Has anyone had the DIEP operation at East Grinstead Hospital? I wanted to know if there were any complications and how long it took until you could go back to work?
Hi Looby52,
I am sure some of our users will be along to share their experiences and offer a friendly ear. You can also find out more on our page about DIEP reconstruction which you can findhere.
In the meantime please do call our helpline at 0808 800 6000 who will be able to talk to you about DIEP operations and any questions you may have about work. The opening hours are below.
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Late opening Monday and Wednesday 5pm-7pm,
Saturday, 9am-1pm
Best wishes,
Lizzy
Hi Looby. I had a mastectomy + DIEP at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead but that was only 10 days ago (3 May) so unfortunately I cannot answer those particular questions. As far as I am aware East Grinstead carry out a high amount of such operations each year so hopefully someone who went through it a while back can answer soon.
During my 5-day stay on the ward, one of the patients in my bay had gone through the operation several months ago (and was now back just for a couple of days - for “symmetrising” and cutting off of the dog-ear on the tummy) and seemed perfectly happy and content with the whole experience (no complications etc). She told me it had taken her 3 months to recover her abdomen strength fully, which is exactly what I have been told all along by all the professionals (BC nurses, surgeons etc).
The way I see it regarding returning to work, it all depends on what you do, doesn’t it? Part of my work involves being on my feet for most of the day, carrying heavy containers back and forth, bending over huge deep sinks, etc - I’ll obviously won’t be doing that for a long while! Part of it however is just desk/computer work, admin, paperwork etc - and am already back to doing that (just making sure I keep taking breaks to move arund and do my physio exercises 3 or 4 times a day).
I’d love to hear any updates on this. I had a DIEP flap reconstruction at East Grinstead just 17 days ago. I had 4 nights in hospital, in the Margaret Duncombe ward, coming home on Bank Holiday Monday, where I have rested ever since.
I knew the recovery would be 6-12 weeks before I had it done, but couldn’t imagine how I’d be during the recovery period.
On the whole, I feel fine, so long as I rest. If I try to be active, I pay for it. It is hard to get the balance right.
I am extremely pleased with my new breast. It has s superb shape, and looks really natural with the nipple prosthesis, though I don’t intend to use that until the dressings have all gone. I can’t wait to have the other one lifted to match it.
I had to wait a total of 25 months after my treatment finished, but it was definitely worth it!
Yes, it feels like that for quite a while, but it does ease up. Have they told you to massage it regularly? It helps the fat to settle back into place over time. My op was 9 and a half weeks ago and I’m still feeling that knotty sensation but it has eased a lot.
Recovery was slow. The stitching round my new breast ruptured after 3 weeks and septic blood spewed out, causing me to go back into hospital for a few more days. Since then, I haven’t had any more complications. Like you, I made a point of walking every day. Started off with about 200m, and have now worked up, very gradually, to a couple of miles.
I worked full time (40-50 hrs a week) before the op, and have started a staged return. Went back at week 7 and just did 16 hours. This week, week 9, I’ve done 22 hours. Hoping to work back up to 40 hours before Christmas. Luckily, my bosses are happy for me to do this in my own time and have kept me on full pay right through it. I really feel for anyone who can’t afford to take the time off work, because this op really does give you a new lease of life.
I didn’t expect to feel so knackered for so long after the op, but it was definitely worth it. I would recommend it to anyone.
And yes, I wore support knickers and support bra for 6 weeks. After that, I started wearing normal underwear again, but still wear a soft “t-shirt bra” in bed because I’m paranoid about pulling my boob when I turn over and damaging it. I doubt if it’s possible this far down the line, but I ferl safer wearing something!
I know we can’t mention names, but thay’s the same consultant that I saw. He was supposed to do my diep, but on the day, he wasn’t there and a registrar did it. I’m going back next Friday to arrange having my old boob lifted, and nipple reconstruction on the new boob. No idea who I’m seeing!
I guess you’ll have to wait until you see the new consultant to find out why they might not do your op. It’s horrible, so I hope you get an appointment quickly!