I aslo live by myeslf, and through my own expereince of a DIEP op on 1 december, is to either find someone to stay with you for the first three nights or arrange to stay at a friend’s house.
I thought i would be able to manage but felt quite ill the first night, and stairs were difficult, and it was good just to know there was someone I could call on if needed. I came out of hospital on Wednesday and stayed with a friend every night until Saturday. I then felt that I could cope by myself, but friends were still available to do my shopping and ironing.
Hey Julie
I’ve not been here for quite a while (I was DIEP’d in May 2009).
Firstly, I’d strongly recommend someone stay with you for at least 3-4 days after you come out of hospital (I was on my own too). You’d be surprised how tricky little things like getting milk out of the fridge, walking 5-6 steps across the room and having to hold onto furniture for frequent rests etc, oh & walking around like a banana for a couple of months, depending on how tight your tum is. I prepared by buying loads of tinned stuff, all laid out on worktops, paper plates (you’ll definately not be doing washing up for a while!)
Happy to answer any questions if you have any, but don’t want to waffle too much & hog space now so just want to wish you all the luck in the world and please, if people offer help, take it!!
Lots of love.
Cathy
Hi girls, thanks for your replies, think I am going to have to ask someone to stay with me then, was hoping to get by on my own, I managed fine when I had the mastectomy origanally but I realise this is double jepordy! I have loads of store cupboard stuff and have a dishwasher so thats taken care of. Friends will get any fresh produce as needed.
Well Monday will soon be here, I am getting pretty aprehensive now, just trying not to think about it to much, Feel I should be going out enjoying myself before hand but have this stange desire to stay at home and get everything clean and sorted beforehand. Will let you know how I get on.
Thanks again
Julie
Julie
I was able to wash my own hair in the shower while still in hosptial, on about day 4, and could comb my hair from the beginning. However, I had left MX/Diep.
Like the other ladies, I do not think that I would have been happy to be on my own on the first few nights, it is all a bit of a shock to the system.
Good luck,
Jacqui
Hi all,
I would really appreciate some honest wisdom from ladies who have been through op. My position is that I have waited 4 long years for recon; firstly cos I had prat surgeon who said it wasn’t worth it, as my prognosis was so bad?!!! Unbelievable, but true, I’m afriad. Then I developed spinal probs and he refused due to my disability! Changed surgeons and now have fantastic lady. My hosp only do TRAM and LD which would not be suitable cos of back probs, so she has referred me to a hosp that does DIEP.
I have read extensively over 4 yrs, but I would like to know from ladies who have gone through it. Firstly, I am on morphine anyway for pain, so did you have to spend lots of time on your back post op? Would I cope, do you think?? I walk with crutches, too, so am I being foolish going ahead with it?
Oh, I know you can’t answer for me, I just would like to honestly know the various pit falls you found. I would SO love my boob back!
Any help would be gratefully received. Thanks ladies. Consultation is 21st Feb.
Jax
Hi Girls
I’m 2 and a half weeks post op now.
The physio gets you moving about whilst in hosp, both arm exs and walking. I was amazed at how fab my arms were, I could move them above my head with no pain. stairs were’t a problem either. The most restricting thing was in the first few days 5 drains, a central line and a catheter, not forgetting the inflating leg massaging things and the hot air blanket. I didn’t have a morphine pump as the pain is not really that bad, paracetemol and diclofenac with tramadol once only. At home its paracetemol and ibuprofen. The beds in hospital are very comfy as they prop you up and lift your legs too, but once you lose the catheter you become more mobile. I had help with a hair wash after 5 days and had a shower unassisted the morning I came home. Initially at home its the tiredness but I have been able to ping something for lunch each day. Last night I cooked for the first time but got very tired doing it. Theres a bit of a fight going on between my tummy muscles and back muscles especially in the afternoon so keep things easy, sink and hob were a bit much. Re crutches, I think you’d be ok if the crutches are forearm ones but I’d ask for your elbows to be bent and moved during time in theatre as when I came round they were the most sore part of me and trying to get out of bed was difficult because of it! Its because they were kept straight for 12 hrs and under anaesthetic theres no muscle tone so they become hyperextended and thats what makes them sore. The anaesthetist said it was pretty common so he may be the one to ask to do it for you!
Good luck
nicky xxx
Really, really useful comments, Nicki, and so encouraging! Just what I needed to hear. Thanks so much.
