Hi Smudgie, glad that things are becoming a bit easier for you. I had a immediate breast reconstruction with implant two weeks ago and have just been back to the consultant to have the dressings removed. Everything feels very different, although that’s to be expected. We have been through major surgery as well as the emotional impact of being diagnosed and it will take time to come to terms with all the changes. I was advised to wear a special post surgical bra for the first 6/8 weeks 24 hours a day. It helps the healing and also with the shape of the breasts post Mx. The exercises should also begin immediately so that you don’t get a frozen shoulder. I found looking at the Cancer Research website really helpful as to what exercises to do and when. I got the post surgical bra from a firm called Uplifted who are based in Kent. Good luck.
Hi ladies, I’m 2 months post surgery and beginning to feel a lot more normal.
Your emotions will be all over the place at first, the effects of anaesthetics, antibiotics and painkillers, tiredness and fatigue etc. As you do more your mood will improve, take your time and rest well,
Try to do a short walk and get some fresh air when you are able, it really does help xxxx
Hi Linda17. It's day six and my emotions (although still all over the place) are a little less in shock! I've been to the dressing clinic today and they agreed l should have been given more info before discharging me. However they were still unable to tell me if l should wear my sports bra 24/7 or whether l should do some simple arm exercises. Got an appointment with my specialist on Thursday. I'm trying to do VERY light shoulder rolls and lifts as I'm holding myself quite stiffly which is uncomfortable. Body trying to protect itself l guess. My current issue is trying to get used to the feeling of the implant . I'm hoping this will improve in time as it's a feeling l don't like! Glad to hear you're doing well. X
I had LD flap reconstruction 3 months ago but I didn't have an implant as well. I'm really happy with how my new boob looks, it looks very similar to my real one. I am also still wearing soft bras although I am thinking of trying my normal underwired ones soon. I was told to start doing the basic exercises straight after surgery and then move on to harder ones after 4 weeks. Were you not given an exercise booklet after your surgery?
You're bound to be feeling emotional, I did straight after surgery and still do occasionally now! It is quite normal.
Hi, it is still very much early days in terms of your recovery both physically and emotionally. It is a massive operation so don't be too hard on yourself.
I was told to wear a sport bra 24/7 this was for 3 months. This is to help keep everything in place while you heal. No underwire bras till after this time. To be honest I still wear a stretchy bra now in bed I just find it more comfortable. I find it a bit of a strange sensation if I'm not wearing one. You probably can't see your new shape properly yet due to swelling from you back, under your arm and not forgetting your new boob site. It takes time for it all to recover. I remember my husband had to wash my hair because I could lift my arm up to do it myself for about 2 weeks. It was all so swollen and sore.
I can't remember when I started doing exercises sorry.
Hope this helps you. Keep in touch to let me know how you're doing...xx
Hi Poppy3. Thanks for getting in touch. I was happyish to stay how l was but every other lady I've spoken to about reconstruction hasn't regretted the decision so wanted to go ahead (Although all tummy flap). It's only day 4, but things on my mind are.
Don't like the feel of the implant. How l feel it when l try and get comfortable in bed.
I'm not sure if l should wear my sports bra while in bed. I have a few from quite tight ones to just support vests. Not sure which is best. Finding them all uncomfortable but not sure if the implant needs the support and tight is best.
My new breast looks small. Part of me wonders why l bothered. Although l know it's early days and l haven't really looked and compared with other (surgeon was pleased).
Should l start some little physio shoulder rolls yet?
Just a bit physically and emotionally messed up at the moment but l know things will improve and I'm being far too impatient! Xx
Hi Smudgie, I had the same 4 years ago this Dec.I was emotional when I first had it done but I think some of that was still the shock of having BC in the first place. I waited 6 months after my mastectomy before I had my reconstruction.I didn't really know what to expect and I probably wasn't prepared for how much pain and how uncomfortable it would be at first. It was probably about 4 weeks before I started to recover emotionally and physically. I don't regret it though and would make the same decision if I had to. Happy to answer any questions you might have. Make sure you get plenty of rest. Sending you a big hug...xxx
Hi. I've just had breast reconstruction surgery. I'm looking for ladies l can chat with for some extra support that have had the black flap and implant procedure. Very emotional and am unsure if I've done the right thing. X
