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Suggest Remedies For Pain In Breast After Silicon Implant Placement
Question: Hi
I have a question regarding implant (silicone) pain post mastectomy 5 years- possible costochondritis or capsular contraction.
History is complicated—
First diagnosed breast cancer in 2000; 3cm Trip Neg, no nodes. Lumpectomy, radiation, chemo (A/Cx4)
2008- New primary in same breast discovered. 1 cm, TN, again no nodes. Mast with immediate recon with silicon implant, nipple sparing. Chemo. (CMF x 4)
2011- Mammogram on remaining breast discovers calcification. DCIS , 1 inch area, TN, no invasion. Second mast, immediate recon, silicon implant, nipple sparing. No chemo
2012-Infection in left recon requires re-do
I have been, as you can see, very lucky. All cases were caught early and despite many fears, there has been no evidence of metastasis. I see my oncologist and breast surgeon, alternating every 6 mo.
I am writing as I am experiencing a second bout of pain in my right implant. Out of nowhere, with no catalyst that I can figure out (possible stretching and light weight lifting?), my right implant feels tight, raised on the chest, sometimes aches or itches. I feel like I’m walking around with a tight uncomfortable orange on my chest.
This occurred almost 6 mo ago as well. Panicked about a reoccurrence, I made the rounds to onc and breast surgeon. Both felt it was unlikely—triple neg usually metastasizes with 2-3 years and bone scan a year ago was clear, as was lung xray. No lung symptoms. The implant is nearly 5 years old and there is a fair amount of scar tissue as there were 3 surgeries on this side. Postulated was costrocondritis and post mast changes. It was felt that capsular contraction was mild. I never really did receive a satisfactory answer. After about 3 weeks of discomfort and worry, it did resolve.
My question is--- What can I do in the way of self care? I’m really uncomfortable and it stokes a great deal of worry (I admit to a certain amount of post BCx3 PTSD and see a therapist.) I’m also hesitant to experiment with drugs. I did try a half Vicodin on a particularly uncomfortable night and admit it helped, but do not wish to get into that habit. NSAids? Massage? Heat? Ice?
And—any guess as to why this occurs?
I have a question regarding implant (silicone) pain post mastectomy 5 years- possible costochondritis or capsular contraction.
History is complicated—
First diagnosed breast cancer in 2000; 3cm Trip Neg, no nodes. Lumpectomy, radiation, chemo (A/Cx4)
2008- New primary in same breast discovered. 1 cm, TN, again no nodes. Mast with immediate recon with silicon implant, nipple sparing. Chemo. (CMF x 4)
2011- Mammogram on remaining breast discovers calcification. DCIS , 1 inch area, TN, no invasion. Second mast, immediate recon, silicon implant, nipple sparing. No chemo
2012-Infection in left recon requires re-do
I have been, as you can see, very lucky. All cases were caught early and despite many fears, there has been no evidence of metastasis. I see my oncologist and breast surgeon, alternating every 6 mo.
I am writing as I am experiencing a second bout of pain in my right implant. Out of nowhere, with no catalyst that I can figure out (possible stretching and light weight lifting?), my right implant feels tight, raised on the chest, sometimes aches or itches. I feel like I’m walking around with a tight uncomfortable orange on my chest.
This occurred almost 6 mo ago as well. Panicked about a reoccurrence, I made the rounds to onc and breast surgeon. Both felt it was unlikely—triple neg usually metastasizes with 2-3 years and bone scan a year ago was clear, as was lung xray. No lung symptoms. The implant is nearly 5 years old and there is a fair amount of scar tissue as there were 3 surgeries on this side. Postulated was costrocondritis and post mast changes. It was felt that capsular contraction was mild. I never really did receive a satisfactory answer. After about 3 weeks of discomfort and worry, it did resolve.
