Diep date 27th June -encouragement needed please

[Guest user]

Hi Dima,
Great news that you have a date at last. Good luck with your scan tomorrow. I found some useful information from all the ladies that posted on here. I hope you will too.
Don't be afraid to ask any questions.
All the best.
A x

[Guest user]

Hi everyone. Hope you dont mind me gate-crashing this thread. My date for DIEP is 8th August and having been happily waiting for this for so long, I'm now absolutely terrified. So it's reassuring and helpful to read of your experiences pre- and post-operatively. I'm going for my abdominal CT scan tomorrow, then pre-op assessment the day after. I cant believe this is really going to happen!

[Guest user]

Hi Samos,
Really glad to see you are doing so well. As you say it is amazing how much you improve day by day.
Hope every one is enjoying the better weather. Had a little more retail therapy today. Actually brought a bikini in the sale. I thought that I may as well show off my flat tum. and new navel. Well there have got to be some perks
Keep up the good work ladies.
All the best A x

[samos]

Good to hear everyone is doing well!

I can now manage to get myself into bed unaided, but am still grateful for a bit of support in getting out of it again. Everything seems to be healing nicely, with just a very small weep coming from the middle of the abdomen. Having fun peeling the glue off still lol. I'm sleeping well which is good as I think if you manage a good. iChat's sleep then it sets you up for the day. I've not napped at all since cominggnome from hospital - although my oh has!
Feeling pretty good all in all, and can't believe how far I've come in such a short time! Boobs still feel a bit like aliens at the moment, they feel kind of 'full' a bit like the feeling you get just before baby latches on when you breastfeed lol!

Lovely sunny day here, so think a potter on the garden is in order!

Sue xx

[Guest user]

Hi Everyone
Having the morning catching up with emails etc. and trying to get decent quotes for house and buildings insurance.
Well yesterday I phoned the hospital as I was leaking out of my lower boob wound in a couple of places, they told me to go there its just over an hours drive and they fitted me in. After seeing a nurse first and then 2 doctors I have some special dressings to put on after my shower so hopefully it will work. I go back Monday morning for a check, they think it may be to do with the stitches so I hope to see some improvement. I am a little worried as I lost my LD implant due to infections but they dont seem worried and were so pleased with their work!!!
Seems like we are all getting on well and getting frustrated not being able to do mych espeically driving (I cant wait) but the time will soon go.
The weather seems to be on the up especially next week so I will be taking gentle walks
L

xx

[Guest user]

Hi Beaniebaby

Glad to know you are not getting too stressed about the lack of continuous sleep. I don't much like driving anyway so it tends not to bother me. I probably won't drive till the pain in my armpit has gone - the SNB has done quite a lot of damage to my nerves under there I think.

The lack of access to the internet is caused by having to go and stay at my OH's father's house. He died in February and we are having to split our time between his house and ours.

I can use his father's PC whilst I am there but it is in his study which is secluded from the rest of the house and very cold and lonely. Great if I feel like I need some space but not so good otherwise!

We are going there after my PS checkup on Monday - leaving sometime on Wednesday and won't be back till sometime after the Olympics - I will try and make sure I keep in touch but just so you know I am not ignoring everyone just have difficulty getting to a PC!

Have some nice walks round the lake - I do hope the weather improves! Cold and mis today!

Liz x

[Guest user]

Hi All,
I wondered where everyone had gone. Lizdeb sorry about you not being able to post. I too have had problems guess they are still working through the problems.
Lizdeb i managed to get a better nights sleep. Woke again at 2am then 5am then 7am but managed to get back to sleep so not so bad. It's a little like having a new baby who wakes for feeds lol.
Not liking not being able to drive. I didn't realise how much it would impact on me. Still with the better weather coming I should be able to walk around the lake which we have nearby.
All the best
A X

[Guest user]

Hi all

Back online after a week without access!!!

I was told to have a nap every afternoon for the first 3 weeks after the op - still need it sometimes even now!

Take it slowly Tinfish and rest often when walking about! I can now walk a mile at a reasonable pace without having to stop but it took weeks for me to build up the strength to do that!

