Tissue Expander after right mastectomy and rib tenderness

People vary in their pain tolerance and their healing times after surgery.  A month out, the pain should be lessening.  If the pain is worse that it was a week or two ago, then call the doctor and let him or her know right away.  If you are still having pain, but it is getting better, then you can probably wait until the 12th to discuss it with your doctor.

The pain you are experiencing is probably related to positioning and the fact that this silicone expander was shoved under your muscle wall.  It should lessen over time, but as the expanders fill, they may cause some pain.  Half way through my fills I started having intense pain in my side due to a fractured rib.  I also had a lot of pain in my should blade area from the pressure.  Once the expanders were replaced with implants, I felt much better.  My implants are silicone filled, I don't recall being given a real choice.  We discussed options but he recommended these.  I'm really very happy with them.  I think the silicone helps to give it a bit more of a natural feel.

I hope all goes well with your fills!

Good luck!

Angi

OUCH ~ You just brought back some bad memories for me from 5 years ago!  Yes, I and many of my then newly-acquainted friends in my support group experienced and complained about how it felt as though the expander was digging into or was underneath the rib.  You aren't abnormal...if that helps any.  Hang in, I promise you it will get better and soon be just a memory.  Anything you go through now will bring good things for your future.  It really doesn't take long to be able to make jokes and laugh about what might have been horrible pains, embarrassing situations or even the fears all of us had and have.  Wish I didn't have to say this to you.....but.....Welcome to a great group of women!!!  Be proud of yourself for what you have been through and walk with those breasts high!!!