Hi girls glad to see you are both doing so well. I saw the PS today my wound is what he called delayed healing feels sore underneath and he has given me some antibiotics cos it was inflamed anyone had experience of delayed wound healing just wondered what to expect. Must admit I feel very tired but I suppose I am only day 12 so musnt expect too much love to all suzan xx
Hi Suzan,
I think most of us have delayed healing to a greater or lesser extent. My right nipple was very shocked initially and as a result its been the slowest to heal. Just when i thought I’d healed completely last week, it spurts out a bit of yuck again. Am not considering it a big problem. My GP gave me some extra weeks supply of antibiotics to take if necessary, so I’m on those for a week as the skin also turned rather red. As I understand it I’ve got a reaction to the dissolving stitches rather than an infection and there’s also been a little bit of necrosis. Scars are still minimal.
8 and a half weeks since surgery now.
I wouldn’t worry too much, we’ve had an extreme proceedure.
At 4 weeks I suddenly felt better re tiredness, similarly at 6 and 8 weeks.It tends to go in spurts!
Nicky x
Hi Julie I am so pleased to hear that you are concerned re shape! My consultant is so proud of his work I find it difficult to be critical! So glad shape changes on nipple reconstruction! I have had bilateral tram reconstruction 6 weeks ago now.
Nikki I thank you for all your comments as I have been following this link and it has been good to hear how I will be 2 weeks down the line! Great encouragement!
I seem to be healing ok I just continue to have a problem with abdo seroma which I have drained weekly by Consultant, Hoping finally this week it is improving. I will find out more tomorrow.
I think this op is a greater leveller, as you do find out how good your family and friends are when you become so dependent, and it is good to feel better and know the support is still there if you need it.
Thank you to everyone too who writes here it is such a support.
Love to all Rachel
Hi ladies,
I am post op 3 weeks today, had bilateral diep flap but they did have to use some muscle as well to get right side to reconnect!!!
The op was a massive 12.5 hours and then had bad reaction to the morphine, but im doing okay now out of hospital!
Just wondered how long it took for tummy to stop feeling havent given me binders or anything, and the new boobs are healing well, I have got two open wounds on tummy scar which arent nice at moment!! I am thinking I am rushing things but not sure how soon to be trying sleeping in other positions??? HELP!!
Also havent been told to do any exercises or anything yet???
Did anyone else have problems with their elbows as when i came round in recovery I was in agony and my arms had locked and still cant straighten them yet.
I am not a very patient person and with two kids (3 and 5) want to be back on my feet but am I expecting too much too soon??? have my mum ehre fopr another week but not sure if im going to need help after that. the school is a 5 minute walk but at the moment seems a million miles away!!
Hope someone can help
Nicki
Hi all
I’m now 10 weeks post surgery and am pretty much back to normal I would say apart from if I am walking a bit much I seem to get pretty breathless, but I try to walk everyday for at least 20 mins and hope to gradually build up.
I am still wearing the abdominal support belt, I was told to wear it for 12 weeks so only another 2 weeks to go, can’t wait as its impossible to show off lovely flat tummy when wearing it.
Nicki, I still have one open wound on my tummy but gradually over the weeks it has reduced from several dressings down to just one now. The nurse still comes every other day to clean and change the dressing but it is definitely healing. If you could have seen my scars at 6 weeks compared to now you’d never believe how bad it was so keep thinking of the weeks to come and it will heal like mine has. I was told not to do any exercises, but was told to see a physio to do exercise under supervision. Trouble is that my physio was so busy I’ve got to wait a couple of weeks for him to give me an appt. I mostly sleep on my back and my non BC side, but the side I’ve got the op on is the side I prefer so I can lay that way for a short time but when I turn over it still hurts when doing it! Other than this I have no pain at all.
