DIEP- Any problems with abdominal muscles and core strength?

Hi Susie,

I’m two months on from having this procedure so perhaps two early for me to say how my abdominal muscles and core strength have been affected. However I’m getting stronger, can use my abdomen more, perhaps using it to much at times!  I’m doing my exercises as prescribed and walking daily. All of these things help but have sometimes caused me discomfort too. It’s a slow recovery and frustrating at times but I’m looking forward to returning to my gardening and yoga etc. I’d suggest keeping as fit as you can now so you’re in good shape for the surgery.

It’s been tough but I am getting better.....

Take care x 

Hi 

It’s good to hear you’re getting on well, albeit slowly.

Don’t over do things though, I learned that after spinal surgery, I tried to run before I could walk and set myself back by a few weeks. Listen to your body and rest when it tells you to but I’m guessing it’s difficult with young children!

Thanks for the advice, it’s very much appreciated. I am quite fit and walk my doggies every day so hopefully that will help.

Sorry a bit of an odd question but I’m really anxious about it all.  Are you pleased with the reconstruction, does it feel and look like breast? I’m proud of my body and it’s really important to me how it will look and feel. You don’t have to answer if it’s too personal sorry.

Susie x

Hi Susie,

My breast is still settling down post surgery. The shape has improved somewhat and although it’s my own tissue it feels different internally at the moment. Whilst I had a skin saving mastectomy I did have to have my nipple removed and will have this reconstructed in the future. Do you know what your procedure entails? This obviously makes my breast look quite different. I’ll also have the left breast adjusted to be a better match (slight droop there due to breast feeding!) since they recommend doing this once the operated breast as recovered fully.

I too was upset that I required a mastectomy but being a B cup with IDC it was the only option. 

In all honesty I now feel as happy as one can be having gone through all of this. My body is definitely different visually, but once I’m dressed I’m the same me. The first few weeks were difficult but now, gradually feeling emotionally and physically better, I’ve accepted the changes.

I spent a lot of time considering an implant verse DIEP and became quite sure I wanted my own tissue, being anxious that an implant wouldn’t feel right in my body, nor did I want to revisit surgery for a replacement in the future.

You sound very fit and healthy so I’m sure you’ll cope well with the surgery. 

Tracey x 

Hi Tracey 

Thanks for being so honest, I wanted to know all the bad bits so I don’t have any nasty surprises post op. It’s really good to hear you’re as pleased as you can be with the result.

It’s great to meet someone who understands. I really don’t want a mastectomy either but have high grade DCIS throughout my entire 32 A/B cup breast so there is no option.

I feel the same as you about the reconstruction, if I have to have to go through this I want it to be my own tissue. Implants would look quite ridiculous on my slight frame and having breast fed 2 girls they’re not as pert as they might be

I know I’m really going to struggle emotionally but have been quite honest with the BCN who has arranged for me to speak to the psychologist next week which I’m hoping will help.

Thanks for being there.

Susie x

You’re welcome Susie. I hope I haven’t added to your anxiety. I think speaking to the psychologist is an excellent idea. I was fortunate to be able to hear the experience of a friend who had the surgery five years ago. She is very happy with how everything turned out. I also have a friend in the medical field who spoke to plastic surgeons regarding the procedure and their personal opinions about it. It helped to clarify things for me. 
Take care and do get in touch if you’d like to talk further along your treatment x 

Hi

I had a DEIP December 2017. They told me that they wouldn't be taking any muscle but I was also told that I had some good veins they could use for the transfer, so maybe that was the reason and your's is slightly different. Haven't  had a problem with abdominal strength however I'm not an avid gym goer and I am now careful re heavy loads and or twisting to pick things up. Not that I have told to be, I'm just more aware of it.

A DEIP is a big surgery and longish recovery but it's very much worth all the hassle. After my DEIP my stomach was very tight and I stooped for a few weeks which gave me, to begin with, really bad back ache so just be aware of this. Good luck!!!Xxxxx

Hi Littlesedum,

To begin with I actually avoided looking at my new boob. However, since the DEIP I have had nipple reconstruction and tattoos and also lipo modelling (some fat taken away and some added -fat taken from thighs) to achieve a better shape. I have had 2 revision operations and maybe will need a third as do a little at a time and see how it settles. Some of the fat they add disappears. Mine new boob was quite 'flat' looking to begin with but having taken some off the side it now looks just like the other one. I didn't have my good boob touched. Nipple recon is definitely worth it. Unless you look closely mine now look very similar but you do have to have a bit of revision surgery.XXXXx

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Hi Moresleep,

I’m expecting to have further reconstruction to the nipple eventually, perhaps some adjustments to the other breast (depending what’s actually involved!). As you say, my breast does look a bit flat so I’ll see what they suggest. It’s still early days so perhaps it’ll ‘soften’ over time. It’s all feeling quite sore again due to the radiotherapy. Just got to get  through this now. Thankfully my stomach is getting easier, still tight but nothing like it was. Thanks for all your support xx

Hi Moresleep

That’s so reassuring to know and the nipple reconstruction too. It does seem like a huge amount of surgery but if it ultimately ends in a really good result I’m prepared to go with it.
I think they’re concerned that should they need to delve into the abdominal muscle to get decent a decent blood supply it might compromise my core and as I have back issues that might make my back pain worse. It is only IF at the moment, I’m guessing I’ll know more after the CT of the abdominal blood supply.

They did mention I might be a candidate for the TUG flap but that would have to be done in either Bristol or Oxford. I don’t fancy scars on my inside leg and one leg thinner than the other to be honest and reading about it they seem to take part of the muscle too, not great for riding horses!

Thanks again for sharing your experience, it’s much more relevant than reading it in a pamphlet!

Susie x

Hi Littesdum,

I didn't have radiotherapy but I can imagine they would wait until you have completed that before doing more surgery. It is definitely worth having the nipple reconstruction as it gives the new boob a projection and takes your eye from looking at the round flap patch. When they do it ask them about the shape. It sounds as if your's is a little like mine. I was told it's was the way they 'fold' the new lap to create the new boob. It is worth doing if you can face the surgery. Having never had a general anaesthetic before this started, I'm now becoming an old hand at it all!!! But, they can do things afterwards to improve the shape so don't worry. I'm glad your stomach is becoming easier, it just takes time to stretch. I bet you have a really flat tummy now - there is a silver lining. Keep up the walking it really helps. XXXxx