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Expander Pain

JaneA1972
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Hi

I had nipple and skin mastectomy with expander 8 days ago. I have been ok keeping on top of the pain, have been doing the exercises and I'm mobile. I still have a drain and had my dressings removed on Tuesday.

 

Since yesterday afternoon my breast has been really painful, to touch and when I move. The pain is from between breasts up the whole inside and seems to be where the expander is as I can feel it under the skin. I get occasional sharp pains in my nipple too.

I don't feel like I've been overdoing things but yesterday morning I removed my post surgery bra for the first time to have a shower. I bent over (mistake) to pick something up and felt my breast 'flap' move, twice.

I wonder if this could be the cause?

I called the ward this morning with drainage amount and mentioned the pain but was told to keep taking pain killers and see how it goes. 
Has anyone experienced this?

Thanks

Jane x

 

 

  • Dear Jane,

    Thank you for your post.

    I can see that you are worried about your breast following a mastectomy and reconstruction. I am afraid that it is very difficult to give you advice about the pain and feeling that the flap has moved here so you did the right thing in talking with the ward nurses/doctors and they have given you advice. If they were concerned they would have asked to see you.

    You may get some advice from other women who have experienced this here or if you post in another area (look to left of the screen) about this.  However, everybody's experience is unique to them and may not relate to your situation. So the best thing to do, if after taking the advice of the ward and you are still worried, is to go back and let them know.

    If your wound area gets very sore and red, you may but not necessarily also get a high temperature, this could be a sign of infection. So if you are concerned that you might have one do call the ward or call NHS 111 and let them know.

    Another charity called Breast Cancer Now has some information you might want to read, click here   to see it.

    You will also have a follow up appointment soon, so you will be checked over then.

    I hope you have people around you that can support and help you.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline

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