Hi all, had Diep reconstruction last Saturday and just curious on when people were able to stand up straight after.
I’m a week down and am slightly less hunched but just wanted a general idea.
Thanks xx
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Hi @motherducky
Sorry you haven’t got a response to this yet but I’m sure someone will come across this who can help! The Breast Cancer Now nurses will also be available from tomorrow, you could phone them free on [0808 800 6000] or post on their section on the forum.
Hopefully someone on here or your team will be able to give you some assurance.
In the meantime I hope your recovery is going well 
@motherducky, I’m sorry I can’t answer your question, everyone moves on different after surgery, please take it easy at the moment, if you are concerned call your breast cancer team.
I do wish you well, taking one day at a time together with all the help and support offered to you.
Lots of love, my brave lady Tili 
Hi @motherducky sorry I took so long to respond,
Everyone is different, I had 2 drains in when I got home so I didn’t walk too much until they were out. I started walking short journeys to the local shop in week 2, week 3 short walks around the park but then I had an infection in my stomach and fat necrosis from my new boob so was back in hospital for a week. All in all it took me a couple of months to stand straight comfortably, even now I sometimes have to adjust my posture and I’m 8 months post op. You have to think how much has been taken out and skin needs to stretch back. Be patient with yourself x
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Hi I had my Diep last June - I started to straighten at around 10 days and followed the exercises they gave me every day. Everyone heals at their own pace so give yourself time - sending positivity to you.
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Hi. I hope you are doing ok? I’m 6.5 weeks post DIEP + reconstruction and can stand straight but it’s still very tight and takes a while to gently straighten up after getting up. Happy to share other symptoms and progress it’s helpful. x
It’s such a weird feeling isn’t it. I was trying to explain to my husband how tight it feels but I don’t think he gets it.
I’m standing straighter daily but it’s tough and I have to pull myself up as find in slouching haha
Yes hard to emphasise how tight it is. Feels kind of sunburnt and so tight. I’m putting bio oil on a few times a day but it’s not softening yet! Going to be a long road I think :-). Very little capacity to eat as well. I can relate it to being 9 months pregnant when you get braxton hicks and tummy goes hard and you can’t overeat and have to roll off the sofa! x
Motherduckie I can’t find the post but I saw you’d had your post op results and you have to have more surgery? I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m here if you need to rant. With this huge surgery we’re recovering from it must be a real blow. Sending hugs to you xx
@tiamaria it never bloody ends does it. I had pre op today for node biopsy next week. I didn’t realise they do it under a general!
Trying to just distract as much as I can. My husband has had to watch many many rom coms. I have to avoid anything medical and anything new at the moment!
How are you doing today? And thank you for checking in x
Oh no 
another general? It really is rubbish isn’t it. When will that be? that those results are ok. Is this because the Sentinel Node one wasn’t clear? I’m so sorry you have to face this when you’re still in recovery. Xx
I’ve been good today thanks. Started driving at the weekend so took my daughter out and went for a walk this evening.
I still have a very sore seroma (drained once but refilled). Have my 6 week plastics check (at 7 weeks!) tomorrow so let’s see.
Boots have my prescription for Anastrozole so have to start that journey in the next couple of days. A bit scared having read the reviews on here! Hoping I’m going to be one of the lucky ones 
xx
It is the sentinel node one. She didn’t do it as part of the mastectomy as said she doesn’t like to do unnecessary procedures that have side affects like lymphoedema. So internet but does mean I’m back under next Wed. Then the next waiting game for results.
It’s great you’re driving. Another small step on the road forward.
Yeah I will start my tamoxifen once I’m better. Not loving what I’m reading. I guess we just have to throw ourselves in and see how we go. We’ve come this far. I’m crossing everything that you have 0 side effects.
Let me know how it goes at your appointment. I have mine end of September. Then I get all of my compression garments off. That will be a sweet day!
Big but gentle hugs xx
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Hi Motherduckie
All went well today. The surgeon didn’t think there was fluid there (it is a week since oncology surgeon said there was, but it is still sore) but he said he would try to drain it. 3/4 needles later and only 20ml. He’s referred me for an ultrasound so they can see if/where the fluid is. It’s even more sore now haha.
Other than that, he was delighted with it all and has listed me for phase 2 surgery in 12 months time to uplift the good side (Bertha) and tidy up the newby (Beryl). I haven’t decided but no harm in going on the list.
Said I can go back to doing anything (carefully) now. Was a bit of a shock to hear that. I was a bit speechless as had so many questions about what I can or can’t do. So - anyone fancy running a marathon next week 
.
I hope you are ok today? Sending a delicate hug back (no arm raising though as I found out the hard way - ouch!) xx