My wounds are now nearly healed - only two small bits on my breast need medihoney and about 4 on my stomach wound. Going to see the PS for my checkup on Monday - I presume they give us a schedule for the next stage then? Mind you right now I am thinking no more surgery - even minor stuff!! Who needs a nipple???!!

Lisaf: I must get started on my diet LOL - I have been using the excuse that I need to build my strength up after the op to eat more than I should! Must stop that now as it is not true anymore I don't think!
Glad to hear your crying jags have dried up Tinfish 🙂
Sorry to hear that you had a bad night on Saturday Beaniebaby - hope you are sleeping better now. It is difficult but hopefully will improve! I have finally graduated back to my normal sleeping position (more or less) - no more stacks of pillows :):)

Sue: Glad all went well for you 🙂

Good to be back online 🙂

[lisaf]

Ahhh, my post dissapeared. Hope you are doing well, sounds like you are. I know I used to sort of pack myself into bed in a bit of a fort of pillows and was almost upright so didnt hurt trying to get out.

Hard taking it easy when dont feel great, keep getting a little fresh air, and I wouldnt rusht the driving, be spoilt and give some orders out as you will soon be back to normal.
Diet started as didnt really get tummy tuck as such as had such a big bulge above but exercising like I havent done in years so its giving me more confidence xxx
Take care and hope the sun comes out this weekend

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies
Hope your all OK, went out again today with my daughter for a couple of hours and its so humbling and I as exhausted when i got back so had an afternoon nap. Havent been sleeping too well this week, I am still finding myself on my side so its even more pillows to the sides tonight.
I wish it would stop raining so that I can have some gentle walks and increase them and I keep looking at the weather so it looks like I will start soon. I have been walking around the garden but its nt the same.

Beanie baby: yes it is hard watching the OH's with the chores specially the washing etc, today I noticed black socks in a white wash but luckily all was OK, and at least we have them to help.
Sue: you sound as confident as ever, getting out of bed does get easier !!!
Havent cried this week so all good.
Would love to hear from you ladies further on than me, to hear how your getting on, when you started drving and doing things in the home

Well it looks like another rainy night
L
xx

[samos]

Hi girls - I can finally post - this new site continues to be a challenge and I've not been able to post!

Well, my op went very well - bilateral MX, immediate double DIEP recon and ac on rhs. Phew, one heck of a lot of surgery. I was in hospital for a week, and since then day on day I have come on in leeps and bounds. I've just come back from a weekend in London where I met up with seven other lovely ladies off this site - so much laughter - and no tears!
I feel really really good, full of energy, but I'm still a bit bruised and battered, but am sleeping well - just the two pillows plus the one under my knees. The hardest thing is getting out of bed unassisted as I have no arms to help push me out and I don't like straining my tummy muscles - thank goodness for a strong and helpful oh! Showering on my own now, and can pretty much dress myself.

Its so good to see everyone doing well,

Sue x

[Guest user]

Hi Tinfish,
Last night wasn't a good night. Think i was up several times. I just can't get comfy. I do go and lie down through the day and have had a couple of short naps. I sat in the garden today for half an hour in the sunshine. It was lovely to see the sun, had almost forgotten it!
Glad you were able to get out for a short while. It's nice to see something other than your 4 walls. Had a great shower today. Just felt i could stay in it forever. I dried wounds as told and hubby reapplied some more tapes as shown. He is used to doing that because the orrigonal Mastectomy took an age to heal and he was very gente and patient with the dressings. His attempt at hanging out the washing however leaves a lot to be desired. I wish you could of seen it. Its hard to believe anyone can make such a bad job of it.
I hope to have a short trip to a shopping center tomorrow and buy some sports bras. I will take it easy but will be nice for a change of scenerey.
Any way keep up the good work. I didn't know about the stitches pinging. I will watch out for that. No one had said this would happen. Thats why is so useful to compare notes. It is such a help to know you are not alone.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
A x

[Guest user]

