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DIEP Flap Reconstruction 2016

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Comments

  • jlstacey
    jlstacey Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2016

    first shower- but I directed the shower head to spray in front of me. I'm now up to standing to take a shower!!!

    Question: this is site of the last drain removed. It's sore. It was removed 9 days ago. Do you think it looks infected?

    (Edited by Mods to remove photo. Posting pictures of symptoms is prohibited per our Community Rules)

  • stellamaris
    stellamaris Member Posts: 313
    edited March 2016

    yes, it looks infected to me. Have you been able to reach your BS? Also, you can put a little hydrogen peroxide on it to see if it reacts, but I would check with the BS

  • jlstacey
    jlstacey Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2016

    I need to go to my PCP to have my ear checked so I will have him look at it. I put neosporin on it too

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2016

    Good luck J3nn4.

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2016

    Thank you for your empathetic support 2016 Diep ladies. I felt so listened too as you all know exactly what I was feeling. Just to let you know that I am feeling so much better now and I am focusing on the positives. e.g. I am alive, I am recovering well, I now have a lovely flat tummy and much tighter Ken Doll which was getting droopy under my hysterectomy scar; and it could have been worse as I had all my abdo skin left in instu also no grafting and no scars on thighs.

    There is a.light at the end of the tunne. :-). ln Future if I am happy with my right silicone implant I shall just leave well alone.

    Thanks for listening.

    Love

    Clare

  • CarolinaAmy
    CarolinaAmy Member Posts: 215
    edited March 2016

    Hi ladies! I'm heading into surgery this Friday. I'm better prepared because of the women on this board who share their experiences and wisdom.

    I'll admit that I've been very anxious over the last few weeks after inadvertently coming across studies talking about increased recurrence with mastectomies without radiation as well as surgery-induced metastasis. Ugh. I need to let that go and trust that my doctors have read everything as well and know what they're doing.

    Our group here doesn't use any regional or local anesthetic (like a Q-ball), which seems odd compared to everyone else.

  • CarolinaAmy
    CarolinaAmy Member Posts: 215
    edited March 2016

    Bluebird123, my thoughts & prayers are with you for surgery today!!

  • Bntiffany83
    Bntiffany83 Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2016

    image

    I am 2 weeks pot op today. The surgery was 12 hours and I spent 6 days in the ICU. I had one breast drain removed day 6, 2 drains removed (one belly one breast) day 9, the last drain was removed day 12. I was feeling great, in minimal pain, walking, able to sleep on my sides, and then I was walking, adjusted my binder by pulling up on it and I felt like I tore or pulled something. Had to take double the pain meds in order to fall a sleep. PS can't see me until Wed, temp of 100.3, no redness or bruising. Is this just pain from nerves growing back together? The pics are from surgery day 29Feb and then me on 12March

    (Edited by Mods to remove photos. Posting pictures of symptoms is prohibited per our Community Rules)

  • CarolinaAmy
    CarolinaAmy Member Posts: 215
    edited March 2016

    Bntiffany, you look fabulous! I'm so sorry that you have something worrying you, but the other ladies should have some insight into that. <3

  • StaceySue2U
    StaceySue2U Member Posts: 83
    edited March 2016

    Bntiffany you look FREAKING AWESOME!!! May your temp come down and everything be fine.

  • ducky179
    ducky179 Member Posts: 23
    edited March 2016

    I have a question about side sleeping imitations after BMX and DIEP. I am six weeks post op tomorrow. I've been encouraged to keep sleeping in the lazy boy, but mostly because my abdominal incision is still healing. They don't want extra traction pulling the incision open. They aren't concerned about the side pressure on the new boobs. I tried to explain that as a side sleeper, I will have my knees drawn up even more than they are in the recliner. I was initially told during my follow up today that it was fine to start sleeping in my bed, even after I asked one or two more times to confirm! But then at the last minute she tried to encourage me to stay in the recliner!

    Personally I don't sleep well in the recliner. I was really looking forward to a good night's sleep for a change...

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2016

    hi ducky 179 It's amazing to realise the variations in advice. I WAS never told to sleep in a recliner. I am 28 days post op and all I did was sleep propped up on my back with my knees bent over 2 cushions . I have been very comfy and my wound is healing well.

    Take Care

    Clare

  • tanyarocks30
    tanyarocks30 Member Posts: 53
    edited March 2016

    I am almost a month post op and still sleeping in recliner (though my mobility is way more "limited" than most). I did have a nap on my bed today where i propped my head up and basically the rest of my body was flat. I could feel the pull/tightness in my abdomen. About 75% of my steri strips are still on abdominal incision. Another small spot came off today. I get very impatient when i see a bit of oozing but doc said on Thursday everything was ok.

    Will nap on bed this week and then maybe next week venture there for the night.

  • Carlymel
    Carlymel Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2016

    I had my BMX and DIEP flap procedure on October 5, 2015. I was told that I would be more comfortable sleeping in a recliner for the first few weeks, but since I have an adjustable bed (the head and /or feet can be raised up) I slept in my bed with the head raised up considerably and the feet raised up somewhat. I started sleeping on my side about 2 months after the surgery when I was pretty well healed, It felt great to sleep on my side again! I have several friends who had the same procedures, but none of them remained sleeping in a recliner for more than one month. Everyone I know has been very happy with the DIEP flap reconstruction. I finished chemotherapy on February 1, 2016 and my stage 2 procedure is scheduled for May 18.

  • Carlymel
    Carlymel Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2016

    Small spots can open and ooze for many months. My surgery was October 5, 2015 and a small spot on my abdomen opened up and started oozing a little more than one month ago. My reconstructive doctor took care of it. It was not a big deal and healed quickly.

