Breast Reconstruction Tissue Flap Lower Abdomen DIEP

Hi Mandy

So sorry to hear you have to have further surgery.

I had mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction just over 3 weeks ago. I was in hospital 3 days and was discharged with a drain which came out 2 days later. My recovery is going well and am better than I thought I would be.  I was told recovery of 6 to 12 weeks and am hoping to be mostly there by 6 weeks.

It is important to do the exercises both before and after surgery. I have about 80% movement back after 3 weeks. I will start Pilates again 2 months after surgery. Just be kind to your body and be patient, not always easy I know!

I am pleased with the reconstruction and glad I had it done. 

If you have any questions please just ask. 

Best wishes for your surgery and recovery.

Hi thank you so much. That is really reassuring. I know it won’t be a walk in the park but it sounds so able. Good luck with your recovery x

Yes I had this surgery in January. I wasn’t in HDU and I don’t think this is something they do in my area as standard. I was in hospital for 4 nights, the first two nights you are woken regularly to check the blood flow to your breast. I was discharged with drains in for 9 days. My advise is, as the other poster, do the exercises regularly and for a good while after you think you don’t need to. I was told 12 weeks recovery, I took this seriously and stayed off work the full 12 weeks, it really is vital you let your body rest and recover fully. Do gentle exercise, walking for example and stay gently active. I went back to work on a phased recovery and I coped very well, returning full time term time (I work in a school) after 4 weeks. I’m not sporty so I can’t comment on that but I am living my life exactly the same way I was prior to cancer or surgery by and large now and hopefully you can too. All of us are different and I do have a friend who’s recovery has been more frustrating, that’s the difficulty in reassuring people because the reality is we just don’t know, but with a following wind you’ll be fine. I healed very well and am enjoying my life again. All the best xx

Thanks so much Anna that’s very informative and helpful. All the best with your recovery. 

Hi Mandy,

I had a DIEP a few years ago. It is a big op and slow recovery but very doable. I was in hospital, in a critical care room, for 3 nights. First night your obvs are checked every 1 hour for 24 hours, then every 2 hours for the next 24hrs then even 4 hours etc. You will have very little sleep. Fortunately all my drains were out before I was sent home. Once home you will need some help to get out of bed, dress and generally run around after you for the first week. Recovery at home is slow, for me it was the abdominal surgery as I couldn't straighten up for weeks and shuffled around. My daughter's shoulders were my zimmer frame for a while. Also I was very tired which is understandable after such a long operation, and your body also needs to heal. However, each week you feel so much better than the one before!! Wear your support knickers and support surgical bra 24/7 it really helps. Rest and don't expect too much from yourself in the first few weeks. Do your exercises. Take pain killers when needed. I had some really sharp shooting pains in my abdomen area - nerves healing. Go walking as soon as able as helps recovery. You will be give some strict rules about lifting up your arm on the affected side and doing any repetitive actions etc - No housework at all. 6 weeks post op I was driving and out and about food shopping etc but at a slightly slower pace. 12 weeks post op I was doing all the things I did before although I was careful about lifting heavy shopping. Nowadays, I hardly think about it and do all the things I did before..... however I don't play golf or tennis, but I would have no hesitation if I wanted to. Of course, if you are playing either at a high level you need to ask your surgeon first - maybe at your 12 week post op appointment as they can then see how things have healed. In many ways, it reminds me of having a new- born, when you are actually  going through it, it seems endless but things actually improve quicker than you think and then suddenly everything falls into place. I actually had a melt down on day 2 in the hospital as they wanted me sit on the side of the bed and I couldn't do it at first.  

A DIEP is most definitely worth the hassle as you will be given the best recon cosmetically and feels part of you. You can have tweaks done afterwards via lipo and refill - they are very successful and nipple recon if needed/wished. Good luck with the surgery and be patient with yourself. I hope this helps a little. Any other questions, please just ask.XXXXXXxxxx

Thank you so much I really appreciate the time you have taken to reply. All the best Mandy