Diep flap reconstruction query

Going through breast cancer treatment Surgery
1

Hi all, last Saturday I had mastectomy with diep flap recon and I was just wondering when I may be standing up straight? I’m much better than at first but still hunched over a week on.

I’m not rushing the process, just curios. I have a post op meeting with my surgeon on Thursday and logistically will be hard walking around the hospital if I’m still bent over.

Thanks and sorry if it’s been asked before x

2

Hi, I had DIEP flap right side in April, and I will say this - so many people told me two weeks - nurses, other patients etc. However it took me more like 4 weeks. I say this not to alarm you I promise, just to say that everyone is different, I think different in terms of how much is taken away, if it was easy to access the blood vessels in your abdomen or if they had to rummage around in your muscles for them! I thought I was failing for a while until I saw an out of hours plastic surgeon for an issue with my boob, and I mentioned it to him that I wasn’t upright then. He explained what I just said there, everyone is different physically so it varies. Two weeks might be average or best case scenario but try not to worry if it’s a bit longer. For my first couple of trips to outpatients I used a wheelchair as it was too far to walk from the car. I wish you all the best for your recovery xx

3

Thanks @runnerjen for hats really helpful. I may get a wheel chair at the hospital Thursday. I think that may be easier!!

4

Hi :wave: I had my single mx and diep reconstruction just over 4 weeks ago. My walking is better now but what did help me to walk more upright and also helped my back was 2 walking sticks. Honestly they were brilliant. I’m practically upright now and no need to use sticks unless I’m walking a little further. X x

5

I was almost upright after the physios got me up, but i was told that it depends on how much fat you had because you might be tighter if you had less. I had ample tummy fat so perhaps not so tight. However, the physios probably gave you exercises to help you gently recover core strength and get moving. I found it hard at first, but by 2 weeks I think I was quite straight. In the first 2 weeks i tended to lean forward slightly, although i could stand upright, but chose to lean as it was comfier.