Breathing problems after breast reconstruction

[Kayryan]

I had a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction 14 months ago and now I have developed problems with breathing.  I was in great physical shape before the operation and did a lot of hiking, now I have trouble breathing doing simple housework chores.  Walking up hills is almost impossible without gasping for air.  

I went to the surgeon that did the11 hr. operation and he didn't think it would make any difference but he did say that things got "moved around a bit".  Two months ago I went to a walk in clinic on Boxing Day and the GP told me I had had an asthma attack and gave me a puffer, which seemed to help in a few days.  Do you think this operation has impaired my breathing?  And if so what can I do about it?

I also had a lot of problems healing (bandages came off the breast 6 mos later and stomach 9 mos later) and I still have a small hole in the stomach.  I also have a large lump in one breast and my stomach is so hard I can't wear the same pants that I use to wear although I haven't gained any weight, plus I can't wear pants with a zipper in them.  Needless to say I am not too happy with the operation but especially the breathing problems.

[japdip]

Hi, I'm so glad you got an opinion about the breathing problem. I was pretty sure that it wasn't related to the surgery but as the Dr. said it could possibly be related to the Cancer but of course we hope and pray NOT! I hope you find that you get some relief using the inhaler and that you receive a definite diagnosis and treatment for whatever it is determined to be.  Thanks so much for the update and please let us know the end result .... Take care

[Kayryan]

I saw the lung specialist yesterday and he says he doesn't think my breathing problems have anything to do with my operation.  He thinks it is allergies.

He has sent me for a CAT scan and breathing tests to be sure there is nothing serious going on as he says once you have had cancer you have to check out everything.

He gave me an inhaler to be used four times a day and one to be used prior to exercising.

Thanks everyone for your concerns and comments.

[SueYoung55]

I'm so sorry you're having the issues with your reconstruction 14 months out. I hope you get assistance quickly with the breathing difficulties.

[japdip]

That's great ... hope you won't have to wait too long for your appointment. If you get one that seems a rather long wait you might tell the office staff that you would be available at any time if they have a cancellation. We'll be waiting to hear the outcome and in the mean time I wish you well.  Take care .....

[Kayryan]

Muscle sparring Tram Flap.  No radiation.

[Kayryan]

I got a referral yesterday just waiting now for the apt.

[SueYoung55]

What type of breast reconstruction? Tram flap? Lat flap? Expanders? DIEP? Immediate implants? Also, did you have radiation and if so, before or after reconstruction?

[Kayryan]

Breast reconstruction after my double mastectomy

[Kayryan]

Thank you for your reply and I will make an apt once again with a GP to get a referral to the lung specialist.

[SueYoung55]

Hi Kay,
What type of reconstruction did you have?

[japdip]

First of all let me say that it isn't unusual to have various complications following reconstructive breast surgery. It is an unfortunate fact.
Since muscles were used in the reconstructive process anything might become a result of the surgery. Speaking to the breathing problem I would advise you to see a Lung Specialist for a complete evaluation which would define the cause of your current issue. The medication you were given at the Clinic would merely have relaxed and thus enlarged the breathing tubes but would not indicate the cause of the constriction. Please make an appointment with a Lung Specialist as soon as possible for the cause and treatment of the breathing issues. Kindest regards ....