My question is--- What can I do in the way of self care? I’m really uncomfortable and it stokes a great deal of worry (I admit to a certain amount of post BCx3 PTSD and see a therapist.) I’m also hesitant to experiment with drugs. I did try a half Vicodin on a particularly uncomfortable night and admit it helped, but do not wish to get into that habit. NSAids? Massage? Heat? Ice?
And—any guess as to why this occurs?
Brief Answer:
as explained in details.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
Read the history fully and understood your concerns.
To answer your questions:
What can I do in the way of self care? I’m really uncomfortable and it stokes a great deal of worry (I admit to a certain amount of post BCx3 PTSD and see a therapist.)
> You can do the following:
First of all compose yourself into a confidence that you were lucky every time and that there is no recurrence. PTSD is a problem that is very difficult to control and has its own complications and sequel. I sure you are dong your best, but since you require a therapy, it shows that it may be a part of the symptom complex and needs intensive management.
I would advise you to try the alternative therapy like acupressure or puncture or yoga and such Naturotherpy which can help you to come out of the PTSD.
This can cause costochondritis or fibromyalgia of the underlying muscles with resultant edema and swelling resulting in the feeling of right implant feels tight, raised on the chest, sometimes aches or itches. You feel like you are walking around with a tight uncomfortable orange on your chest.
Certainly there will be a lots of fibrosis and adds to the problem.
Since all your tests and consultation with the Doctors are fine, there is nothing much to worry about.
I’m also hesitant to experiment with drugs. I did try a half Vicodin on a particularly uncomfortable night and admit it helped, but do not wish to get into that habit. NSAIDs? Massage? Heat? Ice?
I can understand your situation the sight of medicines getting one into say-no-to phenomenon. This happens with almost all the patients and is very natural.
Since the problem looks as discussed above, a proper management on the lines of costochondritis and fibromyalgia would help you.
Massage may in fact increase the problems.
Heat is only for a temporary relief and soothing, but you can certainly talk to the Physiotherapist after consulting with your Doctors and proper exercises, breast support would help you a lot.
Ice would not help at all.
Proper medication under the guidance of your Doctors as and when necessary would help you.
And—any guess as to why this occurs? > As explained above.
I hope, this answers your query, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
as explained in details.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
Read the history fully and understood your concerns.
To answer your questions:
What can I do in the way of self care? I’m really uncomfortable and it stokes a great deal of worry (I admit to a certain amount of post BCx3 PTSD and see a therapist.)
> You can do the following:
First of all compose yourself into a confidence that you were lucky every time and that there is no recurrence. PTSD is a problem that is very difficult to control and has its own complications and sequel. I sure you are dong your best, but since you require a therapy, it shows that it may be a part of the symptom complex and needs intensive management.
I would advise you to try the alternative therapy like acupressure or puncture or yoga and such Naturotherpy which can help you to come out of the PTSD.
This can cause costochondritis or fibromyalgia of the underlying muscles with resultant edema and swelling resulting in the feeling of right implant feels tight, raised on the chest, sometimes aches or itches. You feel like you are walking around with a tight uncomfortable orange on your chest.
Certainly there will be a lots of fibrosis and adds to the problem.
Since all your tests and consultation with the Doctors are fine, there is nothing much to worry about.
I’m also hesitant to experiment with drugs. I did try a half Vicodin on a particularly uncomfortable night and admit it helped, but do not wish to get into that habit. NSAIDs? Massage? Heat? Ice?
I can understand your situation the sight of medicines getting one into say-no-to phenomenon. This happens with almost all the patients and is very natural.
Since the problem looks as discussed above, a proper management on the lines of costochondritis and fibromyalgia would help you.
Massage may in fact increase the problems.
Heat is only for a temporary relief and soothing, but you can certainly talk to the Physiotherapist after consulting with your Doctors and proper exercises, breast support would help you a lot.
Ice would not help at all.
Proper medication under the guidance of your Doctors as and when necessary would help you.
And—any guess as to why this occurs? > As explained above.
I hope, this answers your query, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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