Chin up girls, it gets better x
I had my Diep Oct 17th 2010. I am so happy with the results. And in all honesty it was not as bad as I thought it would be. First few days are tough but the meds help…lol I had tatoos done for the nipples and in March will get them. I told the doctor I felt breast cancer took a part of my womanhood away and reconstruction gave it back. I am walking, golfing and started exercise. Chin up girls. If your considering DIEP over Tram I would say DIEP is the way to go. The benefits out weigh the tram by far.
Just to encourage you all. I had DIEP in August, and I was quite worried, as have severe back problems, and understood that my recovery would be considerably harder.
However, I was up and self caring within 12 hours! I kept moving my feet and legs nonstop, and walked about and tried to straighten up as soon as I was able. The back didn’t seem to add any more probs than anyone else had. Was able to leave in 5 days without any drains!
Sleep was understandable difficult for 1st week,but soon sorted, and I am SO happy with breast and tummy. Having waited 5 long years, you can imagine my delight!From what I have discovered, DIEP is certainly the best op, and although very major surgery, I do think it is easier to recover from than the TRAM or LD.
I hope this hopes others who may be a bit worried about going ahead.
Best wishes and Happy New Year to you all,
Jax
Hello girls, I am so pleased to have read these. I am waiting for Diep reconstruction, which should be springtime. already had the masectomy ( which is very lumpy and stuck to ribs) last March and reconstruction on non BC side. thought of Diep is scary, i’m over 60 now and seems crazy to go through it BUT my mum is 96 soon so I could have another 40 years looking like this! and panicking that a normal neckline top will expose me when bending over!
first mammogram next week.
Will look forward to flattish tummy after all these years.
always look to the bright side
Dolly
Hi Dolly again.
I meant to tell about the BRA meeting I attended in Chelmsford Hospital where a group of very brave ladies “bared all” and answered questions. unfortunately I was rather surprised as I thought it would be photos and a chat and it was difficult to overcome “the starring at ladies boobs and bellies being rude” bit but it was very helpful.
The results were certainly inspiring and the immediate Diep reconstruction incredible, Wish I known ( looked into options more rather than hiding my head in the sand) about Diep before last March!
Dolly
Hi dolly,
I’m six weeks post DIEP and mx op now, and it’s a big deal but after the initial hard part, you do make a rapid recovery. Ive done away with ALL my pregnancy stretch marks and when I sit down now, my tum is straight up and my navel is nicely shaped!!! Knocked 40 years off me! You’ll have the added bonus of sorting out your mx scar tissue which must be a relief!
My tip woud be to try to get as fit as you can, strengthen your legs and if poss get advice from a physio beforehand! and my second big tip is to find a tummy support garment that you can fasten up rather than wriggle into!! I wish I’d found one beforehand!! They give support which helps you to move around and also makes your wound feel more secure, but also helps prevent and reduce swelling. I’ve found a couple of mail order companies and have now ordered one garment for my remaining two months. I tried lots of regular spanx type things and sent most of them back.
It’s going to be a very exciting time for you! I was totally scared beforehand, never having had any surgery at all, but if I can do it, you can, youre most of the way there now!
Great post. I have had one mastecotmy and then had tissue expander year later, then went for 2nd masectomy and double diep/tram (unsure which it was). Unfortunately nurse gave me a wrong tablet and it was cancelled 5 mins before surgery, was heartbroken as was sooo nervous with it being a double recon and so worked up but opted for a temporary expander and 2nd masectomy to at least get rid of the risk and wait for new date, so now 9 months later looks like my date is 28th Feb, sooo nervous, im overweight and unfit so trying my best beforehand but i had to lie in bed next to woman you didnt have best reaction and it did scare me a little, its more the fear of the unknown in terms of how much you can straighten and what happens if it fails and things, mind in overdrive…
Thanks for post, it has helped me calm down about it… think im more worried about it being a double one as im usually used to having one side i can rely on using more, 9 weeks after im due to go to florida too, i had this booked back when had original date, they think i should be okay as long as i dont lift - any views?
