Do tissue expanders become more painful with each fill? I had my third fill last Monday and this has been the most painful one yet? I had the same amount of saline put in as always. I'm just wondering if I'm getting close to the max on my expansion.
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
I haven't had mine filled yet, about another week before we start but my oncologist told me yesterday that when we do start to make sure I have some pain pills either from my surgeon or them, but that each time it would be a little more painful but that it should only last a day or two -
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Oh Laura, I didn't have any reconstruction but have heard the expanders are just plain painful. It stands to reason, the more they are expanded, the more they hurt. You will soon be done with that and have a new "ta-ta" (or ta-ta's). I'd call the office and see if you can get some additional pain medication. Take care, Sharon -
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anonymous
Survivor since 2011
I have not had my expander filled (it's the same size as the remaining healthy breast so it has stayed the same) but I have heard that it does hurt to have it filled. I can imagine it would hurt more and more! remember, the expander is now behind muscle so it's stretching farther with each fill. Good luck! I hope the end result is worth the pain (for me too!). -
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anonymous
Stage 2B Patient
The expanders were painful for me for the middle few fills. Let them know it hurts, they may out less in, or I think I did either hot or cold compresses, but it does get better! -
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anonymous
Stage 3C Patient
Hi Laura. Mine hurt for a couple of days after each fill, but then it would settle down. The last fill that I had (the final fill) was the most painful, partly because they put in 50cc more than usual, and partly because it was the last one and thus stretching the muscles more. If you have more fills to go, you might ask them to put in less next time. Also recommend you do stretching exercises a couple of times a day (with doctor's OK). Here's a couple of websites to check out: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/MoreInformation/exercises-after-breast-surgery http://breastcancer.about.com/od/lifeaftertreatment/ss/arm_exercises_tutorial.htm -
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
A muscle relaxant works better than a pain pill. Most of the pain stems from your pec muscle being stretched and trying to contract back into place. A muscle relaxer calms the muscle down and allows it to stretch with a little less pain. I used Valium. Couldn't have made it without them. -
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I'm on my third fill and it has gotten a lot worse. Having major muscle spasms.. Muscle relaxers are the only thing that help me! These are a pain but I'm sure it will be worth it! -
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Yes they do become a little more painful as you go along but I do agree with Terri, the middle ones were a bit more uncomfortable. in a few days I will be having the expanders I have in now removed and replaced with much bigger ones. My doctor said he will do immediate expansion while I am still asleep. He said he will expand them until just before my skin starts to split, he also said I will be in a lot of pain. I have to have it done this way because I have built up a lot of thick scare tissue with the ones I have in now and he wants to get them expanded before it starts to build up again. I hope he get them filled at the time so I won't have to have anymore fill ups. -
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I had my 3rd expansion last Friday and I am in such terrible pain. I appreciate all of your comments. I will be asking for muscle relaxers today! I hope you all are doing well! Thanks again for your input.
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anonymous
Stage 3C Patient
Good luck with that - I hope the pain is manageable and subsides quickly.
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I'm on my 3rd fill and have started having muscle spasms. Muscle relaxers are the only thing that has helped me.