Hi, I have a to have a mastectomy in the next few weeks at the end of my chemo treatment.
I need to make a decision about whether to have reconstruction at the same time. As I’ve got to have radiotherapy following the op I don’t feel that I should down the implant route with the complications that can follow.
I’m contemplating TUG reconstruction although scared about damage to my leg as I exercise daily as part of my job and for myself for my mental health!
Has anyone had this operation in the last couple of years and able to get back to exercise such as running, climbing and exercise classes without issues?
Help 
!
3 Likes
Hi,
If TUG is where they take it from your inner, upper thigh, then I had this in 2021. The recovery takes a while (as with any reconstruction) and my leg felt a bit tight for a while, but now I have no problems with it whatsoever. I have been on long walks, I do Pilates, and I go to the gym and have no issue with any of it.
Hope this helps.
Lisa x
3 Likes
Yes, that’s the one! Thanks for replying and sharing your experience. I’m finding it difficult to find others who have chosen this op which doesn’t make me feel as confident of going ahead. Knowing you have no problems now is great!
I’ve been thinking of maybe not getting reconstruction due to worry that I’ll have issues I’m my legs as well as upper body and the thought of not being able to do my job or exercise is worrying. It’s definitely a big decision.
Thanks again for sharing 
1 Like
Welcome to the forum @niklong3
I’m sorry to hear about what you’re going through, but glad you have reached out here. The forum is full of kind, helpful people like @lisa49 and I hope you find the support you are looking for.
Please know that our nurses are here for you any time, here on the forum on the Ask our Nurses your questions board or over the phone 0808 800 6000.
Wishing you all the best for making the right decision for you,
Lucy
No probs. Some hospitals do “show and tell” and usually include someone who has had TUG. I didn’t get to go to one as it was during lockdown, but a friend went and said it was brilliant.
I am really glad I had my reconstruction, but it’s different for everyone, so you have to do what feels right for you.
Lisa x
Hi,
I’m just going through exactly the same as you in making my decision about a Lug simsir to a Tug op, but longer scaring.
For exactly the same reasons, exercise being my mental health release, I’m being really put off as can’t find anyone thats had this done and was very active before and after surgery.
I mountain bike, run, swim and ski and whisky appreciate I will have to accept a different level of activity following all of this, I’m really more drawn to having a natural reconstruction than an implant.
Wondering what decision you made and how you’re feeling now or if anyone out there has had a double Tug or Lug?
Just on route to see plastic surgeon now as am booked in for op on 6th Feb.
Thanks so much.
Hi Rhiannon, how did everything go? I’ve had an implant in for nearly two years now as I was worried the TUG op would impact on my sports - I run and ski a lot. However, every medical professional I’ve seen has urged me to go for the TUG op. I’m booked in for December 10th to have the surgery. Can I ask how yours went, and whether you can still do all your sports? Thanks so much.
I am also having to make the difficult decision to either get TUG reconstruction for DMX, or go flat. I was wondering how you are all getting on further down the line? I am also very active and enjoy cycling and running. Did you all get back to your favourite activities after a period of time? How long was recovery for you? Thank you. I’d really appreciate hearing from you. X
How are you getting on @mellowe ?
I am getting DMX later in the summer and have to decide if I am having reconstructive surgery or going flat.
Hi corriem,
Physically, I wouldn’t even know I’d had the reconstruction, aside from one thigh being slightly smaller than the other, and my reconstructed breast being slightly perkier!
I love being able to buy normal bras and not have to either bother with a prosthetic or try to find a bra that fits a single boob. I don’t even think about it these days.
I think I would have also been happy staying flat if that had been my decision at the time, but I have no regrets about having a reconstruction and I have no problems at all with it.
Hope it all goes well whatever you decide.
Lisa x
1 Like
Thanks for your reply, Lisa. That’s encouraging. How long would you say it was before you were able to start building back up to doing your normal activities, would you say?
I would say it took 3 months to feel pretty much recovered, although my thigh felt a bit “tight” for a while after that, but it wasn’t painful or uncomfortable at all.
I got back into my old routines gradually, walking a bit from around 6 weeks and building everything else up from 10-12 weeks. After that, it didn’t take long at all before I could do everything I could previously.
Bear in mind that everyone is different, and recovery will be different, but if you were fit and healthy before I don’t think you will have any problems.
The first few weeks are the hardest.
Good luck with your decisions 
Lisa x
Thank you @lisa49 that is great to hear. Glad you are doing so well.
1 Like