DIEP reconstruction recovery

Absolutely yes, based on my friends experience 

Hi Anna12345

I think you would probably be best to have someone at home for a day or so to see how much you can/can’t do ? If you are organised beforehand you can make sure everything is within easy reach as it was , for me , the reaching/bending that were a no-no for the first week or so out of hospital- so things like doing washing , hoovering were not really possible for a while. I had my op almost exactly 2 years ago , on the 10th December, and walked on a 10,000 flat walk on the 30th and danced (in a fashion ) at a New Year’s Eve party. I went back to work six weeks after my op, so I was really lucky that I had such a good and reasonably easy recovery. Longer term there were some issues but nothing bad , and it was all worth the effort - I love my boob , and had a full tattoo on it during this summer as I didn’t want a nipple tattoo, but wanted something to cover up my many scars (I had had 4 previous ops) 

The best advice post op that I got was to tense my pelvic floor muscles when trying to get up from sitting , you will understand the importance of it once you’ve had your op! 
I am sure there will be others who come along to give you advice.

Jo x

Thanks so much for responding and sharing your experience. I’m a single mum to a 12 year old and neither of us cope well with people staying here but I also don’t want to overload her if the reality is I can’t do much. I guess I’d not appreciated the size of the stomach incision and that added complication. Appreciate your experience x

Hi Anna, do you have a surgery date yet? Mine is next Tuesday.  Trying to just get through this week. I have a lot of stairs in my house but my breast care nurse told me that I should be ok to walk up and down stairs by the time I’m discharged from hospital x Mickey x ️

Mines January 20th do I’ve a bit of time yet, good luck for next week, it is very daunting  X

Once mines done, I’m sure the time will fly for yours. Everyone’s recovery is different and so I’m trying to think past the first few weeks and to how I’ll feel once recovered knowing I was brave enough to follow it though, If that makes sense. 
Are you having second thoughts? I can let you know how I get on if you like? Mickey x ️

Yes do let me know how you get on. Not so much second thoughts, I know I want reconstruction and both the plastic surgeon and breast surgeon have said they think diep is a better option for me, I guess I’m just feeling a little overwhelmed by it all, both options for reconstruction have their pros and cons so I guess I just feel neither option is great! 

Will do Anna, what was the other option they offered? I was pretty much given all the options, from implant to delayed, but felt this one would be best longer term for me. I knew that if I delayed, I’d never do it, too much time to think I guess, these last three or so months have been hard enough. I feel overwhelmed too, don’t get me wrong, can’t wait to fast forward a few weeks and be better in recovery… Mickey x️

Sounds like we had the same conversations,  doing nothing, delayed reconstruction, implants and diep. I asked both what they would do if they were me and they both said diep. I trust them and I’m grateful that they did give an opinion as lots of ladies on here have consultants who won’t say and make them decide, I’m on board with it as a choice just anxious, I’m sure once we get on the other side we’ll be ok!! I think being in my own with a 12 year old had also made me a bit nervous about the recovery but! I’ve good support around me and I’ll get there. All the best next week x

Yes, sounds similar. When I told my first BCN my choice she was relieved and the plastics BCN told me she felt it was the best choice and so I felt encouraged by that too.  I totally get your additional anxiety with your 12 year old. You might be positively surprised though, amazing how well some 12 year olds cope and adapt with things like this. I’m glad you have good support around you, that’s a weight off your mind. 
Thanks, quite a busy week, three more trips to hospital before the op, so hopefully that will help the time pass a little quicker xx ️