Diep sounds so scary!

I’ve decided against it because I’m not in good general health. My friend had the procedure 2 years ago and her recovery was slow. She had a lot of problems with the abdominal wound and has lost much of her core strength. She still struggles to get out of a low chair or lift heavy weights. So I think lifting your baby could well be an issue. Then again everyone is different. Cosmetically my friend is reasonably happy and says she’d still do it if she had her time again. She still feels it was the right choice for her. I’ve decided to go for the implant as it’s quick and relatively low risk - and I can always opt for the DIEP later, or even go flat, depending on my medical circumstances 

Hi

everyone is very different so you need to gather information and make your own decision- I initially had an implant as I didn’t want to go through the long op, with the proviso it could be changed at a later date to a Diep , which is what I did 2 1/2 years after my mastectomy/implant. It does affect your tummy , more so than the boob, but for me it was really a tightness that took a long time to go, but my strength came back pretty soon really . I was back at work full time after 6 weeks , I am now almost 3 years post Diep, and my tummy is still a bit numb but I can do everything I used to do - I am much older than you , and would really recommend the op , but as I said you do need to make sure it is right for you at this time.

Good luck with your decision

Jo xx 

Dear Pumpkinpie2002

it is indeed a wonderful procedure . Yes a huge operation and in my hospital I was admitted for 8 days . My operation went smoothly . 
No pain - only codeine and paracetamol if required.

to avoid back pain - shoulders back and bottom in , do this when you are out of bed and you will be fine . 

numbness along any scar tissue is to be expected as they have to cut through layers and nerves can be effected but this doesn’t bother me . In fact it’s a bonus as I was admitted to hospital with another medical emergency and need daily injections in my tummy - painless

new boob will need massaged in the shower everyday according to instructions from your breast care team . So buy some nice gentle not fragranced oil - I used E45 emollient wash - be careful as can make shower floor slippy , I stood on a towel for safety . Also read up about massage to avoid lymphodema if you get any lymph nodes removed , I bought a pure bristle soft body brush . Macmillan have a video on U Tube . 

I would say you would need help at home for at least 3 weeks and it will be 6 weeks before your back to your new normal . 

the results are amazing , I for one wanted every thing done at once as I wouldn’t have been brave enough to go back for the op , getting DIEP gets rid of the cancer plus you get a new boob all in one - not to mention flat tummy . 

we are all different and this is a personal decision for you . As long as you have backup and support , you will be fine . You can still have big cuddles with your little one just gave plenty soft pillows - I bought one of those “teddy bear” furry ones . ( just as a comfort for me ) .

I had a meeting with our hospitals Specialist breast care nurse practitioner and she told me EVERYTHING to expect , what bras to buy , what to wear going home etc. if you can’t have a meeting then ask for a telephone consultation. Have a list of questions ready.

wishing you well , oh I had a melt down the morning I was being admitted - I just wanted to run away !!! But I didn’t as I needed to get the cancer removed . 

take care 

love 

Ruby Rose  

Thank you ladies for all your replies, it’s really helpful, there’s so much you can read online but it’s so useful to hear real people’s experiences. 
its such a hard decision to make, I’m hoping after my appointment tomorrow I’ll just know exactly what to do but I’ll probably be even more undecided!

x

Hi Pumpkinpie2002,

I had a DIEP 3 years ago and prior to the op I felt exactly the same as you..... absolutely terrified both in making a decision re reconstruction etc and then in sheer panic re the operation itself. As other's have mentioned, the abdominal surgery is by far the worst part and it took me a while to straighten up. You can't lift anything heavier than a cup of tea or magazine for 6 weeks on the affected side or do any repetitive action like vacuuming etc. You also won't be able to put your socks on or pick anything up from the floor!!! There's no denying it is a slow recovery but each week you can do much more. At 6 weeks post op I was out and about and driving again. It is an amazing reconstruction, by far the most natural as you have a new boob that hangs naturally and is warm to touch. My abdominal scar - very scary to begin with - has healed to just a thin while line and completely unnoticeable. In a bikini or underwear nobody can tell and if caught changing etc nobody would give my new boob a second look as it looks completely natural. I have had two tweaks post-op via liposuction to soften the shape and also nipple reconstruction. However, you don't need to have the extra procedures if you don't want them. After I had my DEIP, I found out two other ladies I knew in my circle had had one, as well, and both had amazing results. If you can put up with the initial hassle of the main operation, it is definitely worth having. If it helps or if you would find it useful, PM me and Im happy to privately send you photos of my reconstruction. It is a big decision. Good luck. XXxxxx

With my DIEP the surgeons told me they wouldn't touch any muscle at the abdominal site and I certainly don't had any issues re core strength. Although I am a little more careful than I used to be. Something to ask the surgeon as each patient is different. Xxxxx

Hope you don’t mind me asking a question Moresleep, but would you mind describing what a nipple reconstruction entails?

Have any of you diep ladies gone back to rigorous exercise after the op. After recovery of course... I'm wondering if there are post op limitations

Hi Tin Angel,

I had my nipple recon when they also did a bit of tweaking via liposuctions and refill so mine was under a general anaesthetic, although I believe you can also have it done under a local. They basically just take the skin - they use the round circle of skin that come up from the abdomen and twist etc into a nipple - a little like origami. You have to wear a 'donut' protector for a few weeks until it heals. Then you can have it tattooed. My nipple reconstruction has flattened a little over time but is still not bad. There is no discomfort at all afterwards. XXxxxx

As I'm sure you are aware, you are quite restricted for the first 6 weeks post op but after that you are encouraged  to return to normal.  I do most things that I did before but Im just a bit more mindful - not that I was told to be. You will need to ask if there's something specific you wish to continue.