Tightness around chest after bi lateral mastectomy ??

[ksrourke]

How long did this last for you?

im 2 weeks post DMX   

im getting DIEP FLAP in Jan. 
I pray this feeling goes away 

thx!

kari xx

[Josie16]

I had a single mastectomy in February 2018. I noted that the scar itself appeared very tight, however I felt as though there was a tight band all the way around my chest. I likened it to feeling as though I was wearing a bra that was way too tight, all the time. I slept propped up on 5 pillows because I couldn't lie down and breathe at the same time. I couldn't lean back in my chair because then I couldn't breathe. Doctors and nurses appeared to have no idea what was happening. This went on for 3 months. I thought to myself, this is impossible - they only cut my breast and removed lymph nodes from the same side armpit. They didn't touch the other side or my back, so what could be happening? Then it occurred to me that when you get appendicitis, the pain is initially in the centre of the stomach, near the navel; my brother was diagnosed with heart disease from a pain in his shoulder!! So, I thought, it's my brain that's causing the problem, identifying the tightness of my new scar with something it was already familiar with - a too tight bra. So, the problem could only be solved by convincing my brain that the tightness was only in the scar and not all the way around. I did that by telling myself (my brain) that it was wrong and only the scar was tight. I did this many, many times and reduced my number of pillows by one every couple of nights. Within 2 weeks, the tight bra sensation was gone and has not returned.

[LIsaGay]

Yes Lisa, am unhappy with outcome as well after DMX and 7 recons with two infections as well

[LIsaGay]

Thank you! I have had a dmx nipple sparring with 7 recons and two sepsis from hospital, I worked the whole time and am wanting to downsize, I wanted to 16 months ago when original surgery was. I too have a terrible tight band around chest and it gets more painful with exercise of arms and am quite "bitchy" sorry but its true. Does anyone know if smaller implants will help? The foobs are uneven so I always wear a bralette

[Pauline Moore]

Hi can I please ask where you buy these from and how you use them 

Many thanks 

Pauline x

[Nicki121]

I have this awful tightness too after 4 weeks post bilateral mastectomy with expander implants which were filled with 300ml while in theatre.  I still have lots of bruising and by the evening when I feel at my worse I feel like I want to concave and cannot straighten up.  I also have fluid retention to the sides of each breast and it is very painful and constantly sore and I get sharp, probing needle like pains now and again. I had fluid drained from my right side 10 days ago under ultra sound but think i may need this draining again.  Left side the fluid is soft but my right side it's firm. I worry about introducing infection by having this done again.  I take so many pain killers, as advised by the medics and sleep inducing drugs at night -I must rattle!

It's difficult to know what to do about any concerns.  I don't feel I want to bombard the BCN unnecessarily if what i'm experiencing is normal.  My next appointment is not until mid March for expander saline top-up and I feel that there is too long a gap without being monitored after the initial 2 week follow up.

There is a really good network of support groups 'Keeping Abreast' held in various towns and I went along to a couple before my operation.  My nearest is held at the Lister hospital.  It is for ladies who have had or are awaiting mastectomy and reconstruction. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make the January meet and the next one is not until March.  

Nicki

[llclis]

I have had that same exact feeling for 2 years now, strongly considering a new surgery, pre-pectoral, and smaller implants (the latter was my choice from the beginning, but the surgeon decided otherwise.)

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@ConstanceMarie wrote:

I had a double mastectomy with implants, had an implant removed due to infection but ever since my double mastectomy almost five months ago I’ve had a tight constant pressure and cinched in feeling where I don’t want to take a deep breath or stand up straight. I feel like I have. Blood pressure machine pump inflated and on my chest with constant pressure.  I have told my doctors about this and they speak as though they’ve never heard of this and it’s nothing and will go away.  But it doesn’t.  What can I do?

