Diego flap breast reconstruction

Hi 

Firstly I would say that everyone is different and so try not to compare your healing against others, I know we all do but try not to! I had an implant initially and that was changed to a diep so the operations are slightly different, but in terms of healing I was back at work after 6 weeks. The biggest issue that women generally have is the stomach and belly button, I think we concentrate so much on the boob that we overlook this area. I was surprised that my stomach was completely numb, not just a bit but all of it, and I burnt my stomach when I was sunbathing a few months after the op(burnt through clothing) and felt nothing, so just be aware of that. 

Hospital - a long phone/tablet charger, a zippy cup or drink holder were my best things to take in, I wore the hospital gown until I came home as it was easier for them to check on all the different bits.

When you come home, the best thing I had was a pregnancy u shaped pillow, you can’t lie on your side for a while but this allows you to move a bit more but keeps you supported. You may also still have drains in and I just put these in a cotton shopping bag, and had a coat hanger over the shower rail to hang the drains on, I know others who have found shower stools useful.

I had had a lot of treatment and had a lot of time to come to terms with my mastectomy, so please don’t underestimate how you may feel after the op and when things are getting back to normal, you will have had a whirlwind journey and may need a bit of time to come to terms with what’s happened to you, so don’t rush back to work (if you do work) and take a bit of time to get used to the way you are feeling after things have settled down.

Best of luck

Jo x

Thanks Jo. All very good tips there.x

Hi  I had a DIEP 3 years ago. It is a big operation and you have to be patient with the healing. I was 3 nights in hospital and made a very good recovery. Follow all the advice they give you about what you can/can’t do and try and do the physio exercises they’ll show you. I am really pleased with the result I think it’s very clever and amazing what they can do! It’s good to plan for your first few days at home, try and get some dinners in the freezer, stock up on shopping etc so you can just rest and repair.

Have you got a date for it?

Yes. I had it on Tuesday and home yesterday.just very painful and as you say a lot of patience required. Are you happy with the result?

I'm focusing on the fact that every day is a healing day x

Hopefully you’re feeling a bit more comfortable now and moving about a bit better? I think it was several days before I could stand up fairly straight.

im really pleased with the result. They were very clear with me the purpose of the surgery was to get rid of the cancer and give me a ‘breast shape’ which would look OK in clothing and swim wear. It absolutely does! My scars have healed really well, I barely notice them now. I also had nipple reconstruction and tattoo.

Are you able to have an easy time of it/got someone looking after you?

Thanks for your reply.yeah every day feeling stronger. Glad your happy with the results.makes the pain worth it!!

My husband is looking after me until he goes back to work on Tuesday, then my friend is coming to stay for the rest of the week so covered for care. It makes such a difference to know there is someone there for you. 

Glad all went well for you too x

Hi! I’m having the same surgery on Wednesday and starting to get really anxious. This is the first treatment I will have had so it feels overwhelming that I’m just at the start of a long tough journey. I’m a single mum of two young girls so will stay with my sister for a while after the op. But looking forward to getting home and having a little normality, whatever that is now x 

Firstly thanks for sharing. Sometimes it's just good to know that there are other people out there, going through the same thing, but especially tough when you're on your own with two young kids.

I am on day 5 now after my surgery, and do feel every day it gets better. There is still pain ,but managed well with painkillers. It is a big op, but think of how you would feel long term if you didn't go through with it? When I weighed this up, I knew it was the right thing to do.

Remember though, you are in good hands. These plastic surgeons are very much on the ball and it is their job, every day, so they know what they are doing. 

I was very anxious too, but remember..this is a blip in life, and you will recover and move on. 

I hope you don't think I'm being blasé about it, it is serious stuff, but we are survivors, not victims So we must stay strong for ourselves and our loved ones.

All the best on Wednesday.

X

Thanks! Think I needed to hear that right now as just started having a little cry! Just feels such a long hard road ahead. But this time next week I’ll be on the journey and will give it everything I’ve got. No choice, my lovely girls need me x thanks x

Glad to hear you had a wee cry . It is really so good to do that!!. You will be surprised at how strong you are. Focus on your lovely girls and don't forget to love yourself too. You are special you are strong. You WILL get through this, so keep charging on and fight the right.

Xxx