Tram flap complications (ongoing)

I had TRAM Flap surgery in August of 2012. By late September, I had developed a huge abdominal bulge. Many doctors told me it was so large it couldn't be fixed. Luckily, I found Dr. Ron Israeli & Dr. George DeNoto who have developed a technique for repairing abdominal bulges and complications from TRAM Flap. I can give you their contact information if you contact me by email. They are the only ones in the states who perform this technique.

Hi Beth,

Thank you for responding. Did you have a hernia? I think I may have lymphodemia from the surgery. I would like to have the info on these physicians. I am in NY, where are they? 

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Martha

I have had my buldge since the beginning. they tell me its not a hernia after a ct scan. they suggest doing nothing because I could be in worse pain and develop infection. I cant even wear regular pants, and im in pain all the time. If you read this, i would be interested in the contact info.  i live in pa. Thank you

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Martha I live in North Jersey and can highly recommend a few surgeons for you.

what does that mean

Hi all,
I too am still in lots of pain and have many problems related to my tram flap procedure surgery back in 2003. I have written several times over the years about all my stomach issues, to no avail. I am now 70 yrs old and my stomach is huge, I can hardly walk, can't lose any weight due to ongoing thyroid issues (can't get the meds regulated properly), I have had one of the parathyroid glands removed due to overproduction of calcium (that took 2 yrs to diagnose and fix). I have this bulge in my stomach and visited plastic surgeons, gastro doctors, a hernia doctor at the University of Miami (who said if they put mesh in there to hold in the week stomach muscles I will have more pain from the mesh and the scar tissue). I cannot exercise or hardly walk - can't walk around the block, can't bend over or down without regurgitating, have constant stomach issues, gas pains that are excruiating, have either blockages or diahrrea depending on whether I take magnesium and have a bowel movement about 5 times a day or not at all. I have severe headaches, neck pain and back pain. I have had two stents inserted and an angio and am monitored by a cardiologist but still am tired. I have dizziness and am going to an ENT who will be testing me for positional vertigo or fluid in the ears. I have no energy, take vitamins and eat very healthy but I am so tired. I cannot lose weight yet I drink lots of water with lemon, no caffiene, very little sugar, no pasta, no rice, no bread. I eat veggies and fruit, very little meat. I sleep 8-10 hrs at night and nap during the day. I cannot work or hardly clean my house. I have all these ideas in my head of what to do but no energy to do them. I cannot bend over easily and have lots of stomach pain and look terrible in my clothes and a bathing suit. I am sad and depressed because I go to so many doctors and yet no one can help me. My gastro doctor and my endrocrinologist have both discharged me, they cannot fix my problems. I don't know where to go and how to get any help or fixes to the things that are causing me distress. Can anyone help? I called a lawyer about a class action case but they tell me the tram flap procedure was considered the best at the time and the dr. didn't do anything wrong - but that that procedure isn't done anymore like I had. I recently enrolled in a research study for women who had cancer and still has underlying problems as a result. They will use my tissue samples for research and hopefully, if this will prevent one other woman to not have to suffer with these problems, it will be successful in my mind. I had breast cancer two times and both times chemo. I am thinking about sending all my records somewhere to be reviewed but still not convinced anyone can find an answer as my oncologist is trying very hard to help but so far no luck. Any other suggestions from anyone? thanks Sharob

Beth, please forward me your doctors information. I have been suffering since 2003 with all the stomach issues and more. I am presently in a cancer research study group to see if they can related any of my residual health issues to the cancer, I would appreciate all info you can give me. thanks, Sharon. You can write me at: manashar11 at the big Y in the sky.

Mine is over 10 years and I lI've in constant pain bloating, extreme tightness in my abdomen. All I can say had I known never would have done it.

Can I email you?

Karen, I am a 17-1/2 year suvivor. I have had no problems with my tram flap. The issues I have are: IBS, major muscle spasms, hard time finding a bra and if I start having muscle spasms in my upper back- remove the bra, Itching in the stomache and not able to get that itch stopped unless I use Blue Emu, it can be found at CVS, Riteaid or Walmart. It doesn't smell or burn. It's like putting lotion on. I also started using it when I have muscle spasms in my stomache and a heating pad, which I still experince often. I didn't realize the issue of my stomache swelling or bloating until I read some others. I'm now going to Physical Therapy due to weak lower back. From reading more and more post I find I'm normal with my issues from having a tram flap. I do have feeling in my breast that I had a mastectomy on with the tram flap. I don't know what is worst the needle to numb my breast for the tattoo on the nipple or the tattooing it self. My last tattoo touch up I found my so called nipple area started bleeding. The doctor I have did explain that to have your tattoos touched up, that it won't last like the 1st time, due to scar tissue. Hope all is well you now.

Christy

I am not happy for your pain and suffering. However I am happy to have acknowledgement of what I am going throughout.I had tram flap surgery in 2001.For the last two years I have been exexperiencing many issues. Such as tightness in the middle of my breastbone leading in to my right breast. Sometimes so tight its painful. A squeezing feelingng in addition to a swollen stomach appearing out of no where. My stomach now protrudes and I can't breath when my in down. I am in so much discomfort day and night with no one to turn ti

Hi Bonnie, 

I've been trying to sign up for this site so that I could hopefully reply to you directly but for some reason I don't seem to be able to.  If misery loves company, please know that you're not alone!!!   I too have very similar complications.  Have you found any further, more recent networking areas?  

I have most of these same issues after Tram Flap Reconstruction in 2007.  Quality of life...Gone!!  Bloating, pain, limited mobility, loss of initmacy, limited physical flexibility, ignored by most Docters, hernias and severe loss of stability! Several falls and surgeries since loss of core!  I got the same song and dance of getting "natural" breast and tummy tuck at the same time.  Navel totally out of place, can't wear any pants or skirts since "no waist" and they roll to scar level!  Have contemplated suicide many times when pain is most extreme!  Total loss of  self confidence, ability to work and have become hermit because of self image issues.  Husband has stayed and been good, but no physical relationship possible.

So believe many of the complications are from the mesh implant! Why is this mesh not being pursued for damages similarly to Transvaginal mesh implants.  I really believe this is class action lawsuit matter.  

Please send me the drs info

Dr. Kevin Hagen at Vanderbilt University in Nashville TN.