STOMACH MUSCLE AFTER TRAMP FLAP

[PIPEFITTER]

I HAD  A TOTAL MASTECTOMY IN MAY OF 06 AFTER SEVERAL TIMES GOING IN TO REMOVE TISSUE ETC. I DID HAVE A TRAMP FLAP ALL WENT WELL CAME OUT GREAT JUST FEB. O7 HAD THE NIPPLE PUT ON GREAT!!! BUT, I COMPLAIN TO MY DR ABOUT MY STOMACH THE MUSCLE.  HE DID TRY TO FIX IT WHEN HE DID THE NIPPLE SURGERY BUT HE SAID THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO CUT A MUCH BIGGER INCESTION TO GET TO  THE MUSCLE! NOW THIS WEEK I'M STARTING PT TO SEE IF WE CAN PULL AND STRENGHEN  THE MUSCLE. IT IS NOT PAINFUL BUT, I KNOW IT'S THERE WHEN I LAY DOWN, WALK,IT FEELS LIKE A  BALL IN THERE!!  IT FEELS WEIRED HAS ANYBODY HAD THIS PROBLEM???? IT RUNS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY BREAST TO TUMMY AREA  THANKYOU SO MUCH!

[alessi]

I had single mast. in Feb with tram flap and am having similar problem with muscle.  I am going back in on 5/31 to reduce size of reconstructed breast.
PS says he will stitch muscle so it does not protrude.  It is not that uncomfortable but it does bulge somewhat.

[mona55]

I too had a radical mastectomey and the tram flap done in 2000. I have had my stomach operated on 4 times since then to repair a hernia, and the bulge that sticks out on my left side. I have 3 pieces of mesh and 1 piece of cadavor skin in there and it still is sticking way out. I work out 3 or 4 times a week , sit ups , crunches etc, nothing has helped.

I have had 3 different plastic surgeons try to fix this mess. The first one told me the tram was the best way to go because I would get a really great tummy tuck.

Well anyone out there thinking of doing the tram flap think twice before you do it. I regret every day for doing it.  

[kathy7]

I had my left breast removed and underwent chemo and radiation, then 7 months later I had a transflap done.  Now it has been 6 months and the surgeon did not use mess as I closed up nicely, however, when I am moving around my stomach seems to buldge and it is like I have fluid in there.  When I lay down the stomack is flat,   I thought I would have a flat stomack after this but I am still having these discomforts.  I am still wearing the binding as when I take it off my lower back hurts and my somack acks like musle problems.

Anyone can help???

[JulieP1953]

I had a tram flap surgery after a right side masectomy in 2002. I too have a bulge on my lower left side. I had a hernia repair there in 2006. More mesh was added. It is uncomfortable at times but I am happy with my choice & my surgeon. I was not told that there would be a bulge but I have learned to live with it. Anyone considering a tram flap surgery should question the doctor thoroughly before opting for this type of surgery. Find out how many of this type of surgery they have done. Ask if there is anyone that has had this surgery by this surgeon to get their opinion. It is a very painful surgery & there are benefits as well as drawbacks as you have read in the prevous comments. Since I have had this surgery & living with the results for several years it has taken time for me to adjust to the change physically & mentally. Excersise is a good option-I like yoga. I am grateful to my doctors for helping me to make the choices I have made.