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[Wiggleworm1123]

Has it gotten any better. I wish the doctor would have warned me about this being a side effect. I did this profalaticly and if i knew i would feel this i may not have done this . Any advice. Its driving me crazy 

[Wiggleworm1123]

 I had a double mastecomy  9 days ago and have the exact  same feeling. It is driving me nuts. Will it ever go away? Has your feeling gotten any better yet ?

[ConstanceMarie]

I had a double mastectomy with implants, had an implant removed due to infection but ever since my double mastectomy almost five months ago I’ve had a tight constant pressure and cinched in feeling where I don’t want to take a deep breath or stand up straight. I feel like I have. Blood pressure machine pump inflated and on my chest with constant pressure.  I have told my doctors about this and they speak as though they’ve never heard of this and it’s nothing and will go away.  But it doesn’t.  What can I do?

[Premmious]

I had a radical mastectomy done Sept 2016, followed by reconstruction.  I have had nothing but pain and problems.  I have had a total of 8 surgeries, replacement of the exspander, removal of the expander and breast implant placement.  It was replaced a second time, I developed large amounts of scar tissue, that was cut away and finally leaving the implant out.  However, I developed chronic seroma that had to be constantly drained.  I have so much pain to my left chest, left armpit and also scapula region. Its been over 2 years.

[Jay68]

I had a bilateral mastectomy last September and I still get the tightness in the chest and under arm.

First thing in the morning and later in the evening are the worse times for me.

Exercise really does help together with daily moisturising the areas with E45.

No short term answer - on researching it would appear it can go on for 3/5 years.... x

[Loolarch]

I too had a had bilateral mastectomy about ten weeks ago, and would recommend you try and get some more physiotherapy? I am still having regular sessions, and it does help a lot as she massages the scars which definitely reduces the tightness. I am massaging them myself using bio oil, but I don't think that helps as much. I also do the recommended exercises at least three times a day, I find first thing in the morning my chest scars feel pretty tight but stretching e.g by raising my arms as high as they can go, reduces the tightness. 

I wonder how how long other people carry on with the exercises post mastectomy? Any advice from anyone?

[Uncle Sonny]

I am two months post bilateral mastectomy.  Tightness in chest and underarm area is quite severe and very uncomfortable.  Had physical therapy which did wonders for my arm but did not help the tight feeling.  Wish I had better news and would appreciate any info on this.  Oh, I had previously had radiation on the same Breast albeit 19 years ago.

[Uncle Sonny]

I am two months post bilateral mastectomy.  Tightness in chest and underarm area is quite severe and very uncomfortable.  Had physical therapy which did wonders for my arm but did not help the tight feeling.

[lisad]

Hello Sandra

Thank you for your reply.

I had my original implant removed and had a more natural implant inserted on 5th June (not an expander as per original implant)

Very smooth op, no pain only tenderness, final stitches out this Friday.

So far, I am glad I took that desicion to have it done, more natural look although my other boob probably needs a lift now, but that can be sorted out with bras  .  Only time will tell I guess if all OK and do not get any infection for it to be rejected.

Kind regards

Lisa

[Sarnies]

Hi Lisa, 

Just seen your question, what did you opt for in the end?.

I had the expander in 2015 however a week later it rejected leaving no option but to remove it leaving a hefty hole which took 3 months to heal. 

I have no intention of having another implant. But life as a solo boober isn't as bad as what some may think. I know age and size of boobage is a factor. 

Hope all is well. 

Sandra

[lisad]

Hello All

I had a mastectomy in July 2016 followed by an immediate reconstruction of a BECKER™ Expander/Breast Implant, however, after finishing chemo and radiation my implant is hard and uncomfortable.

I have discussed this with my breast cons. over the months and due to have symptoms of a Capsular contracture http://www.aurora-clinics.co.uk/breast/capsular-contracture-after-breast-enlargement-what-is-it-and-...  my cons. is going to do a reconstruction putting in a more natural implant in the next month.  

