Reconstructive Surgery

Tracey · Guest

Hi all,
This is a minor kind of pain compared to the type of pain associated with some cancers, but I wanted to let women know that there is pain associated with breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. The reason I wanted to post this is that I have found that plastic surgeons do not warn of this or educate their patients in this regard. The pain is not such that it should deter anyone who wants reconstruction from getting it, but it is something that I think would be better tolerated if one was prepared for it. I was panicked after my surgery because I was in such signficant pain from the tissue expander, and no one had ever mentioned that there would be any pain whatsoever, so I was frightened and convinced that something was terribly wrong. Also, I wasn't on enough pain medication, because I didn't know I would need to be. I just wanted to give other women a heads-up about this.

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Tracey

Thanks for mentioning this. Pain is something that people do not have to go through. There are so many ways to alleviate pain, that I can not conceive that in this early century there are still people suffering from acute pain. Chronic and neuropathic pain are different issues, they are difficult to control, but something like post-op pain should be managed.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

SueCA · Guest

Thanks Tracey for the heads up.

I am contemplating preventative double mastectomy and would be interested in reconstructive surgery at the same time.

Sheesh! Nothing is simple more pain!

Thanks again,

S

chris · New User Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 4

Hello
I currently have tissue expanders follwoing a double mastectomy, and yes there is pain, no one told me how much pain it would be. I have 50cc of saline injected weekly and I'm almost finished and have scheduled my surgery for implants. The doctors told me I would be back to work in 3 weeks except for lifting, well its 7 weeks and I'm not back to work, no energy, and my expanders are "rock hard" never seem to loosen up between injections, the pain is there at times almost unbearable. But I would have still made the same decision just wished someone would have told me and I've just started driving, can't go through physcial therapy until implants are in due to scar tissue that they will loosen up at that time.
I am thankful because I do not have to have any radiation or chemo, this too shall pass. Just wanted to let people know there will be pain with the expanders, especially if you are small built.

Guest · Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2005 11:54 am Post subject: Pain

After any type of operation you are likely to feel some pain and discomfort. Women vary greatly in how much pain they have after breast reconstruction. Many women will need pain relief for a day or so after surgery. Make sure you ask for pain-relieving drugs if you need them. There is no need to suffer in silence -- in fact, research suggests that patients with good pain relief recover more quickly after surgery.

You may find it uncomfortable to move the arm on the side where surgery has been carried out. This is particularly likely if you have reconstruction at the same time as surgery for breast cancer and have had some lymph glands removed from your armpit. But it is important that you continue using your arm and carry out the exercises suggested by your physiotherapist.

I think in medications you can take [url=http://www.drugdelivery.ca/s359-s-ARIMIDEX.aspx]Arimidex[/url] for breast cancer.
however i donr know if it is taken after or before the surgery
do check with your doctor.
thanks
[/url]

sheila raw · New User Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

Hi Tracey, I too had bad pain with my expanders. I really don't think that the mastectomy was that painful. The recontuction is what hurt. My pain was so bad at times I just couldn't take it. I am 32 years old and was diagnosed at 30. I am glad I chose to have reconstruction, but please know it is painful. Like you said the doctors really don't let you in on all the pain. Now, my problem is, my implants are very uncomfortable. They never let me forget they are there. I look back now and it hurt but glad I did it.

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Cancer Pain	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others