I am hopfully having this procedure after xmas and am fine about the actual op, the thing thats playing on my mind is I have read on a couple of post that a catheter is inserted, how does this work do you have to actually make yourself pee or does it drain it from your bladder when there is something to drain.
Sorry if I am being really dull, but when I had a lumpectomy years back I just could not use a bed pan, it was just the fact that I was peeing lying down and had a bit of a mental block and no matter what I did could or would not go, in the end I had to be manovoured on to a chair by a few nurses and held above a bowl and promptly did about 3 pints LOL…
Hi lovetoshop…brill name lol.Im now 7 weeks post diep op so know how many questions you must have as I did and now I have questions about recovery! I woke from my op and never felt the catheter in me it was brill,as soon as your bladder gets full it drains away down a thin tube into a bag hanging on the bedside.In fact because of feeling rough etc I didnt want mine removed,knew it meant walking to the toilet.I know exactly what you mean about a mental block,Im the same.I had a mastectomy 13 yrs ago and they werent able to reconstruct then,BC returned 2 yrs ago and my nurse mentioned recon out of the blue.So after a year of thinking about it I went ahead,anything else you need to know just ask,and good luck its def worth it,remember to take things extremely slowly ,be patient because its a long recovery.Thinking of you,Debs
I would agree with Debs about the catheter - it’s actually one of the bonuses - not having to get out of bed for the loo and also not having to use the bedpan. It’s inserted whilst under anaesthetic and taken out - no pain they just deflate the little balloon and carefully pull it out.
Debzz I am 3 weeks post op and have loads of Qs - please can you have a go at answering?
Thanks Debzz and Winnie I feel a bit better about it now, I am trying to get everything sorted as I am going away for xmas and hope to have op begining of Jan so need to sort out things to take in with me, will be interested also in the answers to Winnies questions and have a couple of my own, here goes:
Did you need any special pyjamas ie button down the front or was it not too much of a problem getting tops over your head and arm?
Will I need to take any special bras in with me?
How long until you could get out of bed?
Not really very important questions but the sort I think about in the middle of the night and can’t get out of my head, I am sure there will be some more.
Hi
I had a DIEP in July with Elaine Sassoon and fell fantastic. Best thing I ever did-honest!
I can try to answer some of your queries:
1.They recommned driving after 6 weeks if comfortable but I drove after 4!
2.I had my op done on a Friday and had sex the following Weds! Doubt Elaine would approve but we were very gentle and had no problems!
3. Tummy feels tight for ages and will be bloated so don’t expect to get into your jeans for at least 4 weeks! Mine still feels a bit tight but in no way uncomfortable.
4. I wore normal bras after about 6 weeks.
5. I could sleep on my side a lot sooner than I could following mastectomy-prob a couple of weeks max.
6. Special PJs? Button down front ones are best as you’ll be constantly flashing! Also, loose. tie string waist bottoms as tummy is bloated and elastic waist bands will feel tight. Don’t wear nighties as when you expose tumy scar you’ll also flash other bits as pants are a no-no for ages!!
7. They don’t recommend you wearing bras for a while. Then a support bra-I wore Sloggi crop tops-fantastic!
8.You can get out of bed after the drains and catheter come out-usually day 3 or 4.
I have to say it is DEFINITELY worth having done! I’d have gone through 10 times what I did in order to have my new boob.