Reconstruction - Temporary tissue expander implant

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Last week I had a mastectomy with a temporary tissue expander implant. I also had sentinel node biopsy.  At first I was not in much pain but I am now when I move, can't lie down in bed have slept propped up since the operation.  I had my dressing removed yesterday and drain today.  But it now feels tight and like pins and needles has anybody else experienced this? I hope I have made the correct choice with regards to reconstruction.  Also the restricted movement in my arm, how long does that take to get better?

I know if has only been a week and I am probably expecting too much!  

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi I had this procedure. A week is nothing!  It’s critical that you do all the exercises at least 2 or 3 times a day and push yourself as much as you can, otherwise you may never regain full movement.  I had a lot of tightness but I had a brilliant physio who helped enormously.  I had the temporary expander as I knew I would need radiotherapy which can damage the reconstruction (it did) and I’ve since had permanent reconstruction with muscle from my back.  Good luck!

  • It two weeks since my mastectomy and the pain is not getting better under my arm not to bad it is the reconstructed breast like painful pins and needles. Can only walk very slowly and tentatively. I keep doing the expertises. I also still sleeping propped up at night. Maybe I am expecting too much but when I read others stories following mastectomy they seem to say they have very little pain. I am also getting breathless but my BC nurse said that probably anxiety. I get my results from surgery tomorrow with my treatment plan I a very worried about that x 

  • Hi lovely 

    how you feeling now? I find this site hard to navigate ( no doubt a user issue!) 

    i found your post as I’m searching for anyone else who is struggling post mastectomy. 

    Im not sure if I’m expecting too much, I don’t believe I am, but I’m still floored. My op is a week ago this evening and I’m feeling worse than I did a week ago. 

    I can hardly do the physio exercise as it’s hurting too much. I’m burning in my scar area and have no feeling of my arm

    Tinker bell xx