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Exchange City

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  • jan508
    jan508 Posts: 724
    edited March 2011

    I am 3 weeks out of exchange this week and I'm still having some pain. Is this normal? I can still feel my stitches when I run my hand across my incisions.

    I'm not due to go back to PS until 4/21.


    any insights will be helpful

    Jan

  • dawn31337
    dawn31337 Posts: 93
    edited March 2011

    My exchange is 2 weeks from today.  I am so excited!!!  I sleep on my stomach and have finally gotten used to the cereal bowls.  I suspect I'll have to get used to that all over again.  Any thoughts?

  • tnbcRuth
    tnbcRuth Posts: 338
    edited March 2011

    Beacher and Joan - I had to wait a month from my last chemo to have the exchange, so when I went screaming into the ps office GET THEM OUT AND GET THEM OUT NOW!!, I had to wait 2 weeks to fulfill the 4 week minimum wait time for the exchange.  So I proceeded to get fills 2x a week and was filled to 450cc by surgery date.  I had the exchange and the resumed chemo again like 6 weeks later.  Both onc and ps were fine with it.  I had already had neo-adjuvant therapy and a bi mx, so everything from this point on was future prevention efforts.  I took massive amounts of pain meds but nothing helped.  I just had to sit very very still and not move a muscle for hours.  When I did move, the pain pushed me immediately to tears.  No way could I have gone on 4 more months.   Sorry for the confusion.  Hopefully less confused?  If not, write back~   Joan, you will do fine tomorrow!  Healing thoughts are with you.

  • tnbcRuth
    tnbcRuth Posts: 338
    edited March 2011

    Jan, as the 'pain expert'...general pain is normal.  IMHO They're going to be sore, shift around and your level of activity will encourage them to complain for quite some time.  As my ps said, 'a lot of work went on in there'.  

    Acute pain in any area,  Any specific pain that lasts 3 days,  Any redness or heat?  Call the dr. asap.   Plus you can call them anytime to describe and discuss your pain....there SHOULD be a nurse available.               Also, you may not be a stitch dissolver....I wasn't.  they stayed and stayed and stayed and eventually worked their way out of my body...I had sharp,hard threads that would poke out my clothes.  I gently worked them out...and if they didn't come out easily, I left them alone.  They all eventually came out about 4 months after exchange.

  • deekaay
    deekaay Posts: 254
    edited March 2011

    Happy Healing to those of you post op.  Each day will get a little better.  Take time to rest and heal--it's important. Go slow, don't lift, your body will appreciate it.  :)

    Rebecca, so glad you are doing well.  Must feel good to you after everything else you've been through..

    Dawn and other ladies in waiting, you will not believe the relief in getting rid of the TEs.  Really, really.  So soft.  Have fun counting the days.

  • Lulubelle
    Lulubelle Posts: 45
    edited March 2011



    Called my PS and got some stronger meds so I am more comfortable tonight, thanks tnbcRuth, you are right, no need to suffer.

  • ArleneMarie
    ArleneMarie Posts: 89
    edited March 2011

    Hi Jan,

    I am about the same as you since my exchange was on 3/9.  Yes, my stitches still pull and slightly burn.  I cannot sleep on my side at all so it's all back, all night.  I switch between the surgical bra and the sports bra but I HAVE to wear a bra since they burn if I don't.  I am assuming this will eventually end.  All in all, I am still a lot more comfortable than with the expanders.  Do you massage tem every day to soften them up?  My left side is softening faster than my right and it feels more like a boob :)

  • jan508
    jan508 Posts: 724
    edited March 2011

    Arlene:

    Thanks for your info.  Yes, my stitches still pull and I still have a burning sensation on the bottom part of my breast.  When I wear the surgical bra they feel worse than when I'm snug in my sports bra. I've also been walking at the gym so I'm wondering if I'm overdoing that yet. I am more comfortable than with the expanders as well but I haven't been massaging, I will start though.

