PAIN!!! Yes, I’m a frightened of that most of all!

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Can anyone give me the low down on their experience pain wise after DIEP/TRAM procedure? I am utterly terrified of being put under, or moreover coming round, and the pain I might be in. I don’t like feeling “out of it” for one. I’m also aware the pain meds can make you feel nauseous so wondering if I can ask for prophylactic anti emetics? I know they also like to get you mobile asap, which is meant to be rather unpleasant, did anyone ask to use entonox for that purpose? I’m massively over thinking I know. I had my first appointment with the surgeon today so I am no longer worried about the physical outcome of the surgery just the experience. I hope I’m not alone on those fears. X

  • Hi! So I had my mastectomy and reconstruction (1 immediate, 1 delayed) via DIEP flap on Tuesday and am just waiting for my lift home now. I had no pain when I woke up from surgery, they really dose you up before you come round, but I didn't feel totally out of it mentally either. I've been kept on regular oral pain relief throughout my hospital stay, and have a big bag to take home. If I ever felt sore I have requested and been given more meds. I was helped out of bed by a nurse and a physio the day after surgery, this felt a bit sore around the DIEP incision but more pulling than pain, and because my blood pressure then dropped I was back in bed and on a drip a few minutes later. We tried again when I had stabilised, and now I'm pottering around comfortably and doing stairs. I did feel a bit sick one day and was given IV anti sickness so nothing to worry about there either. Please feel free to message me with any questions, it's definitely not as bad as I thought it would be! X

  • Thank you so much for taking the time to reply despite the fact that this is all very fresh for you. I’m guessing you’ll be home now, that must feel amazing. Have you had to leave with a drain still in place? This response has really made me feel less daunted. X

  • Yes just got home, really good to be back! The drain was taken out on day 3 whilst I was still in hospital which surprised me as after my mastectomy last year the drain stayed in ages! I have a vacuum dressing over the DIEP wound and tape over the breasts, but apart from the pulling most areas feel numb to be honest. My back is pretty painful but I think that's due to sleeping in a different position and walking a bit stopped over over the last few days, but it was something I wasn't expecting! I'm sure your op will go well, and I'm glad I've had it done anyway