Best wishes for your continued recovery,
all the best,
Jax
Hi Jax,
I really felt I had to post as I too suffer with a chronic back problem, not to the same extent as you (I don’t need morphine but do have problem with walking and numb legs), but need major spinal surgery and have put this on hold for a while, until I am over all the bc rubbish!! I had a left mx with immediate diep in oct 09. During my initial consultation, my ps got in contact with my pain team anaesthetist and requested his opinion of my ability to undergo this surgery. It was agreed that I would have to have pre-emptive facet joint injections and epidural prior to my surgery. Trying to get this sorted in a timely fashion was the worst bit.
During my surgery, 7 1/2 hours on the table, my legs were kept flexed at the hips - a pre condition from my team, so that I did not lose sensation in my right leg. Unfortunately, I bled during my surgery and so not all that was planned, was completed - just the mx and diep, hence the relatively “short op time”. During my recovery which was taken slower than normal to allow for my back weakness, I had intensive physio help and regular opiate analgesia. I must admit at times, my back felt really weak but it was all manageable, albeit a bit slower. I also had to “pass” a physio assessment of walking on the flat and doing stairs before I was allowed home.
I do feel that my back problem was made worse by the fact that I dropped my haemaglobin levels and therefore the ability to “hold myself up” rather than the length of time and the type of surgery undertaken. This has been borne out by subsequent surgeries, all with the precondition of back injections and treatment prior to the breast surgeries - I have had 4 ops so far. In fact with this last op, my ps was more concerned about how my back had “held up” to the surgery, rather than the outcome of the breast surgery. I am pleased to say, that both problems now appear to be better, although scheduled for more back treatment mid April.
I would encourage both teams (breast and back team) to liaise with one another before the surgery and ensure that all teams looking after you comply with instructions that may be given. Don’t expect the same quick recovery as those without back problems, take it slowly and YOU WILL GET THERE.
Keep us informed and best wishes.
Maggie
Hi girls Iam booked in for a DIEP on 10th march would appreciate advice on clothing to take in with me. I was told nighties with buttons at front.They also told me to buy control pants that go right up to just under your breast and to buy a size that fits now and to get bras in bigger cup sizes and an expander, can anyone tell me where they got their things from or do I go straight to marks and sparks. Any other tips would be greatly received regarding anything I need . I am trying to mentally prepare myself now I have had pre-op assesment so I am as ready as I can be many thanks love suzan x
hello girls
In case anyone is interested I made a day to day diary which I hope will help those about to have DIEP.
Tues - Day 1 – operation day – 9 hour surgery DIEP but it didn’t matter how long you are in surgery you will feel the same if it is 2 hours or 9 hours. Kept in a warm type of “air blower” bed, which was quite nice. No pain.
Weds - Day 2 – very tired, remember just wanted to sleep and drink water, was so thirsty. I didn’t have a sore throat from the breathing tube which I had expected, my throat felt quite normal. Not really in pain, but did use the morphine pump when I needed to, as I haven’t got a high pain threshold. Had to be in a slightly sitting up position and was told not to move if I could avoid it. Coughing was a bit of a worry, held onto tummy and gurgled more than coughed.
Thurs - Day 3 – beginning to get uncomfortable sitting in same position, wish I could move, still quite sleepy and used the pump again when I needed to.
Fri – Day 4 – was told I was going to be able to get up later in the day so catheter removed, morphine pump removed and the physio arrived to assist me with getting out of bed for the first time. Felt really wobbly at first, couldn’t stand up straight so was huddled over but it felt good to be sitting on the toilet for a wee. Discovered I had developed bed sores on my cheeks (not face cheeks) which were more uncomfortable than the op wounds!
Sat – Day 5 – was able to shower myself, sitting down as I felt too wobbly to stand up, but very pleased to be having a shower it felt sooooo good. Went for a walk about every hour, only just a few feet along the corridor but could stand up straight. The physical effort of walking was very exhausting though.
Sun – Day 6 – felt much stronger, walking a bit better, managing a few more feet each time and getting in and out of the bed is now a doddle. I so want to go home and am going to ask tomorrow if I can go on Tuesday – 8 days since the op.
I did go home on Tuesday, it was nice to be home and thankfully Mr P is here for a few more days so can help and let me rest. I’ve been to my GP today because the breast scar is so sore, she thinks it is infected so has started me on AB. I have to wear an abdominal support band for 3 months which is very uncomfortable.
The breast scar is sore and the staples won’t be removed until next Friday, I hope the swelling in the breast will go down, the moment I sound like a hot water bottle as it is gurgling! Anyone else get this?
Thank you for sharing this info. I have seen my plastics surgeon today and we have agreed the diep is the recon for me. I am now going on his waiting list. Out of interest any of you on nhs how long did you have to wait? I have been told about six months.
