Hi Conorchloe, well I had a lot of toing and froing with vac dressings for a few weeks because I didn't heal so well - was able to drive at seven weeks so that was when my arm felt ok although it was definitely weakened for months, went back to work ten weeks but was huffing and puffing when no-one could see me and stretching up was hard.
The stomach healed really well and I was running up and down stairs within weeks but still having to stop and have rests/naps for quite a long time.
Never had much pain although I did take arnica regularly after the op, managed on paracetomol and ibruprofen. I had more pain with the vac dressing, my skin didn't do well with it.
The stomach felt fuzzy wuzzy for a long time and still does sometimes - like a huge elastic band contracting.
The reconstruction area also feels a bit weird, like I have something bulky under my arm. but no pain.
Disturbed sleep for weeks - had to sleep with the radio on low, lots of itchy skin for a few weeks so took antihistamine at night and it helped with the sleep. Plus a yucky sweet taste in my mouth for a few weeks - probably the anaesthetic.
I think you are about a month on now? and are you having the symmetry op too later on?
(i dreamt about mine last night.....)
girly x