My only concern is that should an infection occur than the implant would be removed and I would have no breast until a time when using my own tissue could be implanted. So should I have it done or just put up with it as it is?

Has anyone else had issues with their reconstruction and had it redone.

Would really appreciate feedback, thank you

Lisa

[Nuthatch]

Hi Loubylou
Interested to hear about silicone gel sheets. I don’t know anything about them and how they work? My tightness is still there, and not getting any better really. I’m seeing physio regularly and she does soft tissue massage which has relieved the top most layer I think. But the tightness is much deeper in, not just on the surface. I found out about deep friction massage but that sounds quite aggressive - with suction and pummelling by a small gadget! Too risky for my ribs apparently. Am being referred back to my oncologist now. Will let you know what I find out there. I suspect he’s going to say, again, that I must wait patiently for it to improve. But info about the silicone sheets would be good if you have a minute. x

[Loubylou]

I have found silicone gel sheets have helped enormously in softening the scar area. They are around £15 each but you only need one per breast as you wash them each day. They make any lingerie more comfortable , can be barely seen and help with the scaring. I have had my reconstruction reconstructed due to capsular contracture thereby scar tissue on scar tissue. Hope this helps. 

[Nuthatch]

Hello August13
I’m not sure if you still look at these pages, but I’m trying to find ways of relieving the tightness across my chest (double mastectomy October 2017) and tightness of scar. I saw that you had some info that might help and wonder if you still have access to it and could direct me? I’m have radiotherapy at the moment so can’t do any massaging, but could hopefully do exercises to relieve the very tight feeling. Haven’t been able to see the physio still as the appointment was cancelled due to her cold, so it’s been a long wait for guidance!

How is your tight band now? Hope you are feeling strong now.

Thank you x

[lolly73]

Yes please August13, info would b great x

[August13]

I had the same after single mastectomy without recon. Physio taught me exercises which really helped.
To break up the adhesions that I had.
Can send info on next post if you like

[Kess]

I am now just over a year since mx (no recon) not quite a year post rads. It has taken time, but the tightness is pretty much gone (I still go the exercises most days). It's still not wholly comfortable to lie on my left side, but it's certainly better than it was, and I can sleep on it for a while before I have to roll off it. I know some people are really unlucky and never stop having pain. That is not often the case though,

[1852]

I had mastectomy aug14 had a lot of probe with seroma  non boob still tight and swollen dr says its haematoma can't be drained last time they tried got 30mls and didn't make me ch difference to constant discomfort  only option now open scar and clear out blood but no guarantee it won't come back so dr reluctant to operate gets me down at times then I get cross with myself because there are people a lot worse off . I use brufen gel but it's very sticky and sometimes my non boob feels itchy so then I just moisturise best wishes to all DEN

[waveylocks]

Im a bit late joining in on this thread but just wanted to say that I had a single masectomy last April and I too have the tight band feeling.  i also get a sensation of someone lifting me under the arm!  the Physio told me it was scar tissue and that the best thing I can do is to keep the exercises going daily.

The door jamb one where you stand side ways on with arm stretch out onto door and then slowly turn away until it is stretched -hold for a minute - i find really good at relieveing the tightness but you have to do it several times plus several times a day until it has relaxed then keep topping it up daily. When I do them am much better I must admit!  However been away for  three weeks and didnt do them and the tightness is back.  Lesson learnt.  For the feeling of something under my arm he told to lay down and do a corkscrew twist with affected arm out streched -really works. Am hoping that in time it will heal and stop happening and I wont have to ekep doing the exercises....

I do wish they warned you beforehand as i had no idea this was likely to happen. 

[ditzy65]

Hi Rosie

I had implants and could have them straight away as I opted for smaller boobs, I was quite large before

and hated them so now have small ones. 2 tumours in my right breast and left remved too as family histor.

I really felt like I would never get any better, but things do improve and I am getting used to them slowly..I just realised last night that i have forgotten what my nipples look like as i don't have any now...I don't miss

them and don't think I will have tattoos...but it was realising that I can't remembe when i did have them...I'm sure that doesn't make much sense lol.

