I had a successful TUG reconstruction for BC and after serious consideration eventually opted for a second preventative TUG. The second operation was from my perspective a very disappointing and upsetting experience. Following the operation I had no feeling at all in my 'donor' leg below the knee, the muscles in the rear of my thigh were also paralysed. My foot hung down and I was unable to pull my toes up towards my shin so I had to wear a splint night and day to hold my foot in position. I needed two crutches to walk.
Initially I was told this was temporary but it did not resolve and I was told by some of the medical professionals who treated me that I would have a permanent injury. It was all very stressful and frightening
Luckily after extensive physio and 6 months off work I have recovered the use of my leg. I can now drive, kneel, get up from the floor etc which I could not do at first. The leg still gives me discomfort and I guess will probably never be 'as it was'.
At no time prior to the op was this complication ever suggested to me. The hospital tell me no other person has ever suffered this injury in this operation and the risk is below 1%. Although there have been several suggestions as to the cause no one is sure what actually went wrong.
In my case it was a preventative op and had I known this injury was a risk I don't think I would have taken it. The possibility of being permanently disabled as a result would have prompted me to look more closely at other options. Since my op I have been told by my nurse that another patient has also had the same injury although I don't know if this is correct.
If you are thinking about the TUG op though you may wish to discuss this risk with your surgeon. Another consultant I have seen since has also told me she doesn't offer this procedure as the risk of complications is high. Having to undergo a breast recon is a tough experience so I hope I have not made anyone's life more difficult - I just want to avoid anyone else having the to face the shock I went through.
