Noni

Mary Jo, I just want to mention that I had similar pain after one of my surgeries.  I described it to my PS and he looked at it when he went in for Stage II.    It was actually a few stitches that were driving me bonkers.  He removed them and things got much better.   

Altho you didn't have stitches last time, did you?

Yes, I like my new body better.

It's taken time getting used to it, but I like it better.

Hi All,

I had my DIEP stage 2 on June 24th and it was very painful.   I went back on August 26th for a little more work and I gotta tell you it was a breeze!

The PS gave me my final breast lift, lipo'd 1.5 lbs out of my tummy and cleaned up my abdominal incision.    He also gave me a mons-lift in the process which is actually kinda nice.

It was a quick 1.5 hour procedure and I left feeling fine.  If it hadn't been for the drugs I could have easily driven myself home.    I took one pain pill when I got home as a preventative measure and haven't taken any since.   I could have gone back to work the next day but with the breast and stomach binders and stockings I didn't feel like leaving the house in the 90 degree heat.

When I saw my PS for my one week followup I asked him why there wasn't as much pain.  He said it was probably because I was used to it. I can't think of any other reason why I feel so great.

There is one small area on my abdomen which might need to be touched up.    We're waiting to see how it heals but other than that my final surgery, which is the nipples (cherries on top) is scheduled for Nov 18th.  I told my PS that it was very important to me that all my surgeries were done before my one year diagnosis anniversary of December 5th.    I can't wait to put all the hospital visits behind me.

It's been nearly 3 weeks since my stage 2 and I am still in pain and it's got me down.   My breasts have more feeling now which explains why this is harder than the first surgery.

The stitches under my breasts are red and sore.   Wearing bras in the heat and humidity is hell. As much as I'd love to stay inside and sit in front of a fan all day, it's impossible with a two year old.   So, I've been wearing support camisoles which helps a bit with the friction but the sweat still makes things icky, and I'm not healing quickly.  

The area where the drains were inserted hurts the worst.   The drains are long gone but it still feels like they are there.  I cannot sleep on my sides without experiencing pain.  I put cold packs under my armpits and use mini pillows under my arms but it's far from comfortable.

The bruising from the lipo is just about gone but my waist is still sore.   I find it difficult to twist, altho bending doesn't seem to bother me.    I'm a bit disapointed in my size too.   I can see a difference when I'm standing naked in front of a mirror but I still wear the same size.   I was hoping to lose a size or two and it's discouraging.

Sorry to gripe.  I'm just feeling down and needed to get it out.  I go back to work on Monday and I'm dreading it. 

Regarding infections, sometimes it just happens.   When some of my tissue was dying an area of my breasts started blistering.  One blister in particular popped and blood started dripping down my side.  It was so nasty!   The nurses kept the area as clean and dry as they could but as we've all said, the rooms are kept super hot which allows bacteria to grow.   

I developed diabetes while I was in the hospital.   I was tested beforehand and everything was normal and to this day my levels are still fine.   The diabetes slowed the healing down significantly.

My PS could have gone in on day 3 and removed the dying tissue but we weren't sure how much more of it would survive, or if going in would cause the rest of it to fail.  We had to wait for it to settle down.

I wasn't told about the hot room beforehand either.  Honestly I didn't think it was necessary.   I woke up and asked why it was so hot and the nurse told me.  It made sense and I never questioned it.  Thankfully I was given ice chips.  I'll forever have deep love and respect for ice chips. 

We had pretty much the exact same experience, only I stayed in the hospital for five days after my initial surgery. (Your post gave me flashbacks!)

My breasts were ENORMOUS when I was released and some of the tissue was already dying by day four.  My PS said he knew that some of the tissue was bad which is why he moved so much.   On day six I was back in the hospital with an infection and had emergency surgery to remove a large amount of tissue.  I've said before and I'll say it again, that was the most pain I have ever experienced in my life.

However, it's nearly six months post surgery and things are fantastic.  The PS saved enough breast tissue to create two wonderful new breasts and they are looking awesome.   I am about two weeks post stage 2 and couldn't be happier.

I hope things progress just as well for you. 

ETA: While I know that everyone raves about NOLA I just want to say that there are MANY other fantastic surgeons and facilities out there.   None of my complications was due to medical error and I would recommend my PS to anyone.   At our first meeting he told me that he doesn't offer DIEP to all patients.  He said the most important factor is their state of mind and he has turned down patients because he didn't think they could handle it.  That's a good doctor.

Lovelife, the pain of the lipo is totally worth it.  I can see and feel results already and am amazed at the change.  My PS said I'll lose another inch or so in the waist when the swelling goes down.

Sandy, I have UHC and my PS was awesome.  I am going to send you a PM.

I am in Philly.  Any other PA gals (or guys) want to carpool?

Mary Jo, you are the speed healer!  I can't believe how quickly things have been going for you.   I had a total of 6 drains and the last one was removed at 5 weeks.   The PS didn't pull the first one for 3 weeks, I believe.

One of my abdominal drains fell out while I was still in the hospital.   I stood up to go to the bathroom and it just slid right out.   The PS didn't do anything about it but it made extra work for the remaining drain, and that was the last to go.