Help for scar tissue stiffness and pain?
Meet the Experts
Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.
Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Question from Carla: I had bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction 10 years ago, and now the scar tissue causes some pain. When I'm being intimate with my husband, I sometimes feel like my chest is made out of concrete - not sexy. Do you know of anything that can help scar tissue stiffness and pain?
- Answer —Kara Nakisbendi, M.D.: There's some physical therapy that can be done to help make the tissue more elastic and able to be more mobile. If it's more chronic, there are more localized medications or you might even consider acupuncture. It's also okay to avoid, so let your partner know what places are uncomfortable.
On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Sex, Intimacy, and Breast Cancer. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. and Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. answered your questions about sexual side effects of breast cancer and breast cancer treatment, and what you can do about them.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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