Hi Beanie baby
hope you slept well last night, I'm I ok sleeping until about 4 ish and then awake. I see my consultant i think 23rd august, they changed my dressings and they told me they would come off themselves in time (about 2 weeks) as I am so allegic to other dressings mine look like brown paper tape and havent had any reactions with these, my belly button looks good (that isnt covered). I have been getting "pinging" in my stomach which I was told about last week they said it waould be the disposable stitches and bl**dy hell did I know about it last night.
Hi evveryone
No tears for a couple of days which is a good thing but I am not counting my chickens too soon, We went to Dunelim miln yesterday and all I did was was have a gentle walk bought a couple of things and went back home, I was really tired and went to bed in the afternoon for a nap, it makes you realise you cant do much and how major the op was. I am looking forward to do a bit more every few days and I am sure I will still be resting this time next month. Oh well it will be worth it I love having my boob back even swollen etc.
Hope you all have a good weekend
L
xxx

[Guest user]

Hi All,
Ive had the dressings off today and everyone was very happy with the results. It seems to be healing nicely with just a little redness where the abdomen drains had been. Nurse says its ok to have a shower tomorrow, just dry gently with the hairdryer on cool then reapply the tape. So i am happy with that. I do not have to return until the 5th September to see the PS.
Now if i can just get a decent nights sleep i will be well happy.
A X

[Guest user]

Be Strong: Have you got a date?

Tinfish: If lying on your side is not painful then no reason why you shouldn't as far as I know. Other ppl have reconstructions using their backs and they have to lie on their side so I wouldn't have thought it would be a problem. If worried why not ask the helpline here?

Liz x

[Guest user]

Hi
Be strong
I have 4 pillows 1 v pillow and a small barrel one, my OH is sleeping in one of the other bedrooms as he is frightened of rolling on me and hurting me!!!

Lizdeb
Oh well I will have to wait for a bath, my water costs should go down then as we are metered
I ordered some shopping yesterday on line, it made me feel better I have chosen what we eat, (so no donuts!!)
Hope your all recovering well

L
xx

[Guest user]

Sounds as if I need to add a mound of pillows to my pre op shopping list!

[Guest user]

We cannot have a bath until our wounds have completely healed over 😞
Running water does not encourage bacteria like standing water does.

[Guest user]

Hi
Just woke up from my nap!!!

I have a question which I forgot to ask the nurses on Monday, does anyone know when you can have a bath after the DIEP op, of course I can shower but not sure about a bath (not sure if I could get out of it!!!) but would love one

L
xx

[Guest user]

Hi Beanie Baby 🙂
Yes well my OH tried to do it for me but it was easier to struggle to do it myself than try to explain how to do it but I still get it wrong myself and wake up really uncomfortable in the night! The knee pillow is important too - I was lucky in that we had one of those cylindrical ones 🙂
This spreadsheet sounds interesting!!
Glad you had no tears today Tinfish 🙂
I have just gone for my last dressings clinic visit. If any further help is required I have to go to my GP nurse.
See the PS for the first time since leaving hospital on Mon 23rd. Must try and start writing down questions!
Must go for my nap
Liz x

[Guest user]

Lizdeb
Thanks for the pillow hints, it doesnt hurt me to go on my side but I am not sure if I should.
Beanie baby: I had my dressings changed on Monday but they re applied them, you do have a good son ironing for you. The first week people couldnt do enough but this week has been a completely different story, I made a list for my OH he has done some of it so I am happy with that, my Mum however hasnt helped much in fact nothing this week she is saying she has a sore foot but still managed to clean her top kitchen units. My youngest daughter hoovered for me Monday but even with just 2 of us here it still gets un tidy so OH did that yesterday. Ironing, my neighbour did it until this week and havent seen her this week but she is coming for a cuppa later so hoepefully!!! I do have another daughter but she lives 1 1/2 hours drive each way and works full time and left her husband a couple of months ago so she has quite a lot to sort out herself. I did walk up and down the garden a couple of times today, before its rains yet again.

Pam Yes the hospital beds are great and have been putting a pillow between my knees.

