Have a date for my lump to be taken out and my reconstruction done all at the same time - having the DIEP Flap so has my plastic surgeon said I get a free tummy tuck on the NHS.
Just want to know everything. Is the pain really painful, when did you feel ready to move around. What to do to make it heal quicker/better. Im going to Broomfield Hospital in Essex so anyone been there and had this op please let me know.
Anything else helpful will be appreciated.
Hi Rainbowwitch
I didnt have diep reconstruction, but I did have Tram flap reconstruction which is similiar but the use muscle. I had my op which was 10 hours on Tuesday 14 Dec 2010. I wasnt very well for a few days, but that was more to do with the aneasthetic and the morphine pump I was on. I started to feel a lot better on the Thursday and by Saturday I was up and about getting a bit of help to wash my hair. The pain wasnt that bad I stopped the morphine pump on the wed morning and had another strong painkiller for 2 days then was on to just paracetomol and ibuprofenm then by the time I came home on the 21st of Dec I didnt really need much pain relief. I felt quite weak when I came home but had help with housework and cooking for 3 weeks as my husband had holidays to take. By the time he returned to work I felt well and was managing most things on my own. Seven months down the line I feel good. My new boob looks good. I am back walking the dogs and swimming and doing all housework, gardening etc. I dont regret my decision to have Tram Flap op.
Hope this helps you.
Take care and Best wishes.
Carolyn x
Thank you Carolyn that has helped - I have had 2 c sections so Im thinking the stomach pain will be similar to that and then also the boob pain. Plastic surgeon did say I will probably feel like Ive have been hit by a bus for the first two days.
I was going for just the implant but surgeon said if I had rads this would probably go hard and would have to come out. He said this was the most natural op. Im just dreading the pain and the lack of movement for a while.
Hi
Yes hit by a bus/truck is a good description, I think these were the words I used when I came round. I also have had 2 C Sections. The first few days are bad, but you turn a corner and begin to feel better. Nighties with buttons down the front are good. My plastic surgeon recommended support camisoles for a few weeks amd support pants, I bought sloggi full briefs, and still wear them as I feel they give better support.
Glad to be of any help. Any questions dont hesitate to ask.
Carolyn x
Ive got some huge granny knickers (again memories from having 2 c sections) and have two button up nightie/smocks also some lovely looking support bras one a size bigger.
Gonna look so beautiful on the ward lol
Good luck im on the waiting list for double side op, hope it goes well, I was due to have it 3 weeks ago and nurse gave me wrong meds so was cancelled 2 mins before theatre so very traumatic and had to stay in bed next to woman who had it done, freaked out a little but seen a woman who had it done 5 days before as said much better after first two days.
Good luck
I had just come to terms with having to wait for operation and have recently been appointed to a new job but have just got a date for surgery on the 3rd August. I am unsure now if I can start work but I am going to wait for the medical and I have to have a crb which I believe can take an age so I am hoping I will be recovered enough to start employment. I have heard as everything everyone is individual and some seem happy and well recovered but others unhappy. I am going to try and stay positive and hope it all works out. But the thought of 3 operations in one does not thrill me lol. I had an implant last year and that had to be removed due to seromas so I would not consider that. tummy tuck and boob job here I come mmm