One thing that doctors and other cancer survivors usually don't talk about is the after-effects of surgery and the scars. I understand. When you are talking about a disease that is trying to kill you, coming out alive afterwards is usually the topic of conversation. For those of us lucky enough to walk away healthy with a few extra scars, we won't complain. But.... there are side effects when you get major chunks of your skin (or any part of your body) cut out/away.
It's been 3 years since my initial site surgery. The area was still painful years afterwards. My old dermatologist said she could use cortisone injections to help minimize the pain. Honestly, I wasn't interested in having a large needle stuck into an already painful scar. So, I passed. Luckily, I have the most amazing masseur. Last fall, I just happened to mention to her about the discomfort and she asked if I'd ever had skin rolling done. I'd never really heard much about it and after talking to her, I decided to give it a try. This was not a blind decision. This amazing woman has kept me out of doctors offices over the years for various running injuries. I'm a person who believes the best medical care is a combination of East and West together. I trust her opinion and experience... and I've never regretted that. So, I decided to give it a try.
I won't lie..... this is not a comfortable process. In fact, it's quite painful. Pain breathing at its best. My non-trained, non-expert understanding is that skin rolling is helping break down scar tissue, un-attach it where it shouldn't be attached, and allowing your skin to move freely as it is designed to do. I started this process having days where just my bra strap was painful on the scar. And days where it was twisted for even a minute.... Ouch! I figured it couldn't be worse than super-sized needles injecting chemicals into the area. So, I tried it.
The difference is amazing. Yes, the area feels like I went a few rounds with Tyson or Foreman or Ali or all of them for a few days afterwards. It's been worth it. I did 4 "sessions" with her last fall and the difference was remarkable. She didn't spend more than a few minutes working the area but it was enough time to make an incredible difference. After those sessions, I rarely noticed the area any more. It wasn't until the hubby asked about it that I realized how much my pain was reduced. Well worth a few minutes of intense discomfort to gain days pain free.
I did still have a few twinges and soreness this summer and I wonder if it isn't related to the new site from July. It might have been due to increased weight lifting. Who knows? So, I asked her to do another session of rolling on Friday. Ouch again. I forget about the area until I lean back but I can already tell it's better. I ran 11 miles this morning and the jog bra never once hurt even though it's still bruised feeling. The legs???? not so much. :)
So, this long blog post is for survivors who might be in the same shoes I was. My scar had clearly healed but I was still in pain from it. I know skin rolling won't be for everyone but it might be worth considering if you have the same issues I did. Yes, my site was in an area of major movement (back/shoulder blade) and that may be a factor. I've already told my gal that I'd like for her to work on my new lower back scar when it is healed enough. That's probably another 3 months away and no, I'm not looking forward to it but the relief that comes after. I talked to my new dermatologist about it and she also said she could do the shots but said if the rolling was providing relief to keep doing that. Another reason I like her.
Give it some thought if you're in those shoes..... and find someone who knows what they are doing.
