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Hi Ally--I would say about 6 months...but I did have an expander removed due to infection after 5 weeks...so that kinda delayed things a little for me. 

Hi there--it's a very difficult time that your family is facing.  I have a sister who is 16 months younger than me.  At the time of my surgery--she was a godsend...not for what she said but what she did for me.  She would lie in bed with me and watch movies and lightly rub my arms.  We would tell family stories & laugh. She would also rub lotion on my feet and hands while we watched the cooking channel.  Sure I would cry...but I really needed her most for comfort and she was there.  She also knew I was concerned about being able to hide my drains yet feel feminine--after a week or so--I really wanted out of my jammies and robe.  Without mention she spent several hours prerusing sale racks finding me a couple of smock style shirts and blouses.  They were great and made me feel like a million bucks!  Hug her often--Erin

Typcally, expanders and tummy sleepers don't mix well (it always felt like trying to sleep on top of bocci balls :-).  My PT worked with me to get me flat and it really added to my comfort and ability to sleep through the night.  After my exchange--I slowly began to roll onto my side and then to my tummy again---it was heaven (kinda like that first hot shower after surgery :-).  You'll get there--but with everything else that BC affects--it will take time.  Erin

Hi there--alot of it depends on your job and the work/physical activity required.  I worked throughout...but I have a "desk job".  I did find myself doing a lot of walking around--it really helped with "comfort management".  I would double-check with your PS to make sure.  Good luck!  Erin

whoops...slow and steady wins the race :-)!

Hi Daisy--I too highly recommend PT.  I started seeing mine about 3 months after my expanders and noticed a huge difference in how I felt and my level of discomfort.  Have never tried meditation (seem to always be running around with kids, dog, husband, etc.)--glad to hear its working for you.  Erin

Hi Paula--I've had mine since May and still get periodic discomfort and tightness (iron bra feeling)--although not constant.  I too work out, eat right, drink lots of fluids, and stretch every chance I get.  I find that I have to wear bras and sports bras at night.  I spoke with my PS yesterday and he says sometimes it can take up to a year for things to settle down.  I've been seeing my PT every 2 weeks--which helps as well.  On really bad days--which are not often (but do seem to occur when I'm stressed at work)--I will take a muscle relaxer (Robaxin)--it helps my frame of mind as well :-).  I hesitate to say hang in there (since I want to scream every time I hear those words)....hope things get better quickly for you.  Erin

Hi there--I've had some similiar reactions...on my left side (SNB--BC side).  It's not painful but uncomfortable muscle spasms.  I've been seeing my PT every couple of weeks and it seems to help--along with lots of stretching.  I too wear a sports bra to bed--which seems to work as well.  I had my nipples reconstructed last week and can't wear anything for at least 2 weeks--except loose t-shirts (I told my PS today--that the going braless issue--was definitely overrated :-).  Anyway--it still spasms...but its not not constant.  My PS says it sometimes takes 4-6 months for things to settle down.  Hope this helps...  Erin

Hi there--had my bM LD last Setptember. Just had my nipples done 5 days ago....huge positive difference in 13 months! 

1.How long were you in the hospital?  4 days

2. How long was your initial recovery (when you felt good enough to turn over in bed, abandon the prescription pain killers, etc.)? 2 weeks

3. Did you get your final implant at the same time? no...did have an infection in left side...implants were done in May

4. Did you have drains after this procedure? Oh yes--4 for about 4 weeks

5. If you had radiation, how soon afterward did you get the lat flap surgery? no radiation

6. Is the breast scar always that elipitical one that I've seen in some of the pictures? Right now, I just have one straight scar that goes from my underarm to "nipple" area. I sure would like to keep it to one scar if that's do-able.  My PS did a circular incision around the areola...once I'm tattooed...no visible scars.  I do understand that many PS prefer to use the same incision.

Good luck!  Erin

I too used lots of pillows and my husbands' favorite recliner for a few days.  You'll probably be more comfortable in your own bed in your own room with lots of pillows.  But by all means if you think you'll be more comfortable in the hosp bed--use it.  Best wishes....Erin