Hi, I'm 2 years post single mastectomy, lymph node removal, I had immediate reconstruction then radiotherapy. I still get a lot of discomfort it feels like there is fine gravel in there, if that makes sense. I also get days where the are sharp pains too.
I've had post op reviews with surgeon and they see to say it's normal.
Hi, I had mastectomy and node clearance followed by radiotherapy 15 months ago and still feel discomfort and tightness. Didn’t have reconstruction I started a gym group this week in the hope that exercise will help. On the pull down bars, I had to stop as the pain was a worry to me. I’m going to continue but will have the resistance very low on that machine until I get stronger. it would seem that pain and discomfort is normal and lasts for a long time. I’ve not tried idocaine so cannot comment on that. I guess it’s something we have to live with unfortunately. Best wishes M x
I had exactly the same as you - mastectomy, node clearance (26 removed - NONE had cancer!?), reconstruction, with 'Becker' implant, followed by radiotherapy...I have been in pain ever since. It is not getting any better - in fact the pain is getting worse. I have been back to hospital so many times, asking for help, extra checks etc...Been told everything 'normal'...no cancer (thank goodness)...but pain is BAD. Sometimes (ofter) wakes me at night, and I'm often aware of it/uncomfortable in the daytime, too. Reluctantly having to take pain killers more often. The pain keeps me awake at night and sometimes it causes nausea and my whole body to judder.
I'd had some kind of post-viral/auto-immune condition previously (CFS/ME) and had been worried about having an artificial implant. As I really did NOT want to 'go flat' (my strong preference), I'd requested autologous implant (ie. DIEP) but was told wait was too long. I am now awaiting said operation. I am in more-or-less constant, chronic pain.
It actually really helps to hear other people are suffering the same as, I feel, I have been continually 'gas-lighted' by medics at hospital and GP cannot help.
I've been branded as 'an anxious person'. In fact, I am 'anxious' because I am suffering chronic pain.
