Hi Bonnie,
I responded to you a long time ago and wondering if you have had any progress on getting a group together? I had a miserable tram flap surgery in 2007 and it has truly robbed me of the quality of a normal life also so would certainly join your voice to be heard. I did find an amazing hernia surgeon in SD together with a plastic surgeon that was able to repair the hernia bulge to a certain degree which has been a great imorovement but the digestion issues, back issues and lower abs pulling are still ongoing from the tram flap.
I wish I had researched more before having the TF surgery. The reason I did it was because I decided not to have an implant. Using my own flesh was a dream that turned into a nightmare. Necrosis of my new breast led me right back into the surgical room the following morning. Then my naval area took forever to heal it's open wound. People in my life know that this is not the way to go for reconstruction. Keep it simple, as much as possible. I am about to have my implant changed out and the nipple moved up, in line with my natural breast, and am looking forward to that. As far as the abdomen goes, there is pain occasionally when my waist band hits a certain area or bending over it feels like something is pinching. Good luck to all of you and God bless and keep you. I have found a wonderful plastic surgeon in Twin Falls. He is such a good person and very professional in all he does. I've been fortunate to find him.
I had a bilateral tram flap 9-21-06 and am still dealing with issues. Worst decision I ever made.
Hi - I'm in the same boat as everyone else here. I'd really welcome a private group too, to be able to discuss this!!! Please email me!
I have a large Prolene mesh insert in to replace the TRAM muscle and its giving me a lot of pain and caused loss of sensation to my bladder and bowel.
I have searched for so long for women like me who have had problems with bulge in the site of tram flap, this is a nightmare that never ends, my loved ones, my friends don't understand, you know they just look at me and think you look fine so you must be fine. The doctors have been of no help, I have been living with this for 6 years, it wears you down and so now I just in silence.............
Where do you live? I would move past the primary physician quickly and start by digging for names of top notch Breast surgeons in your area. I am a 20 year survivor and my original doctor'were both out of Emory. 20 years later I have developed sharp pains in the reconstructed Breast. As for your back pain I would get into apparatus Pilates twice a week. I had been a dancer and opened a Pilates studio after this knowing I would likely head for trouble with my spine becuase of the tram flap. And will now have spinal surgery. But because I spent years ame recreated an incredibly strong core my doctors are surprised that I can get off a table without assistance which I know is Pilates just as I know where I am now at 20 years later would have happened 10 years earlier without the consistent "physical therapy" I engaged in to rehabilitate the loss of the transverse muscle,(tummy muscle used for the reconstruction. I can't believe it but 20'years,later I have developed Breast pain and no longer viable (without surgical intervention,) serious back problems. But I immediately began to address this right out of surgery becuase of my knowledge of core musculature and it's role in the back. I know I gave myself a lot of extra years before needing surgery as back doctors comment on, but it was never discussed in the cancer context. Get really committed to long term core training and try moving on to different surgeons who might stand a fighting chance of helping you unlike what your GP cannot do good hearted and well intentioned they may be. But they can often be very helpful in opening doors. Try asking around within support group and forums for names within your area. I went to Emory and had the Chief of Plastic surgery do my recon but there were several complications even then.
Has anyone who posted here had a mesh implanted when they did their Tram Flap? There is a huge recall on surgical mesh products and it is possible that this may be the cause of all the symptoms and pain...
Did you investigate if the mesh was part of the problem? There has been a large recall on surgical mesh. My mother is having the same issues. We are currently looking into the possibility of the mesh being the culprit.
Yes...my mesh is infected. However, all the mesh recalls I have found have been for vaginal mesh. I have also talked to 3 lawyers of which none would take the case.
was your mesh one of the brand products that was recalled? What state are you in?
Rose, I can be reached I am over a year out from corrective surgery and hernia repair is good. I can answer any questions you have. Sorry for delay. :) Beth
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I had a massive abdominal hernia from TRAM Flap. I had corrective surgery 15 months ago and my hernia has not reoccurred. Doctors I went to on Long Island have developed a technique that works! Contact me, I can answer any questions you have.
Hi Bonnie, I just watched your news story and was hoping to be able to reach you and your friend, Taylor, if possible because I'm in a similar boat, 4 years out. Would you please drop me a note if you have a moment?
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I have been 5 years post tram flap - and if I had to do it all over again I would not have had any type of reconstive surgery. I was not a candidate for implant so that was not an option.
I am experiencing the swelling, tightness and pain across the breasts and abdomen and the heaviness in the abdomen and breasts.
I have tried pain management and have not had any type of relief - I am not one to take narcotics and neurontin did nothing. I went to general surgeons and plastic surgeons at very reputable medical facilities - to be told that you just have to live with it.
I feel like I beat cancer and lost my life. Reading through this blog I hear all of the pain and symptons that I have had and now feel like I am not imagining these things.
Does anyone know of any treatment modality being done any where?
I may be considering a malpractice suit - but know it will be difficult to prove anything.
I do go to a lymphedema therapist monthly and get a little bit of relief. I have worked with a personal trainer - now doing exercises at home - but nothing gets rid of the pain! When I have a day when I can rate my pain as a 3 out of 10 consider it to be a pain free day.