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.)
@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?
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
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 ?
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Yes please August13, info would b great x
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
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.
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
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
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.....
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!
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
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......
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
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