Tug flap surgery

Hi Zerotoon and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community, and although I haven't had this type of surgery, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

I've done a group search and found these previous posts which mention this type of surgery and Macmillan has this information about TUG flap surgery.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and proposed treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Hi,

I had a TUG procedure(both legs) in April just passed and was as terrified as you ahead of it.

I found it reassuring to ask my surgeon to show me photographs of their previous TUG procedures to get an idea of the size of flap likely to be taken and the scar. You'll get a better idea of this on your own leg when your marked in preparation for surgery.

I found the first two weeks post surgery the trickiest as caring for both my breast and legs was pretty knackering. You'll want a second pair of hands most at this time. This does get much better though. I had leg drains for the first 14 days that took a bit of getting used to. I learned quickly that having a tote bag for each shoulder made coordinating drain bags when moving a lot easier.

My legs felt very tight but surprisingly sturdy during my hospital stay. I was quite ginger with my movement initially, but if like me you opt to put all your weight on your sit bones, you'll love getting up every now and again to keep the blood flowing.

I had physio on day two where I was taught the best way to get in and out of bed and keep my arms moving. Day 3/4 I then tackled stairs. Please don't be shy in asking the best way to navigate the toilet seat for your legs. I regretted not asking sooner. No question is daft post surgery. (This also gets much better)

I found laying with my back and knees slightly raised the most comfortable - worth considering how you'll do this at home. I slept in a recliner chair for the first two weeks as I found this the easiest way to get comfortable. I also found having a cushion for under my knees when travelling to and from appointments in a car really helped (I'm 5ft4) 

The biggest challenge I have faced week three onwards has been keeping swelling down. This varies for everyone. I wear compression shorts all day/everyday(still) but I'm not in pain. I have found Skins compression shorts work best for me as regular cycling shorts just aren't tight enough on my legs. I also sit with my legs raised in the evenings. Once you're able, you'll finding getting onto all fours for cat stretches feels wonderful. My back and hips needed it!

I have mostly good days but do have the odd day were I get a bit tearful/fed up with recovery. That said, at week eight I can walk fair distances and while my legs are still tight they are gradually improving. I can see getting back to running(gentle jogging first) on the horizon which has really boosted my morale. 

This surgery isn't a short road but I've found mine worthwhile. I'm really pleased with my reconstruction.