Pam.
Maggie, I have sent you a PM re back probs and the help you offered. Thanks again! I have my appointment at Charing Cross hosp next Mon 21st feb, so I am now armed with good advice!
I have to say I am very nervous, and still unsure if I will go ahead, but I am encouraged by looking at the many positive postings on forum.
I will let you know how appointment goes…they may refuse me before I refuse them!! I hope not. I want to be brave enough. I would love to have two boobs again…
LOve Jax
Hi girls, well just come home from having the blood thinning injection so looks like all systems go for the morning, have been kept busy today to take my mind off it.Dont think I will sleep very much but have to be there for 7am anyway.
Peacock - your diary was really useful, thanks, hope your soreness is getting better.
I will try and keep a diary as well and let you all know how it goes.
Take care
Julie
Julie, just wanted to wish you all the best for the operation, you are probably in surgery now as I write. Good luck xx
Hi Girls
Thats a fab diary of the week post op, I’d agree with all of it with minor variations. I was sitting in a chair 2 days after surgery and walking after that. I didn’t have a morphine pump, didn’t need one, just paracetemol and diclofenac.
Jax, I had my op at Charing Cross so I imagine we share the same surgeon. If you’d like any further info then send me a personal message. I must say he has to be the best man in the world except for my husband! And I can’t praise the nurses highly enough, I’ve never met with such kindness.
Luv nicky xxx
Hi ladies,
Hope you dont mind me joining you, have just sat and read all your posts and really put my mind at rest ( abit)!!
Im booked in 24th March 5 weeks today!!! for a bi lateral DIEP flap and am very very nervous, I also ahve two samll kids 5 and 3 and worry how long im going to be out of action for??
Thanks so much for posting all of thsi as it has really helped
A very nervous Nicki
Hi Nicki
I’m just under 4wks post bilateral diep.
I think I’d be able to look after 2 small kids next week on a stay at home basis. I’m not sure I could do a school run yet.
I’ve been driving for a week already but I still need to pace myself as I get soooooooo tired and having to rush and get to school on time is out of the question.
I’m much more upright and can walk for a couple of hours now. I can bend but not lift other than small things and certainly not children!
This week I have been able to cook supper each day and have been getting breakfast and sorting my own lunch for 2wks.
The later afternoons have been most difficult as I’m most tired and tend to stand like a banana, but that is getting better daily.
Luckily my kids are older and its all worked out ok, but I would suggest having someone to stay like your partner, mum or mother in law as you’re going to be unable to do a lot of things and you’ll need to sleep lots and lots!
As for the op itself, it is a big deal but I’ve found that the anticipation was far worse than the actual experience and I’m amazed at how well I’m healing and how good everything looks. You’re in hospital for a week and you do feel like you’ve been run over by a traction engine but its not that painful. Each day getting out of bed is easier than the day before and the daily improvement in doing anything is a good boost. Having a bed bath for the first 2 days wasn’t too horrible and after that you can sort yourself out.
Hope this helps
Nicky x
Hi everyone on my iPhone in hosp. Had op Monday and the anticipation was indeed far worse than the reality. I can stand up straight and walk but still have 3 of the 4 drains in and am not allowed to carry them so is a pain to have to call a nurse to carry them. I can stand up from a chair on my own and the loo. Today I stood at the sink and washed my bits and pieces! Tomorrow I can have a shower. I have had no pain and am on paracetamal and ibruprofen. Today they have put me in a bra but that is pressing on the drains and making them sore so at the moment I am sitting with it undone. The binder round the stomach feels ok, holding u all together. Have seen the stomach and looks lovely and flat. Boob does not look good to me but all the nurses and surgeon say it is perfect and will alter considerably over next few weeks. I can already lift my arm but must put elbow above shoulder height but can comb hair and use phone as u can see!! Got out of bed for first time wed and have been in chair today since 7.30 am. Thing I was dreading was the catheter but it was a boon. Have to drink loads of liquids and u r not worried about the loo. Couldn’t feel it at all, it came out yesterday. The nurses have been so fantastic and kind they have made the whole experience as easy as they could.
So
Oops that should have read must not put elbow above shoulder. So that is my experience so far , much much better than I expected. I will probably be here until Monday so any questions fire away.
Hi there sparklethecat and well done you for getting through the op. I am booked in for 10th march and am very nervous. Can you tell me where you got your support pants from and what sort of nighties do you have, did you have much pain post op. I dont like bit where they put you to sleep so any suggestions for keeping calm will help.which hospital are you in I am going to east grinstead.Hope you have a lovely shower tomorrow. love suzan xx