Exchange City

Well, ladies...I think I have my answer as to why I still have that Iron Bra feeling four months post-exchange.

I've been having this increasing pulling/pinching/tearing sensation when I raise my left arm (cancer side). Range of motion has never been a problem for me, but lately, it feels like part of my muscle is rubbing over a nerve or a bit of scar tissue.

The Kaiser LE therapist wants to treat me for lymphedema with a Belisse Bra and a Jovi-Pak lumpectomy insert. I tried it (wore it all day) even though I pointed out that the bra is too low to address the upper pole swelling I have, and the Jovi-Pak is so loose I can run my finger under it. 

The Kaiser therapist also told me that the pulling/pinching/tearing pain in my left breast (under the incision) is from my pectoral muscle being too tight and to go home and stretch it. Uh hunh.....

But yesterday I met the most awesome LE therapist (outside the Kaiser system) who specializes not only in LE and other BC issues, but in MYOFASCIAL RELEASE!!!!

She read my surgical report from my exchange, and said the reason that I still felt like I was wearing an Iron Bra was that I was completely stitched around each capsule...and even though the PS used sutures, he may as well have used Iron for the way it feels underneath my skin and muscles.

She took an extensive medical history, did an extensive hands-on exam,  and then........said she could help me!!! I was ELATED!!!

We started by her doing some basic myofascial release of my entire upper torso. It hurt, but in a good way, if that makes sense.

Then we tried to replicate the exact pain I have when I raise my arm, and when we couldn't do that, she spent a lot of time just working the skin and muscles around the left breast. She also did a lot of scar tissue mobilization.

Finally, she had me do an exercise she called "The Shark". She had me lay down on my right side, knees bent, and my arms out in front, mimicking a shark's jaws.

Slowly, she had me raise my left arm diagonally over my left shoulder. She said to watch with my eyes, and move my head at the same time. Eventually, she wanted me to have my knees still bent and on my right side, but to have my back flat on the table, and my left arm diagonally raised away from my body.

Now THAT elicited the pain!!! She quickly identified it as the serratus minor muscle, and did some work on the area that was pinched.

When we got done, I mentioned that area just above the left IMF that the PS told me was "fatty tissue". She said she didn't think that's what it was; but rather scar tissue, and that she could do more with it next time.

When I went to touch that hard, puffy area, it had to be at least half an inch thinner than it was before I went in!!!

I was SO happy to finally meet someone who understood what I was feeling, and promise me that she could help!!!

I just wish more doctors and hospitals would be more open about the possibilities of consequences like this, and how we can take charge right away to correct them, instead of stumbling around looking for answers.

Anyway, I have great hope that this will bring me relief from the Iron Bra feeling.

That's wonderful Blessings! Finally some relief!

Thanks Annemarie! I wasn't given any information about the TEs after my surgery. I'll email my PS and ask him for it. I'm sure he'll wonder why I want it. Do I tell him a sister on BCO is our implant expert, and is helping choose the right ones? What information is on the card? I really am interested in the Sientra, and when I asked him about it, all he said was they were new, and there was less information about their long term use. I like the idea that they won't travel around, because I don't want them moving into my armpits!

Andrea~The card should have been given to you after your surg. It's owed to you, and you should carry it with you. It tells you what brand of TEs you have, and the #'s and letters on it tell you the style. Sientra implants have been in use in Brazil for many years. Again, if you consult with Whippetmom, give her all info on the card (when you get it), and your measurements she requires, she can help you decide. Ask her what she suggests, and also tell her you are interested in Sientra. Blessings, and SpecialK are awsome to ask for help also!!

Annemarie

Thanks! I'm emailing him as I speak, so hopefully I'll hear back early next week. I've emailed him so much I'm sure he isn't in a huge hurry to read my messages, lol! I appreciate all the advice you've given me!

Thanks for the nice compliment about my dogs! They're Alaskan malamutes, and are my spoiled babies! I love them as much as my two legged children!

Grier and LouLou24:  you two are up next! Then my turn Wednesday.  I wish you both as low of pain as possible and beautiful new boobies.  Please let us know how you do afterwards.  I am so ready to get his over with. Over the last 3 weeks I've gotten through a lung infection, insurance issues related to PS care, a mystery hard lump on my left side, and an unusually painful, super heavy 8 day period (I haven't had one of these since I was 10, probably stress related).  So I'm laying low for the next 3 days, I just want to make it to the OR in one piece and healthy.

roan...I've begun using scar away an dh says its helping.

Good luck to everyone having their exchanges! No more coconuts on your chests!!!

Could someone tell me what restrictions to expect after exchange. I don't have my pre-op until Wednesday, day before exchange surgery. It would be nice to know. I live 4 hours from the hospital I'm going to. Thanks!!

Good luck to all you ladies having exchanges this week!!!



I agree. Do not over do. The restrictions in the beginning are similar to post MX. I am six weeks post op and my PS just lifted my restrictions! I still can't lift weights and do push ups but other than that I'm free to do most of my normal activities!



Take it easy in the beginning. Let others take care of you😀!



Jess

Andrea- Oh my gosh! You're in south Jordan?!? I'm in draper:0) we're neighbors.

Jess😄

Andrea I had lump/rads and then a year later had BMX with TE's places. Have since had my exchange and not problems with the rads tissue.  My PS did make me wait one year post rads because I had alot of damage to my nipple and we were going to try a NSM.  Glad to say my nipple made it with no problems.  If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Blessing so glad you are getting some relief, that is awesome

Blessings!  I came to the board looking for a little reassurance and sure enough, found this wonderful and encouraging post from you.  Thank you!  We've been in the middle of a move and lots of "regular life business" so my exchange date really snuck up on me.  I'm meeting with my oncologist today to get the all clear for surgery tomorrow (as well as talk about genetic testing) - but haven't really thought about what I need to do to prep other than make sure the laundry is all done and wash with Dial before heading to the hospital.   Anyway...I needed the reminder to take it easy - something that is hard for me.  As my husband says, "You don't get a grade for this, my love."  Thank you for your sweet message and sage advice. XO

Thank you Andrea, Ossa, Jess and Blessings for your wisdom and loving thoughts.  Obxflygirl....I apologize for not wishing you the best with your exchange the day after mine...my brain is just fixated on the 16th!  I hope your surgery is most successful and with little pain and discomfort as possible.

Keep the good thoughts and prayers coming for this weeks exchange girls.  Honestly, I'm afraid of pain...I know exchange no where on the pain scale of bmx, but I still remember how bad the pain was for weeks even with pain meds. I have a great job now I wasn't working at bmx so I have to get better fast.  I do feel wiser going into this surgery though, even have my utility cord out for DH to make my drain holder for showering. 

My surgery is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ....that means a long fast...any tips to get through Wed morning before I get to the hospital check in? I go over the edge & feel like throwing up when I'm super hunger. I plan on showering, brushing teeth and rinsing my mouth out a lot w/ water. 

Thank you forum ladies, you all have been such incredible and understanding support through this whole journey.  Love, Jill

Jill47 I always stay awake so I can eat something at the last possible minute. Going from dinner the night before to noon is too long. Try and eat at 11:30 pm, something with a good mix of carbs, fat and protein.



I get horrible migraines if I don't eat. After my revisions I thought I would die, not from the surgery but from the horrible headache.



Good luck!



Grier...I'm sooooo excited for you my sister in discomfort....let us know as soon as you can how it goes tomorrow.