surgical stockings after reconstruction

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Hello Ladies

I saw my PS last week to finally discuss my LD recon. He told me that post op I would have to wear the surgical stockings for 6 weeks 24 hours a day only taking them off for half an hour per day.
Is this normal? I just remember wearing them after the mastectomy and how hot they were, now that I’m on tamox, I’m having hot flushes and can’t imagine wearing anything so restricting!
Were others told this?
Any advice gratefully received.

Jude

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Hi

I had an mx and immediate LD flap recon. I only had to wear surgical stockings for a week, while I was in hospital.

However, Tamoxifen increases the risk of clots, and I assume you’ll that you’ll be back on it after your op. Maybe this is the reason?

Good luck with the recon.
Dx

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Hello Jude,
I am 4 weeks post op from delayed recon. and am still wearing my luverly white stockings. was told by the nurse at discharge that I’d have to wear them for 6 weeks post-op and I nearly fell off the bed. Anyway, as I’d had been wearing them for nearly a week by that time I was quite used to them and although I also have flushes must say they’re not too bad. The worst part about them for me is trying to get them on because I had IGAP so have difficulty bending far enough from the hip and am otherwise pretty flexible and agile. Nice to get them off for a shower and put on some moisturiser. Hope all went well.
J, x

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thanks girls for the comments, just wanted to hear other peoples comments.
Going in tonight and having op tomorrow.
Hope all ok with you both.

Jude

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Hope all has gone well Jude,
On the home stretch now! Pity you’re missing some sunny days but it’s all worthwhile. I’m expecting my op end of the month or start of Nov now, but the stockings are beckoning me too…arch.

Hope to benefit from your tips!

Love lynette

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Thanks Lynette, being discharged today and have to say up to now very early days I know but experience much easier than I was expecting, pain has been under control it’s more uncomforable than sore.
Good news too is that the stockings are nowhere near as bad as I thought I don’t even know I’ve got them on, but I came off tamoxofen nearly 3 weeks ago so I haven’t had any hot flushes, so I might not have the same opinion one Im back on it !
Good luck with your surgery, I’ve just had LD without implant as over next year they will do a couple of fat transfers from other breast to fill out the void, I’m only slim but had D cup so can afford to lose from other side, no regrets from me.

Jude
xxx

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Hi Jude, just read your comment about about coming off tamoxifen, was that for the op?
I’m due to go in next week for recon and am still taking mine.
Thanks Sx

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Hi Susie

Check with your BCN/surgeon. Tamoxifen increases the risk of clots, so the standard advice seems to be to stop it about a week before surgery.

Dx

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Hi ladies,

I’m having recon in just over a weeks time and have been told it is not necessary to stop taking tamoxifen. I guess different hospitals have different ideas. They say they are aware of the possible problems but don’t think it is necessary to stop taking tamoxifen.

Love Jane x

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HI

My PS told me to check with oncologist about tamox it’s all to do with blood clots as the recons are such long operations. I had my recon at a different hospital to where I was treated hence the PS advising me.
Can’t believe it was a week ago my op, can honestly say go for it, not as bad as I had built it up to be especially from a pain level it’s more of an issue trying to get comfy !

Jude