Post surgery tips!

I am 3 days post mastectomy, and so far the words of wisdom are: watch that drain. Mine lost vacuum, it's only by sheer luck that I noticed it. 

I am finding the exercises a bit of a life-saver. Some of them don't feel nice when I do them, but when I finish a set I feel really good, they really release tensions for me in that area, so I am being a really good girl about them and if your body responds like mine, then my advice would be the same for you.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

A friend of mine told me to ensure i kept my protein levels really high, so eating a lot more eggs and red meat etc, for 4-6 weeks post surgery. She's a nutritionist and she advised that this would help healing,  I did it, of course I have nothing to compare it to, but I healed pretty well so guess that helped.  And do the exercises religiously x

Hi, I am now 8 weeks post mastectomy with reconstruction and would definitely agree on the importance of physio exercises. I was lucky and didn’t lose any mobility or range of movement due to my surgery, but the exercises gave my days a bit of structure as, for the first week or so, I was basically just sleeping and watching TV.

I had DIEP reconstruction so my tummy was really tight which affected my appetite, and I was told to aim for several small meals/snacks throughout the day but to make them count, so lots of protein and fat to help my body repair (chunk of cheese, handful of nuts, avocado, etc.). If you’re struggling with food I’d go for quality over quantity, plus lots of water.

Otherwise I’d say rest as much as you need to/are able to, don’t panic if you aren’t progressing as quickly as you think you “should” or you have a bad day (I got an infection which obviously slowed down the recovery process), and make use of this site and your breast care nurses if you have any worries.

Good luck!

Thank you everyone, I felt like the hospital was rushing me out so have a lot of unanswered questions. 
GreyCats I’m glad you are recovering well, great tip on the drain, I’ll keep an eye on it. 
MelissaV I’m very interested in how you got on with the Diep, my reconstruction is just temporary to ‘save the space’ basically so I will have to decide later on if I want the implant or a Diep, it just seems like such a scary thing. How did you find your recovery? And are you happy with the results?

I will make sure to eat plenty of protein and I’m already having lots of naps, I’m finding the exercises quite easy atm but maybe they will get more difficult so I’ll keep going with them. thank you all for your help xx

I actually had a DIEP and TUG reconstruction as I didn’t have enough tissue to recreate my “original” breasts and did not want implants. I think that’s pretty unusual and not available in many places, partly due to surgeons being trained in that procedure but also a relatively small number of women choosing it and being fit enough for the extended surgery time.

My recovery is going well, I did pick up an infection in the stomach so that is taking longer to fully close up, but legs are looking good, boobs are great(!) and I’m very happy with my decision. Very little pain, slight restricted movement in the legs (improving with gentle stretching) and obviously tightness in the stomach, still a bit puffy but feel well and very pleased with my decision.

happy to answer any questions if it helps with your next moves x 

Thanks MelissaV I really appreciate you sharing your experience. That sounds like a lot! You are very brave. I think for me it would possibly be all too much as I have young children and just don’t have the time for a long recovery. 
I’m so glad you are happy with your choice and things are going well xx

Currently 1 day post op. My advice take your painkillers as prescribed, regularly, as if you get breakthrough pain it can be difficult to get it under control again, especially as wards are often understaffed so you might have a wait when you do need it,

keeping out of severe pain means you can move about quicker which is much better for your recovery, your lungs, circulation and bowels and kidneys. And all of that helps your breast surgery heal efficiently.

Drink plenty of water, tea, juice etc to flush out the anaesthetic and products of healing. Be as mobile as you can be but also rest often. Be aware of constipation due to opiate meds and immobility.

Keep friends and relatives informed but make sure they don’t expect much from you for a week or more. 

Get pyjamas with button up tops

Yes pyjamas. I had long nighties which caught on drain. Heart shaped pillow a godsend. . Don’t let helpful people tuck your bedding in tightly, I’ve found myself trapped and unable to pull the duvet after everyone’s gone to bed!   I’m on day ten. Mastectomy and lymph nodes. No reconstruction for me. Honestly pain has been much worse second week but an ice pack wrapped in a soft t short is giving me a lot of comfort. I am so grateful my sister has been able to stay and do everything with kids.  I find getting off the loo stressful because it feels like my stitches will burst but I think that’s psychological and the pain is the tape catching. Hoping to get drain out in a day or two and be able to start showering and getting rid of tape and dressings !

everyone is different. You take care x