Delayed DIEP reconstruction done

Hi lblodwin

Sorry to hear that you struggling after your surgery.  Be kind to yourself and take whatever time you need to recover.

Mind yourself

Daisy53

I’m interested to hear how you get on as I’ve got a test to wait - I’d be scared about going back to square one but then this time you get to recover not go straight into chemo and radio - so I do hope it’ll be a different experience and you’ll have fabulous boobs instead of messing around with a prosthesis.  I hope the pain settles soon. Treat yourself very well indeed - you deserve it after all you’ve gone through. 

I really disliked the prothesis. Forgot it on two occasions can you believe... mortified, although I can laugh now. Found it very uncomfortable. Tried assorted. Once when out and wearing my swim prothesis it managed to turn itself inside out. Tried to persuade it subtly back into position but it was having none of it. I really did laugh at myself that time. You couldn't make it up. I guess that's why I did it... I'm looking for comfort. Physically and emotionally. Please let this be the answer...I don't need perfection... Just to look and feel ok. Keep trying to give myself a talking too, but I'm less convincing when the pain killers wear off. Feels tough, but I'm trying to hang on in there. Thanks for reading.

Hi Iblodwin I’m 15 months past my diep now but remember those early days! It is of course different for everyone but the first two weeks had some challenges and I steadily improved after that. I had my drain still in for the first week though so that made things awkward.  I could get around the house and walk slowly during the first week but loading the dishwasher was difficult!! I sent my mother home after the first week! So was back on the dishwasher then.I managed to look after me and my 12 year old ok then on in. The first week is the toughest. Keep taking the painkillers regularly, don’t wait until you’re in pain. I took oxycodone for the first 10 days at night to help me sleep but was ok with the cocodamol and paracetamol in the days. All the best to you xx

Thanks Anna12345  definitely taking the painkillers... Got a list on the go so I don't forget or get confused in any way. Well done for managing your child after the first week. The things we parents have to do. LOL 

 Now time has passed...do you feel 'back to normal'. 

Wow sounds like you did an amazing job on your own, one strong lady you are x

Hi I too am on day 5 of my reconstruction and finding it hard too, I have mastectomy and reconstruction done together. maybe we can support each other? X 

Hi Boobalicious  I'm 10 days post reconstruction... Came home on day 6. Feeling a lot better. I've realised the key is to control the pain. I've upped my pain meds to maximum allowed. Will reduce them again as I heal but not in any hurry. Taking things very steady. Was lucky enough to come home without drains. Came home with two after original mastectomy. Had three this time but last one came out on day I came home. Phew. New boob seems big!!!! I'm hoping it's a bit swollen and will go down a bit... We shall see. Have to return for a wound check in a week. Also awaiting appointment with surgeon when I guess he will review his efforts. Seem to be healing ok. It's amazing how much better I feel/ for with pain under control... Definitely the key. 

Not wearing a bra... More comfy without. Not been advised anything re compression under wear for abdomen. So many seem to be told they must wear a bra, and compression on the abdomen. It's all very confusing to know what to do for the best. 

Trying to move about but that causes a bad, aching back, ( as I am stooped over, although trying to stand straight) so ... Little by little.

You seem to be managing well then?  I think it depends which hospital and surgeon you are under as I came home day 2! I thought it was too soon but resting at home is so much better. 

I know the feeling keep looking at my boob thinking I hope it does go down. 

yes I was told to wear a bra when moving about at the moment not much of that is happening so sometimes it’s on sometimes it’s off! 

the back ache….aghhh I was not expecting that, can only stand for shower periods of time fingers crossed I won’t be left with a permanent stoop 

After 2 days!!!! Oh my word. Don't think it was physically possible to move me from the hospital after two days. Yes resting at home is better! However, in the hospital I had access to oromorph ( which I needed) and physios to get me moving again... Very encouraging. My journey home was an hour though so maybe it depends on proximity? Before hand I was told 5to7 days so felt quite proud it was after 5. I'm quite mature too so that probably slows me down.

Two tips from my mastectomy and also current situation.... Do the exercises. They seem very simple... But worth it longer term. I didn't think I would get movement back in my left arm and shoulder but I did in the end..... Every day,!!!!

Fruit/senna/ lactulose, (all 3)... Whatever works for you, to get things moving. LOL. Silly but utterly essential. Don't hesitate... Take care