Follow up appointment - single DIEP flap reconstruction

[riversidedawn]

Hi pate1, it does take time to settle. I had the same op at the end of August, I saw my surgeon 2 weeks later as my pectoral muscle tore (ouch) and am due to see him at the end of this month for a proper review.

My foob is quite soft but now the swelling has gone down it is much smaller than the other side - the surgeon said he'll do some lipofilling to try to get better symmetry and fill the dent caused by the damaged muscle.

I'm massaging twice daily and the tummy scar is still quite hard and tethered to the tissue below so I'm trying to get some movement into it.

We just need to be patient! X

[pate1]

Thanks for your reply Ms Merton. I was given some exercises to do and they do help. Will be doing a lot more massaging! Saw my surgeon on Monday and apart from some fat necrosis he was happy with the outcome, though I may need more surgery to make my boobs look even. The plan is forme to see him again in 3 months time. My new 'foob' (love this word!) is getting softer gradually and hopefully will settle down with time.

[Ms Merton]

Very good - I’m pleased to hear you have your appointment now.  Were you given some Physiotherapy exercises to do at home post-op?  If not, ask about that too.  If your scar is healed, you should massage it firmly every day and then apply bio oil, or calendular oil or rose hip oil (or any oil with lots of vit E - even olive oil or coconut oil will do), but check with your surgeon first.  My breast surgeon also advised me to massage my ‘foob’ to make it softer.  You can ask your surgeon about this when you see him.  Best of luck. Xx

[pate1]

Thankyou for your support and advice Ms Merton and Becca. 

I emailed my BCN and I had fallen off the system.

She confirmed that the discomfort/pain takes timeto settle down. Also I've been booked in to see my consultant next Monday, so all is good.

[Ms Merton]

No - you should def have a follow-up appointment!  For example, you may need more fluid draining from your abdomen (takes a few minutes using a needle - no biggie). Maybe you have got lost in the system?  Can you phone your surgeon’s PA on Monday and ask what’s happening?  Failing which, call your BCN and make a lot of fuss.  That said, unfortunately it is painful/uncomfortable for quite a while.  Hope you feel better soon. Xx

[Becca_BCC]

Hi Pate1,

I'm sorry to hear you're in pain and worried about this. Do feel free to call our helpline to speak to a specialst nurse if you'd like to. They're on 0808 800 6000. You can also post in the 'Ask our nurses' section of the Forum to receive a reply there. 

Take care, Becca at Breast Cancer Care. 

[pate1]

I had a mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction 6 weeks ago and am still in a lot of discomfort/pain. Although painkillers help, I am worried that I haven't got a follow up appointment with my consultant to check that all is well and going as it should be. Is this normal?