October DIEP

[browneyes43]

Hi all
Out of hospital today following DIEP and reduction last Thursday. It is so good to be back home and in my own bed. I have to admit that it was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done but I would do it again (although I might not have said that at 6am on Saturday morning when I was at my lowest due to no sleep and not having been out of bed in a room with a tropical temp and with me having continual hot flushes).

I can't stop looking down at my cleavage and loving it. DIEP side looking a wee bit larger than the reduced side but not going to worry about that as will take a couple of months for it to all settle down before any 'touch ups'.

Lisa- I have been preparing myself for a year for the surgery with weight loss, Pilates and running and whilst nursing staff say I have done really well, I get tired after each burst of activity needing an afternap this afternoon. Whilst i want to get back to normal as soon as possible i am so grateful for my husband being around the next week to look after me and the kids.

Karen xx

[wintersocks]

Hello Nonsuch and others,
I wonder if I might intrude on this thread? I have had a MX on the 29th (last Weds). My surgeon wants me to wait for a recon. a year she said. She thinks the Diep (tummy-one) is best for me.
I too am unsure what to expect on the 'journey' to this and I can't seem to find any pics, for example does the 'scar-line' run through the recon breast? Cos that's what it looks like to me.
I wonder Nonsuch is it possible I might see the pics you refer to as well? It's just that I have little idea of wha to expect and don't want to choose the wrong thing.
Would that be ok?
Thanks WSxx

[nonsuch]

Mandy Kathleen,
Im sorry i didnt spot this sooner, but I'm happy to share some pics of the journey at various stages, and send you some stuff about how it went. I remember how I felt last year and like you, could find very few pictures of the in-between stages. I'll PM you.

Best wishes, not long now and you'll be on the other side of the hill...eating choccy and nice things cos you need to take I n calories to help your recovery!

Nonsuch

[Guest user]

Hi Lisa, I have my pre-assessment on Monday 3rd September and surgery on the 6th September. I am a little bit scared as I have seen pictures before and after, however the after pictures are some 12 months after. Don't really know what to expect in the 1st few weeks. I am trying to put together questions to ask on Monday any help would be appreciated from anyone

[Lisa_x]

I'be only just found this post again. Thank you ladies for posting.
Browneyes-well done for your fantastic weightloss and getting fitter. Only 1 more week for you now. Good luck and please let us know how you get on xx
Petal5- Thank you for your reassurance. I have heard that some ladies have been advised not to do anything at all for 2 weeks and then start dusting only and build it up from there. It's really good to hear that you managed to potter around, thank you xx
Pocahontas-thank you for your kind words. Wishing you the best of luck with your diep too. We'll both have a cleavage for Christmas Xx
Nonsuch-is all of your surgery finished now? Will you have a nipple tattoo? Thank you for offering to share your hospital list and other ladies experiences, I will take you up on your offer and pm you, thanks xx
I feel so lucky to be having this op in October. I finished radio on 15th Sept last year and was told I would have to wait at a years year. My breast surgeon referred me to my PS to get me on the waiting list ASAP in the hope that by the time I got to the top of the waiting list, the year would be up. It has worked out perfectly for me. How long do you think I will need off work. Do you think 8 weeks is about right?
My PS said the scar on my tummbe will be quite high because of where my blood vessels are and that my scar on the new boob will also be high because if where my mx scar is. Has anyone used kelacote gel or equivalent. I think it's a silicon type gel and is supposed to help the appearance of scars.
I have decided to decorate my bedroom. It's looking a bit tatty and if I'm going to be recovering in it for a number of weeks, I would like it tnil oil nice and fresh.
Thanks again for posting ladies, I hope you all have a great bank holiday weekend!
Apologies for any typos, I'm using my iPhone
Lisa xxxxx

[nonsuch]

Hi Lisa,
What a wait, I found five weeks unbearable! Anyway, you now know that in, say, two months you'll be out the other side, two boobs and getting back in the swing of things.

I had mx/DIEP last November and have just had stage two, the nipple recon, lipo and dog ears done..none of which have hurt at all.

I did a hospital list, using tips from the forum, and I can send this and some other experiences of a group of ladies, who have gone thro it but were called ladies in waiting for quite a while...Private message me with your contact details if you'd like.

Best wishes,
You're doing the right thing to be getting on with life in the meantime!
Big hugs,

Nonsuch

[Guest user]

Hi Lisa,

My Diep is on the 4th December. Getting a date makes it feel much more real! I hope you're not too anxious before hand and wish you all the best for your surgery and recovery. Good Luck! Keep us posted.

Lisa xxxx

[Petal5]

Hi Lisa. It all starts to get a bit scary when you have a date. It is a big op and everyone is different in how they cope and I'm sure others will tell you differently but I had a really good quick recovery. I was in hospital a week but once home I live on my own and managed absolutely fine. I could happily potter around and cook and look after myself with no problems. You can't do any heavy cleaning or lifting but I just avoided that for a while! My son came over and did some gardening and a friend drove me to the dressings clinic but I had no wound problems and was back driving myself after three and a half weeks and back to my pilates class after six weeks. I think recovery from the diep is better than some other ops because no muscle is used unlike the tram recon. I was much happier to be in my own home rather than staying away. Good luck. x

[browneyes43]

Hi Lisa

I found out last week that my DIEP is booked for August 30th and will have been 10 months on the waiting list. I have been preparing myself for the op since I went on the list having lost 3 stone and running regular 5K's (I couldnt run 30 seconds before I started). Just before I got the date, mentally I was going downhill as really starting to hate myself. This has lifted me up so much and I am so looking forward to the operation, I can't wait. I know the initial recovery will be hard but doable (I have had 2 caesarians) but so worth it.

I had my MRI 2 days ago and will be having preop assessment next week. I am on holiday before the operation so should be very relaxed and no opportunity to get nervous. Good luck with your DIEP and enjoy the new you xx

[Lisa_x]

Hi,
I have been to see my PS today and the wheels are In motion for my DIEP. I have a date of 8th October and my pre op assessment and mamammogram are also booked. It's all becoming very real now. Is there anyone else that will be having a DIEP around the same time? When I had my mx, it seemed such a long time to wait for my recon but it really has come round quickly. I'm expecting to be in hospital for 5 days min. How do you cope with the recovery? I live with my son who's 19 and am very independent. Do you think I will be able to Look after myself when I get home from hospital. Mymum wants me to stay with her for a week but I would prefer to come home if I can look after myself. I am swinging from excitement and feeling scared. Should I try to put it to the back of my mind until nearer the time? Thanks xxxxx