Mastectomy...

[Sallzanne]

Posting for traffic but kind of an AIBU.

I had a matectomy and TRAM flap recon 3 years ago. Limited strength in my stomach but otherwise v fit.
Experiencing back problems (pain and tightness in chest and back due to surgery) and general (unnoticeable to others) mobility issues. Does anyone have any experience of this and if anything can be done? Did it ever eventually go away? Nurse and oncologist unhelpful and cannot recommend anything.

I do pilates and am quite friendly with one of the teachers. He knows my history and he has been helpful. We meet occasionally for drinks after sessions and i wonder if it is appropriate to ask for advice about muscle strengthening? Appreciate that it is quite a gross topic. I get good results from pilates. Difficult to seek help as there arent many avenues (went to a physio and left in a worse state than before). I wonder if anyone has any experience?

Thanks

Sallzanne I have direct experience of exactly this problem within my immediate family. It took a few years to find her the answer which came from the 4th or 5th physiotherapist who finally designed a set of exercises specifically for the muscles which are left in the abdomen (the sides) and the back (and pelvis). I will try and find out more details and come back and post.

I should preface this with the fact you must go through everything listed with your GP or a registered physiotherapist first - not attempting anything without their checking its okay for your health and showing you the right way to do these. However these were designed specifically for women who have had the same surgery as you.

www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk = the pelvic floor exercise page.

then shoulder rolls, pelvic tilts, arm punches (from sitting) and posture work - seated and standing.

If you take this above list to a physio they should be able to show you exactly how to do the exercises safely and comfortably.

Honestly they have changed my relative's life completely. The flap op rendered her almost immobile (She could never stand for more than 10 mins without pain and swelling for the rest of the day) and now she can do several 20 mins walks per day and is much stronger and mostly without pain.

Thanks fizzy. Really kind of you.

My situation isnt as bad as your relatives, glad she is starting to feel better. Thanks for the advice. My nurse actually said to do pilates and ask for specif advice, but the reality of asking is different as its not your average problem (eg not the same as asking someone about a dodgy knee or something), v conscious of the fact that it isnt v pleasant for ppl to hear about,

MN - would it be possible to get this moved? Perhaps others will have advice for seeking help and wording requests for help.

Thx

Hi there OP. No problem. We'll move this thread over to General Health in a moment.