Fitness after reconstruction surgery

Hi there,

I had some issue with one of my foobs healing and I didn't even have a DIEP procedure. My right (naughty foob) opened up about half a centimetre and it took the full 12 weeks to heal completely before I could be dressing free. In the end the practice nurse In my local GP surgery tried a iodine putty and a silver infused dressing that I think sorted it right out almost instantly. It was well over 5 years ago now, so from memory I think that is what she used.

It's an awful lot for your body to heal and initially I'd say if you do have concerns then contact your breast nurses first and share your worries about how things are feeling. There's a chance you could have an infection and they could potentially give you some extra antibiotics to knock this on the head.

Secondly and I must say this is the frustrating part of my advise, but the best thing you can do now is rest, relax and heal from the inside out. I just wanted to heal and get on with my life and get outside as I'm a keen runner. But I had to quiet my mind and focus on healing.

Make sure you're getting your protein to help you heal. This is avaliable from veg & pulses as much as meat, fish and dairy.

https://advancedtissue.com/2018/12/wound-healing-diet-eat-these-foods-for-an-accelerated-recovery/

Something as simple as beans or eggs on wholemeal toast with a handful of spinach for good measure every day for lunch will help.

I focused on walking to get back to fitness, just round the cul-de-sac where I lived initially, but built slowly with the aim of walking a 15 min mile (on flat ground)

BUT please only do this once your sure your stomach is healed and your comfortable.

Our bodies are clever things, it will be burning extra calories whilst you're sitting trying to heal.

I really recommend simple breathing practices to help calm your mind and relax you.

www.google.com/.../amp

Your body is your guide back to yourself. If you're tired have a sleep, if you're hungry eat, if you need to cry and scream your head off then thats OK too.

I also sourced my own physiotherapy and councillors to help me cope post op. I'm not sure what the support has been for you, but if this hasn't been offered then call your GP and ask for a referral ASAP. If you can afford it privately then have a look to see whats available locally to you.

Some charities will be offering online councillors sessions whilst we're in this lock down. And your physio can hopefully start as soon as we're out of lock down.

If there's any questions you have I'm happy to chat.

Love and Light xxx

Anne x