No tears today hooray!!!!
L
xx

[Guest user]

Hi Tinfish,
Spread sheet went down well thank you. I keep leaving it under his nose on the kitchen table. I agree with you when you say you have no control of any thing. Things that you just do around the house automatically, without even thinking.
Yes I agree not being able to drive is one of the worse things. Hostage in my own home!
Roll on the better weather when we can get out for a gentle walk. I am tempted to walk around outside the house for a little but i fear the neighbours will think i've gone crazy and call the authorities!
Liz deb i will study your pillow recomendation, made me chuckle becase once you've sorted all the pillows out you are exhausted.
My eldest son is coming this afternoon to do some ironing for me. I thought that was really nice of him. I have three sons and think this is where i am missing a daughter.
Any way, its so good to have a little rant on here. I go to have my dressings off tommorrow so i'm hoping all is well.
A x

[Guest user]

Hi all

Not been able to get access to a PC for a bit.

Sorry to hear you are having tearful days Tinfish but .. join the club! With me however it is screaming matches - I think it is the stress - I even went thru a short period where I wished I had just had an mx with no reconstruction as the healing would have been quicker!! I am hoping that as the tiredness wears off we will get back on an even keel.

Sleeping: I still find that sleeping on my side means pain in my boob - I can do it for a while now but not for long.
How are you stacking the pillows? The difference between getting them right and getting them wrong is quite small.
You need two on the bottom layer... one by the head board and one alongside it ...
One in the next layer .. just a few inches back from the edge of the first
One in the next layer ...just a few inches back from the previous one ... and so on until you have enough height
You might need another one down the back for support of the ones that have a gap at the headboard end.
It takes a LOT of pillows!!

Hope this helps - good luck!

Liz x

PS I am in week 6 post op and I still need to lie propped up - just not quite so many pillows!

[Guest user]

Hi
Well its 2 weeks since my op and I am loving the new breast, I am healing well although I have had a couple of tearful days 1 each week. I think its because I like to be in control and thats been taken away temporarly!! (you think I would be pleased!!).
The well- being have stopped helping so I had a melt down yesterday, what I think needs to be done and what my OH thinks is a differnet matter, I also think sitting around etc doesnt help.
I hope the weather improves and then I can go for short walks, I also hate not being able to dirve (I sound a right grump!!)

Oh well thats my rant over

Hope your all revoering well

Beaniebaby: how did the spreadsheet go down???

L

xx

[Petal5]

I had the same problem once I got home from hospital. I must admit their beds were fab. I tried various arrangements of pillows but didn't find any that worked. I gave up in the end and after a few days at home slept on my side but still well propped up with pillows. As I understand it the propped up on your back is to help blood flow and the pillows under your knees to stop tension on the stomach wound so propped up with bent legs on my side was a good compromise for me and meant I got a good nights sleep.

Pam x

[Guest user]

Hi Petal 5,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. The main problem thus far is trying to get comfy in bed. i am sleeping propped up in bed but it is so hard to sleep on my back. I am trying to think back to when i first had my mastectomy and how i coped then. i can't really remember it being this difficult. I guess it's the added discomfort of the abdomen being so uncomfortable. My son has brought me one of the nursing pillows. I am giving it a go, but guess it's trial and error. Any advice welcome.
A x

[Petal5]

Beaniebaby great that you are home and pleased with the new boob. I'm sure that you will enjoy being home after the constraints of being in hospital. It's worth just jotting down how you feel and what you can do each day and you will soon realise that each day your body is healing and you are getting stronger.
Love to all you flappers!
Pam x

[lisaf]

Wow a spreadsheet eh!!!! Well i stuck to it for a few weeks then gradually done a little more, I was pulling my suitcase week 10 but only last few weeks been lifting nephew and cases as still a bit worried about having wee cage in tummy and I defo dont look like ive had a tummy tuck, my middle is huge still 😞 So glad its over for you, onwards and upwards now xxxxx

[Guest user]

Hi Be strong thanks for your good wishes. Tinfish i have p m you a message.
Thanks to all again for your good wishes.
A x

[Guest user]

Welcome home beanie baby, I am so glad that you love your new boob and I hope you and your boob have a good long refreshing sleep!

