I had a LD flap reconstruction done on May 4th. A big operation but to be honest nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. Op was on a Tuesday and I go home the following Sunday. I had 3 drains "attached" and they were removed on 3 consecutive days. You carry them with you in a shoulder bag whilst they are attached.
Once op over it is really important to do the exercises you will be given to get the full range of movement back in to your arm. I find them very boring but I do them as I know how important they are. In terms of pain I will honestly say that I had more discomfort than pain ie finding a good position to sit, sleep etc. I got a V pillow and that is brilliant along with a couple of other pillows for sleeping. I got seroma after I came home but my BC nurse drained that a couple of times (not painful). I was given a steroid injection when I went for my 2 week check up and that cured that.
This is week 4 for me and other than very very light chores I have done nothing except take it easy. I went for my first long walk yesterday lunchtime and feel great. I’m heading out again today to take the dog for a walk. I am still very swollen and bruised but other than that I am comfortable and very happy with the results. Reconstructed side is bigger than my “normal” side but I am assured that when the swelling goes down it will be the same.
I was very luck in that I did not need any chemo but I do have to take Tamoxifen for 5 years. Started those on Saturday and so far so good.
Hope my experience helps and if you have any other questions I’ll be happy to answer them.
