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Pain in abd

I have had pain in my abd, about two years after my tram flap.  I have right side pain right by my ribs.  Then in my lower left side.  I have a very tight stretch feeling across my abd.  I have had gallbladder ultrasound, liver and pancreas.  I've had CT scan.  A few Colonoscopies.  I am full of poop and make methane gas.  I have lost the muscle to go to the bathroom.  I have tried every laxative on the market to help go.  I feel such pain.  Especially after I eat.  I have gained 40 pounds.  Try dieting.  But the food makes me more gassy and nauseous.  Exercise helps move things.  I take a daily duculax and if I feel really blocked up I can take 3 or 4 tablets to help.    I am very exhausted from the pain.  I gave up three years ago on my Gastrologist.  But after another bout I called her and asked what other tram flap pt experiencing problems.  I feel so twisted.  I really need help.  The pain is like a 4.  But waking and sleeping every day with a 4 is getting old.  I really want to feel normal again.  I really regret having the tram flap.  I would of preferred not having a breast at all.  Does any one have any suggestions.  I am having a new CT tomorrow.  Thanks



This discussion is related to Mastectomy and Tram Flap.
3 Responses
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587083 tn?1327120262
Hi,
Even though you don’t have a breast problem; I really wish I had something to say that would help take away your pain. I hope they find a cure for whatever ails you. It's so hard suffering so much and I can just imagine how terrible this is for you!
I am here to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers….
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
1st I am not a breast cancer patient but have Stage 4 Melanoma. I had a pedicled tram flap to repair a very large open wound in lt groin in 2011 from lymph node dissection in lt groin that got infected and split open.Not long after the flap I developed a huge bulge in rt abd along with muscle spasms in rt abd where the rectus muscle had been. I had a vertical incision instead of bikini incision due to not having enough fat to close incision in lower abd. I have had 3 more major surgeries for hernias, removal of synthetic mesh that hardened to stone and tore my abd wall in many places which required extensive repair. Mesh replaced with biological type with less problems but not as strong so 2 more hernia surgeries plus last surgery removal of extensive scar tissue on bowel.. Bulges always reoccur shortly after surgery. These are the problems I have had since flap surgery and problems not solved or reoccur within weeks of surgery- severe muscle spasms rt abd every time I move arms or legs(can't even fold laundry), rt rib pain, very distended abd, severe constipation even with 6-8 Senekot S, a day, unable to eat very little due to feeling full after a few bites leading to weight loss,, abd pain esp in rt lower abd, pressure on bladder as soon as I stand which disappears after a few minutes, increased lower abd pain when I lay down when constipated and even worse for 2 days after having bowel movement, feeling of intense pressure in abd, sometimes have feeling of shirts being real tight when they are just touching my abd and not tight at all. I decided to make visit to GI Dr due to severe constipation and indigestion despite being on Nexium and Zantac. He started me on Linzess a new drug to treat chronic constipation which is not working very well. I had an endoscopy due to trouble swallowing since radiation to neck and there was a stricture but also found food present from dinner eaten 14 hrs before and he said nothing is moving. He thinks there is definitely a connection to all my Abd problems and Tram Flap. I had a in office abd ultrasound(not read by radiologist) at pain management dr and he found areas that he said were not normal but didn't know what was wrong so we are starting with proper ultrasound first. I was diagnosed Stage 4 in 2012 and am lucky to be here since new drugs were approved. These were the 1st new drugs approved in 20 years for Melanoma and the previous one had a success rate of 6% and was offered to only Stage 3. Once you were Stage 4 you had 6-9 months to live. I want to feel grateful to be alive but it is hard when you can't do anything. I went to the store a few weeks ago for the 1st time in 6 months and ended up sitting on the floor from abd pain. I abandoned my cart and left and cried all the way home. Sorry long post from a non breast cancer patient and can't even wear bra and I have a boob in my lt groin. It would have been a great breast!
Helpful - 0
587083 tn?1327120262
Hi,
Am so sorry you are still experiencing pain due to Tram flap breast reconstruction. Believe me you are not alone…. I read many posts from women, who have had this type of surgery,  having similar problems. If your Doctors cannot explain or find a solution, you could ask him/her to refer you to a pain clinic doctor.. There are many treatments for pain available out there that could help alleviate your discomfort.
Please click on the link below .You’ll find lots of information from other women who have also experienced pain and discomfort due to Tram Flap surgery. I hope someone found a solution that could be helpful to you.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/search/54?utf8=%26%23x2713%3B&query=tram+flap+reconstruction

I wish you well..
Helpful - 0
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