't happen when I was swimming.

  I can't wait to start swimming again, I'm sure it has better results than any of the excercises I was given (although they worked quite well too).  I also feel so much stronger when I'm swimming even though I only go once a week, It's amazing the difference it makes.

[Janet_BCC]

Hi bella60

I'm sorry you haven't had any replies to your post yet.  I wondered if more people might see it if you posted in the section "Going through treatment/surgery".  I've attached a link.  There are quite a few threads there about reconstruction.

http://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Surgery/bd-p/4445

You might also find it helps to give our Helpline a call.  They'll be able to offer information and support.  Opening times are 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays.  The number is 0808 800 6000

Very best wishes

Janet

BCC Moderator

[bella60]

 Hi I am wondering if any post reconstruction (lapdorssi  right side) I am 6 months post surgeryand when I do anything like walk for 2 miles or hoover a couple of rooms, my  ribs site back gets really tight I have a full range of movement in my shoulder. I keep mentioning it to my surgeon, but she seems to give a different answer every time. Am I expecting too much, is this how it is going to be?? Am I being a wimp.? I know in comparison this is very little to complain about.Ps I didnt have any chemo or dxt, but I still seem to run out of energy, like the batterys gone flat. Right I have finished now !!!