I am about to undergo breast reconstruction, diepflap. I have flights booked to go to Spain 8weeks 3 days after the proposed date. Do you think ths is advisable? Or should I defer until my return. Was suppose to have op originally in Feb hence booking flights, two ops cancelled and hospital staff and bed issues it looks like June now!!!
anyone who has had this done, I would be interested to hear about your rate of recovery, what you were able to do etc. please.
thanks
melkevb
Hi Melkevb, I’ve only recently been checking out the forums and others have been very helpful with advice and how their reconstruction/recovery had been. Myself, had my diep/flap just over two weeks ago (9th April) and it confirms what I already knew, everyones recovery is different, but, yes the op was long more or less a whole day was taken away, but cannot fault the every half/hour checks made to confirm everything was in order, scanning the new “boob” that blood flow was flowing and being accepted, colour and feel (softness) was as it should be. I was helped the following morning to have a bed wash, get dressed in my own nightwear and “proper” support underwear, felt good. I had four drains, which were carried with me, when I went to the bathroom or short walks. My two daughters came to see me Wed afternoon and were so surprised to see me walking upright, be it slowly, on my own. I only needed some help of a night getting into bed as comfortable as I could, having to lie on my back due to the drains. The following days I was able to have showers on my own, two drains out Fri, go to the day room to watch tele and chat to others, Sat other drains out, discharged Sun. The only pain I got and still occurs on and off throughout the day, is on my “good” side, which I have been told by my surgeon is due to having the sternum “chipped” away at and possibly ribs broken, the pain being bruising and will ease in time, and with painkillers. I am now back home (I live alone) family not too far away, good friends constantly checking anything I need, shopping, company, phone calls, I am so glad to be back in my own surroundings, I can manage stairs, I did washing yesterday, dead-headed some flowers, and now can’t wait for the ok to drive, but generally I honestly do feel very well and have no regrets with my knew body, seeing the nurse Mon for dressings to be removed, if not will continue to dry with hairdryer after showers, no problem. Please, all ladies who read this, believe me, I do understand I must still do things carefully, no heavy lifting, stretching, and follow excercises given, and rest still throughout the day. I do hope what info I’ve given will give you an idea what to expect, up until I went in I really didn’t know the procedures the nurses check throughout the early days cannot fault the treatment I received, by the way I’m no “spring chicken” (67) and I’m sure if dates fall right for you that holiday will be yours…good luck…Brenda
it’s right that all ladies will recover differently. I had my recon op in Feb 2012. I had a mastectomy and a bi-lateral recon (one delayed and one immediate) using LD flap and implants. I would say it took me a good 3 monhs before I felt like I was able to feel like doing things again. I went on holiday 4 months after the op and did struggle with pain and tiredness (took lots of meds though) but I was glad I went as it helped to kick start me back into being normal / active and really boosted my spirits. It did take a good 6 months though before I felt I was over the op. I guess the key is to just see how you feel and don’t overdo things. Hope you have a speedy recovery whatever you decide re the hols.
Vikki
Thank you Brenda and Vikki
Yes you have both helped!!! A big decision with lots to consider. Don’t think I would enjoy or relax on hol if still in a lot of pain. So difficult as it is different for different people. Know when I had my mysectomy I was in Spain 6 weeks latter but do understand that this is a much bigger op.
Brenda I hope you continue to progress and would love to hear how you are getting on. Vikki I hope you continue to do well and enjoy life to the full!!!
Mel
x
Hi Mel
Very difficult to advise, as everyone is different…
I had a double mx with immediate DIEP recon last June - you may want to check out our recon thread for the 27th June - and at a shade over two weeks I had a weekend in London. And by eight weeks life was pretty much back to normal - although no heavy lifting. So I’d say you would be fine to go to Spain! Perfect to recuperate, but keep the sun off any scars!
Sue x
I think I posted this before on another thread, but as a physiotherapist on a plastics unit, I used to see ladies at 6 weeks post DIEP and post TRAM. TRAMs tend to take a little longer rehab because abdominal muscle is used.
At 6 weeks, most ladies were pretty pleased with themselves, but although there were restrictions, especially with the TRAMs, the actual activity level varied enormously between individuals. Extremes were: a lady who had cycled from Banff to Canmore (Rocky Mountains) to one individual who asked if it was ok to move her arm now! (Slaps head)
Most were considering starting to drive, or had actually started, and they were normally advised to avoid lifting or working until after 6-8 weeks, depending on their occupation and how they felt.
I’d say, if you progressed as expected there shouldn’t be any problem going on vacation at 8 weeks post-op, but there are no guarantees in the surgical world.
I should say, ask your surgeon’s advice!