Post mastectomy sciatica

An edit function would be good for the typos! Sorry

Hello time traveller

I too have had bilateral mastectomy and Diep reconstruction.   I am now on week 2 post operative.  However unfortunately I have to go back after the bank holiday to have the reconstruction removed from the left breast (this was where all the cancer was).  There are 3 options open to me as the reconstruction skin has "died.   

1.  To have it cut out and removed with an immediate TRAM flap from my back.

2.   Cut out and have a temporary skin graft, skin to be taken from hip or thigh and then 2-3 months later TRAM flap reconstruction.

3.   Cut out and implant of silicon gel inserted and then 3 months later having that removed and TRAM reconstruction.

This latest set back only came about through a routine cleanse and dressings change due to infections and blistering.  I only thought my left breast was showing lots of bruising.   I had not realised the darkness was the skin dying.   From that appointment on Thursday this week has emanated to further surgery.

Yes, I too have suffered with extreme lower back pain affecting both legs from buttocks to feet with constant pins and needles and numbness thrown in.   I was warned that this could happen as the peripheral nerve could get damaged.   I have been diagnosed as having peripheral neuropathy.   I take paracetamol 4 times daily 1000mg topped up with liquid morphine 10ml twice a day and 5ml twice a day.   I have just been prescribed Gaberpentine (please excuse spelling..I do not have these tablets in front of me) the other alternative was Amitriptiline) which I refused as have had these before and suffered.   At the moment I have felt no benefit from the Gaberpentine but I have only been taking them for 4 days.   I sincerely hope they work.    

I hope you too get some respite.  Please keep us informed as to how you are going.

1. I am pleased you had clear margins.   I am not sure yet.   We have all come a long long way in our journey to fight this awful disease.   I wish you every success in your continuing journey.

Kaz59

Hi Kaz

many thanks for the response and I’m sorry to hear you have further issues.

My reconstruction was using the skin that was there before with expander implants rather than a diep flap. Could I still have neuropathy do you think? I have an appointment with my consultant on Tuesday so I will check with him but you have certainly given me some comfort that there’s a reason for this. 

thank you.