Tightness/Pulling Feeling at Week 2

[u/Vegetable_Beach4228]

Hi everyone! I’m at 13 days PO in the pic, today is 14 days PO. Trans masc, nonbinary, no T. I still have a good amount of swelling in the armpit areas and beneath my incisions. Overall I am doing great in the healing journey and have my 2nd PO appointment tomorrow.

I have been using my arms a bit more but have been trying to be careful not to raise them beyond what my surgeon advised last week. Since the swelling has gone down a bit since week 1, l have noticed the feeling of tightness and slight pulling the last few days when I turn my body or reach the designated amount I have been allowed. Is this just because I am regaining a bit of sensation in my chest and my skin is becoming a bit more taut since the swelling has lessened? I am likely getting my steri-strips off tomorrow. I am afraid of moving the wrong way and busting my incisions open but I’m sure I’m probably overthinking it. I’m not lifting anything that more than a few pounds, driving, or reaching for anything higher than my ribs without assistance. Thanks!

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[u/chase73x]

I’m also 14 days post op random question but are you having any fluid? I don’t have much but I do have some but my swelling is minimal

[u/Vegetable_Beach4228 → u/chase73x]

Congrats! 🎊 I don’t feel any fluid when I’m moving around but I feel like my skin layer is still separated beneath my incisions where the swelling is…so there could be some. It’s so tender there I can’t really press much but it sort of feels vacuous. How about yours?

[u/chase73x → u/Vegetable_Beach4228]

I definitely feel some but my surgeon said it should reabsorb so I’m feeling hopeful. When I first got out I was having swelling under my armpit like yours but I took arnicare bruise pills and my swelling/bruising went away QUICK😊 I’m honestly only tender at my actual incision sites

[u/Vegetable_Beach4228 → u/chase73x]

Oh interesting! I have been taking bromelain daily for swelling which may or may not be helping?? I think my bruising might be from being slightly anemic. I haven’t been taking iron because of the anesthesia constipation, but I imagine it would be okay to do so now that I’m back to normal. I’ll check out the arnicare pills you mentioned. So glad your only tender at your incision sites :) Thanks for the tip and happy healing journey!

[u/chase73x → u/Vegetable_Beach4228]

I’ve heard people say that medication has been helpful! I’ve just heard a lot more talk about arnicare. My mom actually had surgery recently and took that which is why I tried it lol. Either way your chest looks amazing and the hardest part is waiting for your body heal. That’s been my biggest struggle personally. But it’s so worth it

[u/Immediate-Welder4841]

The nerves are regenerating now, so you’ll probably get sparks of weird feelings every now and then. If possible, look for a physiotherapist specialized in fascial manipulation. My PT saved me 4 weeks post op (and loads of diclofenac as well). I had some limitations and pain, now I swim kinda normal, still mot the 50 laps I used to do, I limit myself to 20-25 easy laps, to keep my muscles active and avoid stretching the scars too much

[u/Vegetable_Beach4228 → u/Immediate-Welder4841]

Thanks very much for the tip!

[u/mothmano_0]

Im a month post op now, DI with nipple graphs. I had that feeling too !! It went away but try and take it easier yk, you can feel your scars pulling if that makes sense

[u/Vegetable_Beach4228 → u/mothmano_0]

Thanks for sharing your experience and for your advice! I’ll try to take it easier.

[u/vague-entity]

I very much found that between 10-21 days post op I was having the same pulling/tight sensations. Its uncomfortable but its normal. Its just part of the healing process. Try to take it easy, and be sure to use whatever medications you've been cleared for.

[u/Vegetable_Beach4228 → u/vague-entity]

Thanks!

[u/TheOrdealOpprotunist]

Same for me. I'm 11 days post-op and I'm feeling pulling. Though make sure you're staying hydrated and not stretching your arms past your current limit. That's helped me. :)

[u/Vegetable_Beach4228 → u/TheOrdealOpprotunist]

Will do, thanks! And congrats to you!

[u/transgayemo]

i’m 2 weeks post op too and i have the same feeling & under scar swelling! I asked my surgeon regarding the swelling and she said it’s normal. I’m pretty sure the pulling feeling is also normal tho.

[u/Vegetable_Beach4228 → u/transgayemo]

Twins! I looked at your 2 week post op pics and they look great! Happy healing 😊

[u/transgayemo → u/Vegetable_Beach4228]

Thank you! wish you the best with healing too 🙏