I’m 3 weeks post surgery and my abdomen is still so sore. It’s extremely tight. I just wondered how others felt after this procedure. I’d be most grateful of any info. Thank you!
I walked behind somebody (usually my daughter as she just the right height) and held onto her shoulders and it helped to take some of the strain. Don't suffer take pain killers when needed, I found I needed them sometimes in the evening. You should now start to see improvement, as mentioned, it's a slow recovery, just keep with it things will improve much more quickly now. Xxx
Lizabee, I’m so glad that you’ve not experienced too many side effects and the exhaustion can just be given into, as it will get better after your chemo has finished, albeit a while afterwards. I’ve got my hopefully last Herceptin next Tuesday. I’ve had awful pains in the back of my neck and head for a few months, but the bone pain in my legs ceased, so I reckon it’s this Herceptin causing it all, as it’s gone off now. Maybe I will get it again after next Tuesdays dose? Went out for a walk two days ago and felt wobbly, like when I’d first had chemo. Legs won’t work and balance is off. Came back, saw some dead rose thorns balanced on top the honeysuckle, so I reached over to drag it out and somehow, I fell over, into the conifer and the large plant pots on the dirt! Now I’m not a clumsy person, in fact I have great balance normally, so not sure why this happened. I managed to get off the flowerbed and dust myself off, but my arm has been hurting since and it’s painful to lift my right arm over my head, I’ve also got two large bruises on my right leg. I got told off by hubby when he returned from his longer walk. Now I’m pushing things to climb into the loft to get Xmas cards and trimmings down! Yes, I am being slow and deliberately careful whilst doing this. I just can’t stop doing things, can I? Here’s hoping you go on okay. Take care and stay safe.
Im a bit late joining this therad and am hoping you now feel much more comfortable.
I had my DIEP surgery 9 weeks ago. I was unable to have it at the time of mastectomy (not sure why) so DIEP was 19 months post surgery. I also still have tightness in tummy especially under rib aera. I still have pain in the reconstruction and am interested to know if you or any of the other lovely ladies have any advise for me. Hope you feel some relief soon
Lgt
Just take each day as it comes and make the best of the ones you can
Hello Lgt and all, I had my DIEP flap surgery last year in August and due to chemotherapy treatment, it seemed to delay the recovery, so I’m still getting used to my new body. So sorry to hear you are feeling tightness, but as I still am and everyone is different, it’s early days for you and it should feel gradually less and less worrisome. You will get there, it just takes time and patience. My plastic surgeon said it takes two years to get over the after effects of chemo fog, even if you don’t think you have it, it’s there! I get reminded every now and again, as I’m not old enough to feel this forgetful at times! As for the pain or tightness, it will subside, you just need to forget it and one day, you will say, oh where did that pain go, cos I’ve not felt it for a while! To be honest, I still cannot lie directly on my tummy, even in bed, but I’m nearly there, so take heart and all the best.
It’s 11 weeks since surgery and finally feeling more relaxed in the abdomen. It’s definitely feeling better there, some days easier than others and for a moment I forget the discomfort so that’s a positive! I haven’t experienced too much pain in the breast until now since finishing radiotherapy on Wednesday. I understand it may get worse before it gets better! Initially it was difficult to sleep and it’s still awkward finding my preferred position. I find a pillow under my arm wrapped around my chest gives some comfort.
I do hope you feel a little better each day. Hopefully it will just happen. It will improve! Yesterday I was hopeful and tried to wear my usual jeans but I still found the pressure on my stomach etc too much, so something to work towards!
Hi all thank you for your replys I hope things soon get better for you. My tummy is better each day just my new boob still constant pain, i like you find it difficult to sleep but hopfully it will settle down although my surgen did sat thet my need to loosen the join
Look after yourself
Just take each day as it comes and make the best of the ones you can
Hi, how are you feeling now? Are things starting to settle down? How do you feel about the reconstruction. I’m finding there’s a lot to come to term with both emotionally and physically.
Hi Littlesedum, I just felt okay about the new boob, at least when wearing clothes, o one would be any the wiser and it’s comfortable for the most part, just a heavy feeling there now and again, despite me being small busted. It will just take time, but you need to come to terms with your new body and I found it strange, having a very flat tummy after all these years. I was thin up until I turned 42 then started to gain a tummy gradually, so at my age of 67 it’s nice to be slim again around the middle. But yes, it takes time to adjust, I would say, go with the flow and enjoy the good bits!
Hi im feeling much the same thanks for asking. When i do manage to sleep I wake up with pain in either my stomach or breast. I see my surgeon end of January if not settled by then hopefully he can give me some help. My breast is very tight but changing shape a little so hopefully will settle soon. You are correct it is not easy thing emotionally or physically.Hope your radiotherapy is going well and you manage to have a good Christmas x
Just take each day as it comes and make the best of the ones you can
Yes it’s a matter of getting used to things as they are now. I think I’ll feel better once the next stage of reconstruction is carried out. I feel incomplete if that makes sense. However the main thing now is to focus on getting fitter again. As for the flatter stomach, I’m back to where I was 5 years ago before having my daughter!