x
Hello Nonsuch & Lisa
Thanks for the positive thoughts. It’s great to hear others experience. I’m usually pretty tough as regards pain ( ex toothache!) I’m more worried about falling over after the op! I’ve a back problem which has left me with only half strength in the right leg although I spent 7 years going to the dreaded gym 3 times a week, given that up as seemed to be worse afterwards although am generally stronger. but they will be used to this I’m sure, doesn’t stop thoughts in the night though
I’d like any other hints to help. From the BRA meeting we were told that we would wear a girdle type garment for some time and to buy Asda sports bra a size larger than usual. I’m having the op on the NHS in Chelmsford. On the short notice list, seem to have spent the last year in limbo and I have been very lucky, lots of ladies suffered a lot more. I would like to tell my story to new diagnosed ladies and strongly recommend viewing the options. The masectomy and immedient recontruction that I saw in the BRA meeting was incredible.
Thanks again
Dolly
PS it took me a while to find my way back to this list. don’t usually do forums etc
Doly and Lisaf,
Doesn’t the forum remind you how different we all are, how are needs are different? I wish the was more published information that detailed what to expect So we could prepare ourselves as well as possible. The forum is a great source of help but for those who dont access, they must really be in the dark.
But these are really the small practicalities that help, the main parts are taken care of for us, so try not to worry! Most of us have ups and downs but they don’t last long in te great scheme of things. I projectile vomited twice in the first night but it was only liquid and wasn’t a problem, it was quite funny as there was so much!! Id drunk too much fluid and not eaten for 36 hours.I guess if I’d been in a shared room they others might not have thought it funny! in many hospitals ladies having dieps are in a single room on the ward because of keeping the flap warm, sometimes they are moved to a shared ward after a few days. Other hospitals have you on hgh dependency unit for the initial monitoring period. It is a bit isolating in a single room, espec before you are mobile, so there are swings and roundabouts to it. I was really worried about the catheter but i honestly had no problems and didnt even feel it when it came out. Didn’t feel the drains either, really. I couldnt believe that ladies said they had nothing more than ordinary pain killers but its true and perhaps shows how manageable it all is?
I wish I’d known or had advice about best ways to get in and out of bed post surgery, it wld have been good to practice beforehand. Even the place you position yourself on the bed, when getting back in, is really crucial as it’s hard to adjust once you’re lying down. (You need to be higher up than you think,put your bottom where the mattress bends upwards) A trainee physio came to see me the day after my op and suggested I did pelvic thrusts regularly, and also knees bent, side to side leg rolls…I wuld have started these beforehand if I’d known. .I’m still doing them now and they help get tummy flexibility so you can stand better. Another thing I regret is that I couldn’t face looking at any of my wounds and I should have asked for help before I came home…they told me to get in touch if they changed but I’d never seen them at that point.
I cant believe how quickly it all heals up considering what’s done to our bodies. A more junior member of the team stopped to chat one day in the hospital and gave me a lot of proud detail about the great sewing up he’d done on me and described how they all worked together. My navel is evidently a great sight to behold, and it even looked fine when his stitches came out nine days after surgery.I still can’t believe I’ve been on the operating table swathed in green and with various bits opened up…and people I meet who don’t know have no idea, six weeks on. I found it hard to sit back at home to start with, not even open the dishwasher door they said…but it’s worth taking care initially. I live alone, I had someone stay over for four nights when I came out of hospital, then friends popped in for the first couple of weeks. I didnt have any district nurse involvement cos the referral went astray but I’d advise getting in touch with them before you go in as it would have been better to have a professional checking my wounds to pick up any problems early.
I’m just going to get down on the floor and do my exercises before lunch…
If I can help with any more info do let me know or pm me?
Wow it’s great to have some really practical stuff, better get exercising now, thanks for the tips, espcially the bed bit as it’s the bit that really worries me, my main concern is how straight can i stand as worried about ripping wounds, i too am not good at looking but will try and brave it.
