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tightness across chest - double mastectomy 6 mos ago

I had bilateral mastectomies with SNB 6 months ago. No reconstruction was done, surgery was not skin sparing. I have healed well and have full range of motion in both arms, no lymphadema. However, from the start I have felt a very tight sensation beneath the scars as if a thick wire were threaded armpit to armpit (save the 1 inch between incisions) that is worse in cold weather but always present to a distracting degree. I have done the doorway stretches daily to no avail and sometimes a swelling under the skin develops. My surgeon says this may be an unresolved seroma but he cannot tap off fluid. I think the scar tissue is the problem. Is there anyway to resolve this very uncomfortable feeling? Would another surgery, even reconstruction, be helpful?
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Avatar universal
I have to say the sensation I had after bilaterals was akin to the metal straps around a wine barrel being tightened at times.
I am 4yrs. 3 mo. out and while not suffering any pain per say, I do still experience the tightening feeling as I do work out and play racquetball alot.
I was with my friend today at her radiation treatment and the radiologist (we've become very chatty in the past 3 weeks) saw me stretching my arms and asked me if something was wrong.  I had played 3 games of racquetball this morning and was feeling the tightness, so I stretch. I told him about what I feel and he said it probably indeed is scar tissue and adhesions. We talked about the fact that I had lost my implants to infection not long after the surgery and that I had chosen NOT to have reconstruction again.
As long as it is NOT painful, he said I'm OK with activity and stretching etc.
Not much info, testimonials etc. about this kind of stuff out there is there?
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Carme
Helpful - 0
25201 tn?1255580836
Scar tissue can be removed if it becomes a serious problem but 6 months isn't very long. Have you tried massage as well as the stretching exercises you mentioned? Perhaps a Physical Therapist might suggest a specific exercise that might help your discomfort.
Helpful - 0
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