LD flap reconstruction- arm movement/use post op?

I had LD flap 22 years ago now so my memory is vague but I do remember i could fully use my arm. Obviously I had to be careful and there was some pain and tightness. There was a strange feeling across the chest due to having a muscle over  the breast implant. Its important to do the exercises though or everything tightens up. Ask away if you need any more information and good luck with your decision xx

Hi Susz,

thank you so much for taking the time to reply, that’s really reassuring and thank you for the advice.

my worry is living alone how I’ll cope post op with day to day tasks for myself and things like walking the dog etc.

LD sounds like I’ll have more movement overall, doing things one handed will be a pain but if I can use my arm & hand straight after the op, even if slowly & carefully that will help.

DIEP sounds like I’ll have much more freedom of movement with upper body/use of my arms etc but every movement will hurt, because it’s my core.

no easy answers I guess.

12 years on, that’s great, I hope you are well 

I was single parent when I had the op. I coped with in house things like making drinks and cooking simple meals. I didnt take the dog out initially friends helped. 

Back then [2004) I was in hospital for 7 nights so the immediate needs were taken care of. I think they seem to send home a lot earlier these days. 

I had a recurrence so lumpectomy of same ld recon last year and it was day surgery! I still had quite a big surgery as the implant had to be replaced and lymph nodes removed. Decisions are not easy and we all recover differently but I think I've had a good outcome over all the years. 

Just be prepared for strange muscle spasms when pulling anything toward you with an LD or climbing gates. I had horses to see to at the time and it really didnt limit me at all long term. Xx

You had a lot to look after post op Susz, I hope you recognise how amazing you are for just the sheer willpower alone, to crack on and do all of that on your own.

Thanks again for all the information, this the scary unknown for me at the moment, so I can’t tell you how helpful it is, thank you. I’m so glad you feel like you’ve had a good outcome overall and I hope are doing well.

take care lovely 

Aww thankyou. Doing great now thanks. Fingers crossed you have a good outcome whatever decision you make xx

Thank you lovely xx