Thanks again
Lisaf
Lisaf,
I’m not sure if I mentioned earlier, but some support garments will help keep your tummy supported. I wasn’t sure what they meant beforehand by big support knickers so didnt know what to get. I’ve done a lot of shopping around since! Discovered today that house of Fraser have a big range.
It’s hard to wriggle into the spanx style pants, tho easier with your pants underneath. If you can get ones with gusset openings it reduces the wriggling occasions when you go to the loo. One of the BCNs suggested the support-type sloggy pants initially, while wound is fresh, but whichever type, you need hghwaisted to go above the new navel. There are some companies that sell compression garments with Velcro or hooks and eyes, or M and S sell a boob-less all in one body which has a gusset opening and I’ve worn this a lot.
I’ve read a lot of recommendations on here for a triumph tri active sports bra. Currently house of Fraser on-line have these in their sale but in the shop theyre full price. Also noticed M and S have their non wired high impact sports bras reduced from 20 to £5… Locally they only have the larger sizes but this might be helpful to someone.
Best of luck with everything friends,
Lynette
I found I walked more easily wearing something.
Lisaf,
I’m not sure if I mentioned earlier, but some support garments will help keep your tummy supported. I wasn’t sure what they meant beforehand by big support knickers so didnt know what to get. I’ve done a lot of shopping around since! Discovered today that house of Fraser have a big range.
It’s hard to wriggle into the spanx style pants, tho easier with your pants underneath. If you can get ones with gusset openings it reduces the wriggling occasions when you go to the loo. One of the BCNs suggested the support-type sloggy pants initially, while wound is fresh, but whichever type, you need hghwaisted to go above the new navel. There are some companies that sell compression garments with Velcro or hooks and eyes, or M and S sell a boob-less all in one body which has a gusset opening and I’ve worn this a lot.
I’ve read a lot of recommendations on here for a triumph tri active sports bra. Currently house of Fraser on-line have these in their sale but in the shop theyre full price. Also noticed M and S have their non wired high impact sports bras reduced from 20 to £5… Locally they only have the larger sizes but this might be helpful to someone.
Best of luck with everything friends,
Lynette
I found I walked more easily wearing something.
Hi ladies
Lisa I remember trying to stand up straight the day after I was allowed out of bed, not really a good idea so soon, but we are all different and you should do what your body lets you do. By the time I left hospital (after 8 days) I was walking gingerly and standing up straight. I was told never to go without the stomach support and had to wear it for a while (3 months I think) and it did give me a bit more confidence with walking about.
As for my bra, I wore the bright pink sports bras that M&S have, again this was for quite a while but it is a relief when you can finally wear normal bras.
xxx
Hi Ladies
So glad I came on here today and found this thread, reading all of your comments has really helped to relieve some of the fears I’ve had about going for my DIEP. Always knew I wanted recon from time mx was first mentioned but the closer its got to it the more my heads been working overtime and imagining allsorts (not the good kind!)
Feeling really positive and ready for it now, just one thing when I saw my recon nurse last week when I had CT scan she said they remove a little bit of rib to put blood vessels behind but they leave the small piece in you and then use it later when reconstructing a nipple. I didnt see anybody mention this that I can recall, has anyone had it done?
xxx
Thanks all for the info, the hospital i go to provides the sports bra and they just told me to get sloggi nickers so I’ll better get shopping, eurgh dreading it but want to get the result so fingers crossed. Thanks for the info
Alex, I have been told about removing a bit of rib up towards the top of my chest…
Alexc…I’ve read about this procedure you mention but it wasn’t used where I had my DIEP. I believe they can join the artery and vein via your breastbone area or in your armpit and I had the latter technique using the snb scar. I’m not clear whether it’s surgeons preference or if it depends on the individuals physiology.
I was reading up about nipple recon and using cartilage is evidently more enduring than just skin…luckily for me, they only need to match up a small nipple so I’m hoping skin will be enough for me!