[Guest user]

Hello all,
I have just returned home after having my delayed reconstruction with a tram flap.
Firstly, I am totally in love with having my new boob. I can not say that it has been an easy week. I will be very glad to be able to sleep in my own bed tonight. I have to say the treatment I have received has ranged from exceptional to the most bizarre. Never the less, I have lived to tell the tale.
I have been nursed by some very dedicated, hard working, knowledgable, compassionate people. People who work in some very demanding circumstances. I've shed a few tears and had some very funny momments.
Glad you are progressing well Tinfish. Hope you are loving your new boob too.
It was lovely to read all your encouraging messages. Well I've been fed and watered and am off now to have a decent kip.
Keep up the good work every one. I know its early days but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
All the best
A x

[Guest user]

Oh yes Pam

I have a spreadsheet on what I can do I think week 2 I can lightly dust going to week 12 where I can resume normal duties (if I am comfortable). Due to this form if I try and do anythng else I get told off form OH!!! he is back at work next week so I will be able to do a little more.

Had my dresssings changed today and the nurse said I am healing very well
Lisa How are you doing???
Must go as someones at the door.

L
xx

[Petal5]

Your hospital seems a bit more specific in what you can and can't do than mine Tinfish. Just as well really as I live alone and wouldn't have liked to go against advice but once I was home I had to get on with general tasks on my own such as cooking and simple cleaning. I made sure I didn't lift anything heavy but apart from that I did all my usual things just slowly and carefully.
Pam x

[lisaf]

yipppeee nice to see you are back and doing well, been thinking of you. tired after hols but will catch up tomoz, take it easy and rest lots xxxx

[Guest user]

Thanks Pam, before the recon I either slept on my front or side so am finding not moving difficult. I am wearing a bra in bed so feel the same as you, am going to the dressings clinic tomorrow so might ask there.
I am getting bored, well not really bored but frustrated at not being able to do much, I was given a sheet with what I can do etc and its not until week 2 I can dust!!! Oh well I wil have to put up with it!!
Once the weather improves I will start walking as well, thanks for the tip

L
xx

[Petal5]

Hi Tinfish. I had real problems sleeping on my back once I was home. I reasoned that as long as the breasts were supported ie in a bra and I wasn't on my front it was ok. It certainly didn't do my recon any harm.
I also found I was getting very bored once I was home so I did start taking short walks each day gradually increasing the distance. It just felt good to be out and about.
Pam x

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies
Hope you are all having a good weekend, I have had a strange couple of days. In fact most of yesterday shut myself away in our bedroom as I didnt want to see anyone let alone talk, today I am much better, I am resting and not doing anything (which is driving me mad!!!).
I have a question regarding sleeping, can we sleep on our sides after DIEP, I am waking up and finding myself on my side and am a little worried about ir

L

xx

[Malin]

Hello all of you!
I had bilateral mastectomy in Sept 11 and have this week been to see the plastic surgean to get a diep done some time (not to far away in the future I hope). I have enough tummy to make two breasts, which is great. I asked if I need to loose weight for the op - I weight quiet a bit to much- but they are fine with it. No pressure which is nice. I am really worried about the op - eight hours it will take, I've been told - but reading all your positve comments and encouragement have made me feel that it is worth it!
Thanks everyone!
Hope you aren't to tired and in to much pain, tinfish!
You to beanie baby!!
M

[Danigirl501]

Hey Liz

Thanks for your good wishes. They say this journey is like a roller coaster ride and it's true as i
received a letter from genetics unit saying that following the information
i provided that there is a possibility that there is a predisposition to certain types of
cancers and to clarify what options there are for myself and my relatives, they would like to see me to discuss further. I'm seeing
a genetic specialist Friday 13th so I will know more then. If they tell me that the chances
Of breast cancer returning and affecting my good breast then I would have to consider
a bilateral Mastsctomy. It's a daunting thought but I'll cross that bridge when
i get to it.
Take care.
Dani
Xx

[Guest user]

Hi Dani
Glad your chemo worked 🙂
Waiting is always worse than the actual event - as I am sure you know! Glad you have a date 🙂
Liz x

[Danigirl501]

Welcome back Tinfish and glad all went well!
Had a call from BCN yesterday to let me know that my MX and immediate recon is scheduled fo 20th August and to say I'm a little scared is an understatement.
I've had chemo first Which has uccessfully shrunk tumour and got rid of cancer cells in lymph node too!
Best wishes to all waiting for surgery and those recovering.
Take care
Dani xx

[Guest user]

Glad you can have the op BeanieBaby - thinking of you!