    Thanks again

    Jan

  • Breastless
    Breastless Posts: 14
    edited March 2011

    Just had revision surgery on Mar 24, 2011. We are starting over with tissue expansion. My new PS removed my implants and revised the pockets and inserted new TE filled them with 450 cc each side. I am so happy I changed PS even though I must travel . It was so worth it. If what I see so far is any indication of what's to come I will be very happy. If any of you remember how unhappy I was with my exchange a year ago (I have posted on pic forum) I am so glad I went ahead with revision and especially a different PS. I will post new pics soon.

    Forgot to mention that I have way more pain with this surgery. Even more than after the original BMX. Is this common?
  • paula1231
    paula1231 Posts: 41
    edited March 2011

    Hi all

    I had my exchange surgery this morning.  My PS did an exchange on the left side, a maxopexy on the right and a port removal.  I am not in a lot of pain but I sure am not comfortable at all.The minute the pain med gets low, I start to hurt.  I am worried about getting into bed tonight and getting out of bed tomorrow.  ouch..

  • tnbcRuth
    tnbcRuth Posts: 338
    edited March 2011

    Paula, stay on a schedule of meds so the pain doesn't get ahead of you.  You'll end up taking less meds overall and have less pain and not trying to play catch up.  Every 2-3 days you can wait and see how you feel and adjust accordingly.  Some of us need them 3-4 days and others 10-14 days...do what is best for you.  You'll be less stressed if you're not fighting pain.  Good luck on your recovery !!

  • JenC
    JenC Posts: 186
    edited March 2011
    Joan888 - Hope all goes well today.  Will be thinking about you.  Keep us posted on your recovery.  My exchange is next Monday.  Getting a little nervous but excited Smile.
  • JenC
    JenC Posts: 186
    edited March 2011

    Kit - I would contact your insurance company directly because they are legally bound to pay for your surgeries relating to BC which includes the exchange and lift/augmentation of the otherside (if you are a uni) to make you semetrical.  They do have the right to make you pay for your yearly deductible and any co pays but they cannot refuse to pay the remaining balance.

  • JenC
    JenC Posts: 186
    edited March 2011

    Hello ladies.  I have a question on bras.  I have heard different things about bras after the exchange.  One that you can wear any one that feels comfortable and the other that you should never wear an underwire because of the implant.  Can anyone clarify?  Thanks

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited March 2011

    JenC -- different doctors say different things; some say "no underwires" and others say "underwirse REQUIRED" for example.  My PS said no underwires and when I asked her if that meant NEVER she said NO.  So, for me, about 8 months post-surgery, I started wearing underwires again (I did not like the feel of wirefree) and I've been fine.  She said no underwires especially initially because of worries about the wires rubbing/pulling at internal sutures and also the worry about a wire poking through the bra and puncturing the breast skin (which for many women is numb and therefore would not feel it).  For more info/advice re: bras... check out Val61's "Bras 101" thread on this site -- it is FULL of great advice!  What does YOUR PS tell you re: bras?

    Breastless -- yay for you!  Glad you are happy with the revision so far.  It takes a great deal of strength to make that step but so many have found it a rewarding choice.  As for the extra pain, often with revisions (as I've read here anyway) there is more pocket work done (to fix various issues) and so, yes, it is not uncommon to feel more pain at this point.  This too shall pass!

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited March 2011

    Congratulations on those getting your exchanges and those healing this week from your exchanges.  It is so worth it to get to this point and know that it does get better as time goes by.  Gentle hugs to all of you.

  • JenC
    JenC Posts: 186
    edited March 2011

    Lilah - Thanks for the advice and I will check out Bras101.  My PS has not really said anything except the mastectomy bra after the exchange for a few days.  Unless I need drains then it will be a bit longer. 

  • MarieK
    MarieK Posts: 467
    edited March 2011

    Congrats on getting your exchanges to those who are recent and happy healing to us all!

    I'm sorry that some of you are experiencing pain but hopefully with meds, treatment and time that will pass.

    As far as bras my PS told me 3 weeks 24/7 for the surgical bra and then to switch to a supportive sports bra for another 3 weeks.

