Mastectomy and LD reconstruction

Hello, I had a DIEP reconstruction in October last year, so a bit different to you. I hope someone that has had an LD recon can help you further.

I found we were up and about quite quickly, first day after op out of bed and sitting on a chair, second day, catheter out and walking down the corridor, plus an assisted shower (the nurse stood behind the curtain in case help was needed and also it's the first time I saw my new breast and scars properly), the next day we could shower on our own and were encouraged to walk about. I was discharged on day 6. The pain was minimal which surprised me (though everyone is different) apart from my back, as I had a DIEP my stomach was stitched quite tightly so I found I was stooping to start with which made my back ache. 

We were told to be careful using our arm on the operated side not to do to much with it to start with, but you will be seen by physiotherapists during your stay in hospital. 

Tips: Take a fan with you, a small hand held battery fan is great as the ward may be very warm, you lie under a heated blanket to encourage blood circulation.

I bought a couple of cheap front fastening bras, but found the 'Reco Bra' most comfortable. www.recoheart.com

Front buttoning pyjamas with short sleeves are useful as you will be checked every hour to start with, then every two hours etc.

As you will have drains, you might be provided with a bag / bags to put them in, but I had a couple of those cotton long handled shopping bags with me, just in case, you can then walk about with your drains popped in a bag on your shoulder.  It doesn't or shouldn't hurt when the drains are removed, it's just a rather odd sensation.

The ladies I was on the ward with were lovely and as we were all at different healing times, we could help each other with encouragement. 

Make sure you have a cushion or some padding to place between you and the seatbelt on the journey home. 

Back at home, do have someone with you for at least the first week. Make sure things are in places that you can reach without stretching or bending too much. A V shaped pillow was a good buy for in bed or just sitting on the sofa.  A small blanket was useful at home to keep the new breast tissue warm and each time I sat down I would just cover that side with it.

I found each day was an improvement, I felt quite low on day three in hospital as did some of the others, but again everyone is different, the next day I was ok again. After three weeks I really felt that I had turned a corner and felt much better. I went to an evening wedding reception two weeks after my op so you can be up and about once you are home as much as you like. Do take it easy though when you need to. 

I hope your op goes well, it won't be long until you are back on your feet again and feeling better. I was really pleased with my reconstruction and the healing process has pretty much gone well. I hope it's the same for you. Best wishes.

Im just over 4 months since surgery. I had my LD reconstruction straight after my masectomy, but also had to have my pacemaker resited at same time (dodgy ticker since forever). So I ended up with a 12 and half hour surgery. It was 3 ops in one though. Felt rough.

I had a urinary catheter because of the long surgery. They will possibly give you iv fluids also.

Pain was initially a problem. Nerve pain being the main issue. They put me on a nerve drug called Gabapentin which has been invaluable.

I had two drains one for the back surgery and one for the breast, both more or less placed on side of torso. They measured daily, and once drainage measured below a certain amount they come out. Could be a few days or couple of weeks.

My breast care nurse brought me a post surgical bra (provided by my hospital) a couple of days post op. Uncomfortable at first because of the drains, but helps swelling and gives support. 

Visited also by physio gave me exercises to do, difficult to do at first, but as you improve they get easier. Keep these up, makes life easier.

My wounds were looked after by breast nurses. 

My back on left side from my shoulder blade down to my waist remains numb, although I can feel pressure. I was told feeling may not return.

I have pain and swelling in my armpit where they took the nodes, so from shoulder to elbow again numb, but again I can feel pressure. 

My left breast can't feel either, i did end up losing my nipple, died a sorry death, following a post op complication. Not missing it though. When you move or use your arm in a certain way will probably feel your boob twitch or spasm. Now my party trick. Feels weird at first, but you get used to it. 

I found the worst thing is fatigue and giving myself time to recover. I'm a nurse so make the worst patient. I'm not patient. I have a new found respect for my patients. Your range of movement may be limited for a while but will improve x

Accept any help you can. I found it hard to shower or wash following surgery, my hero partner John was amazing and helped me. It was hard work. 

It will prob take 4-6 months for full recovery so don't expect too much too soon. 

Lots of luck x I'll be thinking about you xx

Thank you snow fairy I am having LD reconstruction at the same time. I haven't had the pathology back from sentinel node op yet but hoping its negative. Does everyone have drains ? I must say the pain factor is into the unknown, I can't imagine or get my head around what to expect. The sentinel node removal was easier than expected very little to no pain. I had DCIS in same breast in 2004 then radiotherapy so my breast is quite numb on operation site so quite used to that sensation. I am hoping for a good outcome and not too much pain but I am also realistic.  I hope you continue to make a good recovery.

Thank you EJJ some really useful tips there. 6 days in hospital seems a long time, I was told 2-3 !!! I would have preferred a Diep but diabetes is a contra indicator so the LD my only option although definitely more to play with on my stomach so pleased your recovery is going well, I must admit I have read some horror stories,making me nervous.  The sentinel node op was much better than the leaflets predicted so hoping for the same. 

The nature of the surgery will dictate drains x but I used to forget they were there..be careful. I had my sentinel nodes removed during my ld surgery..so no separate op needed x 

I would advise ..go with the flow, it's a lot easier x some of mine didn't go according to plan,  i just thought ok, plot twist. 

You will do better than you think xx

Hi there i had this surgery last march and it really wasnt as bad as i thought it would be i worked it up and worked it up in my mind the thought of being under for that long petrified me but i needn't have worried the pain wasnt 2 bad either felt like i had had a rough session at the gym to be fair i had had more pain having a c sec i was dreading them taking off the bandages aswell and actually cried with relief when i saw them for the first time because they werent bad at all the drains did get me down however felt like i had them in for ages these are my experiences but everyone is different hope all goes well with your op best wishesxx

nearly forgot a v pillow is a must don't know what i would have done without mine it is so hard trying to get up off the setee these help 

Oh the V pillow x in fact lots of pillows. My other half bought me an electronic recliner chair. It was a god send x 

Your comments are making me feel so much better  thank you.

The V pillow seems to be the pillow of choice  will definitely be getting one, dont think I will be getting a recliner though