LD flap reconstruction- arm movement/use post op?

Going through breast cancer treatment Surgery
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Hi, I’ve been newly diagnosed with breast cancer and advised that a full mastectomy and potential reconstruction is my treatment path. I’ve been given the option of either a DIEP (so using tissue from my stomach) or LD (tissue from my back) flap reconstruction, and I’m just trying to weigh up the pros and cons. I have a question about the LD back flap reconstruction that I can’t seem to find an answer for anywhere -

after the operation how much use do you have in your arm or hand in the immediate days after the operation? so I can find lots of information that says after 1 to 2 weeks you have some movement/ light use, but what about those first few days to 2 weeks? How much will I be able to use my arm/hand or move it? is it not at all? Is it effectively unusable initially ? Is there anybody who has experienced this, that can give me some advice on what that’s gonna be like and feel like in those first couple of weeks please?

I live alone so this kind of detail is the kind of thing that could make recovering hell or manageable.

Thanks for your help!

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@janetl1 Welcome to the forum, we are all here for you with love and support.

As regards to LD Flap reconstruction, I had this 10years ago, unfortunately with a lots of complications, infections and further surgery, I understand many London hospitals don’t do this procedure anymore I am left slightly lopsided (so sorry to give you bad insight) maybe I was just unlucky however on the positive side I didn’t have any problems using my arm or hand.

I would suggest you speak with your team and get as much information as possible.

Wishing you health and happiness going forward.

With the biggest hugs Tili xxx

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Thanks Tili,

Really appreciate the warm welcome and honest feedback :folded_hands:.

Don’t worry I’m compiling a long list of questions for when I see the team again, I’m just trying to gather as much insight as I can beforehand. They said they’d like me to have an answer to which I want to proceed with next time, which I feel is a little impossible when I don’t have all of my results back yet (they wanted me to have CT scan and another ultrasound). I kinda get it, if nothing changes they want to be able to move forward, but from my perspective, everything could change with those last results. All so scary and frustrating :confused:

Thanks again!

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