Hope all is still well Tinfish 🙂

Liz

[Guest user]

Thinking about you today beanie baby, just think by the date you should have had the operation you will be well on your road to recovery!

[Guest user]

Hi Beanie baby
Well thats better than worrying before hand, dont worry about your plans etc.
Hope you got the bed and look forward to hearing from you once you have had the op, good luck and best wishes hope it goes smoothly for you
L
xx

[Guest user]

Hi Tinfish,
Really glad that all went well and you are home. Sorry that you are having problems Aliceblue.Hope you will soon be feeling better.
I had a phone call whilst on holiday to say my operation date had been cancelled (due 19th July) but that they could do it on Thursday the 5th July . So here i am just going to ring the hospital and find out if the bed is still available.
All my plans to get the houswork in order and everything else have gone out the window. I am really scared now and will be glad when the op is over. Well here goes i will ring the hospital and find out.
Keep up the good work all of you.
All the best x

[Guest user]

Hi all,
Just had a phone call to say they have a bed and to go in for 4pm, so this gives me chance to get things done. No time to panic.
Called hubby and he can sort his work out now so we can be there for 4pm.
Will try and keep in touch if i can.
Thanks for all the good wishes.
x

[Petal5]

Alice so sorry you have had extra problems but hope you are well on the way to recovery now. I agree about the shower. It will make you feel so much better but will tire you out, I used a stool at home in the shower at first as well.

Tinfish it's a shame we haven't got some better weather for your recuperation. Last Autumn I had that unexpectedly beautiful weather at the start of October and I enjoyed just sitting out in a shady spot in the garden relaxing with a book, the radio and a cool drink whilst getting over my op.

Good luck beaniebaby. Hope you get your bed. At least you won't have the stressful build up to op day.

Best wishes to all you recon ladies.
Pam x

[Guest user]

Hi Aliceblue
I am sorry you have had a rough time but I know that once you get a shower (although its is knackering at first) you will feel much better. I had an ultrasound as they though I was bleeding in the stomach but luckily I just needed some meds. I know once you are on the road to recovery you will feel much better.
I am feeling better now at home although I feel I have lost my security blanket of the hospital and being a contril freak hate having to wait for things to be done for me, I know the time will go fast so willtry and make the most of this as things will soon be back to some sort of normal (I hate that word)

Hi Bestrong
I didnt really having many objections and none from my OH, my Mum said things like "its up to you" si I knew she wasnt 100% behing me but after coming and visiting me after the op has changed her mind.

Although I am only a week post op I am already feeling so glad I had the op, I havent a 100% perfect boob due to a previos LD flap op which failed but I am so happy with what I have and will wait in anticipation to see all after the swelling goes down.
If you want the op go for it, if you need a pm chat just let me know.

Thanks again for all of your positive replies and good luck to all pre and post op and especially those in recovery
Keep smiling

L
xxxx

[aliceblue]

hi tinfish petal and other ffab supportive ladies. i'm day7 from hospital bed puncuattion etc very bad. glad to see you are doing ok tinfish. i'm on the road to recovery. i kne it would be a big op but had some complications and taken back for 2 emegeny ops with lots of bleeding and a reacton to some meds and 2 transfusions. big antibiotic in my foot run iv. but turnred corner once bleeding stopped and spel iin itu. got up ysterday and walked - like bambi but not as cute from a 47 year old with matted hair and ddrains. hoping it is shower day for me today. had antiphospholipid syndrom - in my notees but not picked up and til they re-read them when i wwas too cold in recovery hmmm. but good lucl tinfish and other ladies longer into recovery allice xx

[Guest user]

Hi Tinfish 🙂
Great to hear that all went well and that you got the great care that you deserve 🙂
Keep resting and exercising 🙂
Liz X