Re: [Wellness] Re: Wellness digest, Vol 1 #92 - 9 msgs

["Beverly D." <bdubrin@ca.astound.net>]

Title: Re: [Wellness] Re: Wellness digest, Vol 1 #92 - 9 msgs

Dear Gerry,

Your symptoms are very unusual. I had a mastectomy and TRAM seven years ago and experience nothing relating to my legs. Another friend just had the procedure in the past year with no such problems. My main "symptom" is a funny pulling sensation in the abdominal muscles that were stripped....usually when I get a cough or have lifted a heavy object.

I agree with Judy that you need to consult with other sources.

The best of luck in this.

Beverly

At 5:31 PM -0800 11/6/04, Lyle and Judy wrote:

> Gerry, my
> heart really goes out to you.  What a tough situation.  I
> admire you for your persistence in seeking an
> answer. 
>  
> I did
> not get a tram after my double mastectomy, but my husband and I both
> have had some major medical mysteries through the years.  The
> only times we have ever gotten to the bottom of "at-our-wits-end"
> problems like yours was to put ourselves in the hands of a large
> research/teaching hospital.  Have you tried
> this?
>  
> They assign
> a team of appropriate, cutting-edge specialists to work
> together on your case.   In California City of Hope,
> Stanford and UCLA are tops.  Your doctor probably has to contact
> them for you unless you have PPO insurance.  We have a PPO, and
> it was easier to have our doctor contact them for us anyway.  You
> may already know that there are fantastic research/teaching hospitals
> like this all over the country.  If you haven't tried this yet,
> please consider it.  We did this for second opinions also,
> regarding the treatments our own oncologists and radiologists had
> recommended.  I wish you the very best.  Judy
> Yager
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: gerryann35@aol.com
> > To: wellness@womens-wellness.com
> > Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2004 5:32
> > AM
> > Subject: [Wellness] Re: Wellness digest, Vol 1 #92
> > - 9 msgs
> >
> > I do not know if my message
> > will be read, but I have tried to get on a "breast cancer
> > chat room" and can't seem to get in.  I have registered,
> > (Komen.org) but can not SEND.
> >
> > I had a masectomy five years ago (ductal carcinoma in situ) and had a
> > TRAM.
> > (removal of fat from my stomach and tunneled under chest to breast so
> > it looks natural)  From the very first day I have had pain in my
> > legs and had to sit down to go up and down stairs.  I have had
> > every test, including a mylogram, to see what causes the pain.  
> > My nerve conduction test showed nerve damage somewhere, but where they
> > can not find.  I can not sit for long periods of time unless my
> > legs are elevated.  It is difficult to drive for long periods in
> > the car.  I can not stand long so I sit on a stool in the kitchen
> > to cook.  It is difficult to use my arms, (sewing machine,
> > running sweeper, planting flowers, etc.   My only comfort is
> > acupuncture once a month, electric tins on my back, prescription pain
> > pads and advil.
> >
> > It is very difficult to complain about my condition, and if I have to
> > live this way for the rest of my life I can and will accept it. 
> > It is a small price to pay for what so many other women have paid,
> > chemo, radiation, and even death.  I am embarassed to complain,
> > but has anyone who received a TRAM had these problems, and were you
> > able to find comfort?
> >
> > Thank you
> > Gerry Battista
> > Gerryann35@aol.com

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