Wow lemoncake that’s amazing to be doing so well so soon afterwards. I go into hospital tomorrow for a double flap on Tuesday so thanks for your post xx
Lisa
Thanks Lisa, good luck on Tuesday. Which flap are you having?
Take care
Sandra
x
Good luck for Tuesday Lisaf, be thinking of you love, still no date for me yet, hate this waiting, XXX
Hi Lemoncake, thanks for that, im glad all has gone well with the op. My main worry at the mo is waking up to find that it hasnt worked and of course the recovery afterwards. You sound amazing though, just hope Im back up on my feet as soon as you.
Good luck to Lisa for your op, I hope all goes well.
I agree Cathie that its only you that can decide to go ahead with a major op and like you said its nice to be able to choose! Hope you get some bright weather in Scotland soon.
Hi Shoez hope you get your date through soon xxx
Hi Juls, have the comments helped you with your decision? i know since i’ve been on this site i’ve had loads of good advice and tips, and although i am still nervous/scared of the op i’m feeling better about it (if that makes any sence) been wondering how Lisaf is getting on, her op was today wasn’t it? i bought some bra extenders from Amazon yesterday only £3!! weather here very mild but damp! take care, 
xx
Hi Shoez,
Think I’ve decided to have free tram flap op now, even though like you im scared about it! How long do you have to wait for your pre op bloods/swabs etc as had nothing from the hospital? Feeling more positive about it now since hearing from others who have been through it. Hope Lisaf got on ok, just have to wait until she is well enough to email and let us know. xxx
Hi Everyone,
I had a reconstruction (LD) in 2005 and then another (tram flap) in 2007 so I’m one of the few people who can say they’ve experienced both (strange thing to boast about!?!)
Whichever op you go for does take some time - and afterwards there is some discomfort - and a little pain at first - but you get great pain relief and I can honestly say that after 2 weeks you are really on the mend.
Comparing the two ops - I’d say that the they were pretty similar in terms of pain etc.
Anyway - good luck - I have never regreted either op - and the short term problems were well worth it for the benefits of feeling normal and no need for prosthesis!
xxx
Hi EllisB, why didn’t you go for an LD the second time?
Juls, just looking back at my earlier post I realise that I didn’t say that one of the reasons I decided to have the free tram flap was because although I am slim (5ft 8in, 9st 10lbs) I have always - post children - hated my stomach which I felt made me still look pregnant as I don’t carry weight elsewhere. This is why I would have needed an implant with an LD flap which I didn’t fancy as my wonderful PS said it would need replacing every 10yrs.
I have had all my dressings removed today and am really impressed with both the recon and the tummy tuck. The PS did say he would do a really good tuck for me and that it would be very tight and uncomfortable to start with - hence once again I’m posting in the middle of the night. Its ok during the day but pulls a lot when I lie down. I liken the feeling to wearing several pairs of extremely tight jeans at the same time, the kind you can only do up by lying down and putting a coathanger in the zip to pull it up (or is it only me that used to do that as a teenager??!!) and that was after you’d sat in the bath in them to shrink them - oh the memories.
Why have you decided on the tram Juls. I had bloods/pre-op etc 3 days before op then photos and drawings the day before op.
That was a bit of a ramble wasn’t it?
Take care
Lemoncake
x
Hi Ellis and Lemoncake
Thanks so much your replies have really helped me.
I had an LD flap but had to have it removed and my only option a couple of years later is DIEP, I was worried re: pain etc but your comments have really helped.
Lemoncake , we must be around the same age the jean thing I remember it very well!!!
L
xx
Hi Tinfish
Those were the days weren’t they - with the jeans. I am 51, how about you?
x
Hi Gals
Its been really helpful to me reading everyones experiences. I got diagnosed 3 weeks ago and am only seeing the surgeon for the first time tomorrow, so already in state from all the waiting and uncertainty. I know he only offers the LD flap with implant - I don’t really want either, I think my preference would be the DIEP but this is going to me more appointments and consultants at a different hospital which I may have to fight to get.
Beginning to wonder if I have that much fight left in me, its been a month already since this started and I feel the lowest I’ve ever been in my life and I haven’t even started the treatments.
Great to hear some of your positive experiences. Thanks for sharing.
V x
Hi lemoncake
I am 54 nearly 55.
Vj. Yes the diep is done at some hospitals but if you really want it ask them its your choice. I tion the east route last time but for me it didnt work.
L. X x
Hiya girls love hearing everyones stories, and thankfully not heard any horror ones yet, all good,
Juls, I had pre-op/bloods done in September, pre-op photo’s done about two weeks ago! when i last saw my PS the end of January he did say 2/3 month waiting list so that takes me to the end of April, do you have any idea of a date for yours yet?
I’m 50 this year so it will be a nice pressie eh? xx
Hi Shoez,
Originally my op was after xmas. havent had any boods etc done yet and no pre op assesment, so could be going on to middle of year, although surgeon did say about april. Just have to wait and see. Just want to get it done and dusted before the summer and be able to enjoy it. xxx
I’m the same Juls, just want it doing asap!! so i can enjoy the summer (if we get one) if weather is still as mild as it has been, want to get in the garden at the weekend and get it sorted, so i can recuperate out there ;-), just wondering if i will need another pre-op seeing as my last one was September?? wonder how long they last? take care Juls, love Lynn XX
Hi Ladies,
I’m glad that so many of you are having reconstructions - I can honestly say that I regret none of the surgery I’ve had - even though I lost my first recon as it was skin saving and unfortunately - and very unusually - the bc came back in the skin. Lemongrove - I had the second op as a tramflap because there wasn’t enough muscle etc left on my back to do another one - as I understand it they only do one recon from one area ( and I am quite short at 5’ 3" and was then only 8st (I’m a bit more now!)I didn’t have to have an implant so my boob is all me - albeit me moved around a bit! (My appendicitis scar is now in my cleavage!)
Anyway - good luck to all of you - short term pain for long term gain!
Chris
xxx
Hi girls,
Just want to wish all you girls a great weekend. I have a busy one what with my 5 year olds ballet show photos, and her birthday, not just 1 party but 2! (How things have changed)… Juls xxxxx
Hi EllisB,
As you had both ops, I understand you couldn’t have the same twice but did you prefer one over the other? I had the LD flap recon as this is what my surgeon recommended at the time. I’m now 6 wks post op but don’t remember there being a choice, maybe it’s all the talk of a diep tram but I’m now left wondering if I’ve done the right thing. Sorry girls just feeling a bit down at the moment. 
Hi Bigbird41, aww sorry to hear you are feeling alittle down love, hope your feeling better soon, when i was eventually offered the reconstruction last July the PS said i would benefit more from the tram flap, (think i have more fat on my tummy to be honest) are you happy with your results so far? take care, love Lynn xx
Hi BigBird41 - Sorry you’re feeling down. I’ve sent you a PM message. Take care
xxx