Use bio oil on your scars if you can

takr care xx

[rosie14]

Hi ditsy65 what sort of reconstruction did you have??

[ditzy65]

Hi Ladies

I had my db masectomy last October with immeadiate recon, and I thought the tightness would

never go away. I wear a bra all the time at night too as I feel it gives me support!!!!

The tightness does go away gradually, it does take time but it will improve

Wishing you all the best xx

[rosie14]

Hi Lolly July 14 must have been a bad month!!! I live in Cyprus so things are rather different! Every time I went to see my surgeon I told him about the tightness and he just said it would get easier in time!!! Not yet!!! I hope your nurse is wrong too! Keep,in touch good to find someone that understands the awful feeling!🙀

[lolly73]

Hi Rosie, looks like our mx was the same time then, July 14.  Have you asked ur nurse about this tightness? U r right, it is a bit like a bp machine feeling!  I hope my nurse is wrong in that it may never go now.....

[rosie14]

Hi ladies!
I am so glad to find some others going through what I am! It is 13 months since my db mx and the feeling I have had since the beginning is tightness a bit like a blood pressure machine blowing up.and squeezing! I first thought it was the stitches pulling, bit they were removed and I still had the feeling. So I put it down to the tissue expanders. I had to have one removed in Jan due to repeated infection. But I still had the feeling. Two months ago I had the silicone implants put in but guess what ? .... I still have the same awful feeling!😒 I use bio oil each day!

[lavendersblue]

Hi Lolly ,

So sorry to hear that you are still in so much pain after so long , that is really horrid . 

My first mx was in Jan 2015 , and my second was only in June 2015  , so both fairly recent . I haven't even worn a bra since my second .....and like you can't turn over in bed , can only sleep on my back as both sides hurt too much to put any pressure on them !!! I have also had two WLE on my first scar due to recurrence , so that puts extra tension on my skin in that area, pulling and feeling tight etc . 

I am just getting round to thinking about a bra and prosthesis , but haven't felt I could cope with the rubbing before now .

Hope things improve for us all in time ...

Hugs,

Jill

[lolly73]

Hi Jill, can I ask when u had most recent mx?

I had mine 13 months ago and the tightness and pain is still so bad I cant be without a bra, even in bed. I find the bra relieves it in some way. I cant really massage as ribs etc too tender to touch, due to rads I had 7 years ago when I had wle. Still cant turn over in bed. Hoping for improvement but my nurse says it may never go......

[lavendersblue]

Thanks Ash , good to hear that I am not the only one with this sensation .

I too have not had recon . mine were done in two stages , first in Jan and second in June , plus two WLE for recurrence in scar since then , latest only in July ...so my scars are still quite fresh . I have tried Bio oil and also used Dermol lotion/cream  on them , plus the more gentle exercises on the leaflet . Hopefully in time it will all improve .

Hugs,

Jill xx

[Ash66]

Hi Jill

I had bilateral mx (no recon) in April. Straight after I felt fine with no pain or discomfort but that didn't last. Soon I felt like I was wearing a bra a few sizes too small. It will probably be the scar tissue building up. I found the best thing is to do the exercises they give you and also to massage the scars and scar tissue. I used bio oil until I developed a rash to it so switched to e45 or sudocrem.

Persevere. It does get better. I'm almost pain free apart from on one side which is more due to a prominent rib. Unfortunately its the side I always used to sleep on and I can't get comfortable now as I've lost my padding.

Luv x

[lavendersblue]

After having two mastectomies  , one radical and one not ... i find that I have a constant tight band type feeling around my chest . Discomfort rather than pain ...and it could also sometimes be described as feeling as if I have a plank of wood pressing on my chest . 

Is this common , and does it improve with time ? Anybody got any ideas or suggestions .

Hugs,

Jill xxx