    I was allowed to wear lighter support bras, underwire bras, shelf camis and go braless but only for short periods of time while I was still healing (from 3 weeks on).

    I had a lot of "burning" at the bottom of my implant breast and also under my arm and on my shoulder blade.  Under the breast the pain was mostly from pocket work, dropping and muscle stretching and the other areas were nerve and muscles reacting to the implant (I had a larger implant than TE).  I saw a PT for that and took OTC Tylenol to alleviate the pain when needed.

    I'm 8 weeks PFC and I can say that I am completely pain free!  My implant is soft and most of the time I don't even feel it there. Not like right after exchange when it felt like something was pushing on my chest wall and I had the sensation of extra weight.  I remember saying that it felt heavier than my natural side but now that everything has settled down I don't feel any difference at all - except when I touch it.  It is much firmer than my natural breast.

    I have been sleeping on both sides for about 4 weeks now.  I wear any kind of bra I like during the day but at night I wear a clasp front light support cotton sports bra or my surgical bra.  Yes I still wear it - surprisingly it is very very comfortable now and somewhat comforting to wear!

    I do have an issue with thin skin and some rippling but so far my implant is not at risk and all of my incisions have healed nicely.

    Others told me to hang on and it would get better so I'm here to pass along that message to all of the recent exchangers and tell you that it will get better so hang on!

  • tinat
    tinat Posts: 2,235
    edited March 2011
    MBJ: How are you doing???
  • paula1231
    paula1231 Posts: 41
    edited March 2011

    Thanks Marie for the good info.  I slept pretty well, but on my back.  Pain not too bad. 

    My PS said to bring an underwire bra on Thursday when the bandages come off.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2011

    LADIES.. I am trying to get another sister here on BCO into our Picture forum.... is it down??

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited March 2011

    Working fine for me Laura.... though admittedly you wrote that an hour ago :)

  • joan888
    joan888 Posts: 711
    edited March 2011

    Update... I am home from my exchange surgery and feeling surprisingly good, but I suppose that may have something to do with the anethesia yet.  Surgery was 90 minutes and spent a few hours in recovery room. The best news.... NO drains.  PS decided not to do any fat lipo right now as he didn't feel it was needed.  He said he may need to so some when I go back for my nips later this summer.  I have a wonderful BLACK industrial strength compression bra so I still feel like a ton of bricks on my chest.  Have to wear that as much as tolerated until I see my PS in 10 days.  I love the new squisshy feel of the implants. Okay, I  am back to my couch.  Going to take a little Norco soon, go to bed early and see what tomrrow brings.  Thanks so much for your support and well wishes.  I'll check in again tomorrow.  Hope everyone is doing well today.

  • tnbcRuth
    tnbcRuth Posts: 338
    edited March 2011
    Thank goodness they fixed the page thingy and I don't have to suffer thru scrolling.Cool
  • matty123
    matty123 Posts: 264
    edited March 2011

    Yay Joan!!! so glad u r though it. You rest now.. Take care

  • cc4npg
    cc4npg Posts: 438
    edited March 2011
    tnbcRuth:  I agree... it was one of the highlights of my day!
  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited March 2011

    OMG I just realized I didn't have to scroll!!!!!!!

    Wahooo!!!!!!!

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited March 2011

    You are soooo right!  No more losing my place anymore! What a relief!

    Tina:  I am doing great!  Just posted my 2 week pictures and I am healing quickly.  Thank you for asking!!!  How are you?

  • tinat
    tinat Posts: 2,235
    edited March 2011

    MBJ:  I'm so glad you're doing well!

    Big step back for me.  Just heard tonight that I have to go back tomorrow for either another debridement or to the OR to resect more tissue and remove/replace the expander on that side.  My exchange is looking further and further away Cry

  • cc4npg
    cc4npg Posts: 438
    edited March 2011
    TinaT:  So sorry to hear this!  Try not to be discouraged, although I know that's about impossible.  We want the result to be the best ever though, and don't want any problems.  Let's hope for the least invasive procedure and that everything will just heal right.

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