  • CarolinaMommy
    CarolinaMommy Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2016

    hey so weird! I'm in South Carolina and scheduled for this Thursday! I'm jittery but feeling good, hope you are too!!! One giant leap for woman...ummm two could-be giant boobs for mankind? Lol

    Wishing you perfect nearly pain free recovery

  • CarolinaMommy
    CarolinaMommy Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2016

    hmm not sure how to reply specifically, though I can see how to pm. Anywho, I just wanted to 🍻 All of my sisters here and send a special hello to CarolinaAmy (I swear I didn't copy your name that's crazy!)---I am having my surgery this Thursday!!! In SC. Thought it was a fun coincidence. Best of luck for a perfect surgery and easy recovery

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2016

    I Bniffany83 Thanks for sharing your photos Your New noobs look perfect. That's how the results should be with good surgeons. Mine failed! but I am really pleased for you even if I feel a tad bit jealous :-) .

    Anyway I have to accept 2nd best for now. silicone implants I was told that I have other options of using my thighs. Do any of you have.photos of reconstructing from the thigh? Are the scars on the thighs obvious?

    Thanks DIEP 2016 ladies

    love

    Clare

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2016

    Stellamaris it must be so frustrating waking up and knowing the planned op wasn't done. It's hard to move on to the next stage when that happens Stay strong

    PINKIDC51 so sorry you have to deal with more worrisome information Gentle hugs. I also find researching very productive and comforting either way,as I like to know the nitty gritty details X x

    take care ladies

    Clare

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2016

    Stellamaris it must be so frustrating waking up and knowing the planned op wasn't done. It's hard to move on to the next stage when that happens Stay strong

    PINKIDC51 so sorry you have to deal with more worrisome information Gentle hugs. I also find researching very productive and comforting either way,as I like to know the nitty gritty details X x

    take care ladies

    Clare

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,636
    edited March 2016

    Hi CarolinaMommy, and welcome to Breastcancer.org! We hope you are finding the forums helpful.

    If you have any questions for us please do get in touch. Good luck with surgery!

    The Mods


  • jlstacey
    jlstacey Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2016

    Hi all, I hope you are doing well! I have question for those who are further out from surgery. I'm 3 weeks 5 days out from surgery. I still have minor pain in various places but am not taking anything for it and that is generally OK. When I stand and walk around for 20-30 minutes, sometimes less, my back starts to cramp up. I'm trying to help out around the house more, just for bits of time here and there. I also get pretty worn out. How was everyone else 3-4 weeks out? My surgery and recovery have gone very smoothly so no mitigating issues. Any insight would be great.

    I'm wondering if I'm pushing myself too much

  • taag4
    taag4 Member Posts: 93
    edited March 2016

    stellamaris: haven't got a date yet. Just had my CT done. I was told maybe May or June. The secretary said she will call as soon as she knows.

    DizzParkMom: I remember the drains from my Mastectomy. They drove me crazy. Had them in for three weeks. Finally I told CCAC if they weren't going to take them out I was. They never ever drained anything. I had to see my surgeon twice and have her remove the fluid. As for the tightness my chest was really tight trying to move my arm was terrible. So I guess if I can imagine all this again but in two areas of my body Ill be okay. I guess yoga will be out for awhile lol. Thanks for sharing, all the information makes me feel more prepared. Scary Business!

  • taag4
    taag4 Member Posts: 93
    edited March 2016

    Bntiffany83: you look amazing. Can't believe you just had surgery. Hope your feeling better.

  • tanyarocks30
    tanyarocks30 Member Posts: 53
    edited March 2016

    stacey.....i get tired easily. I did my exercises for 1st time today. Took me an hour. Had to rest half way through. I take 500mg tylenol at breakfast and one b4 i go to sleep. All i can say is rest when you are tired. Even if you rest for 30 mins. I helped make dinner last night which was just steaming veggies and grilling steak on my grill. Wore me out. Just keep doing what you are doing and our endurance will increase. We are heading to the mall for icecream right now. That will make me want to nap whenbi get home

  • BigSister-2015
    BigSister-2015 Member Posts: 298
    edited March 2016

    Hi Fe_Princess,

    Did you ever get an answer about your upcoming SGAP?

    I remember reading that someone on the 2014 thread had a Ruben's flap because one of her flaps failed. (She had been a smoker, so the vessels were too small.) I don't recall that she had any difficulty with the recovery.

    I would think one of the benefits would be that you can stand up straight sooner! :)

  • BigSister-2015
    BigSister-2015 Member Posts: 298
    edited March 2016

    Bntiffany, pulling or tearing sensations when you are stretching are usually scar tissue stretching. I had that happen too. It caused pain for a day and then dissipated.

    The temperature is disconcerting. It is unlikely related to the tearing sensation that you had. Be sure the office knows you have a temp. If it doesn't come down, keep pestering.

  • BigSister-2015
    BigSister-2015 Member Posts: 298
    edited March 2016

    jlstacey,

    I remember reading over and over on the 2014 DIEP thread that almost everyone has a setback at 3 weeks. It seems to be the time that you are feeling better so you try to do more and end up losing some ground. I remember that is what happened to me, too, so you are quite normal.

    You probably are pushing a bit too much. Continue to take naps daily. Do increase exercise s-l-o-w-l-y, but remember this is more of a marathon rather than a sprint.

    Although I was teaching my classes one day a week when I was 4 weeks out, it was a good 6 weeks or more before I felt halfway normal, and my belly complained for a good 2 months. I am now 3 months out and my belly is almost happy!

    Give it time.

  • Lilyn
    Lilyn Member Posts: 156
    edited March 2016

    Hi ladies I am now just over four weeks out. I think fatigue is biggest problem. I just went and did small food shopping and back on couch. I know after such long surgeries our bodies will take quite a bit of time to get energy back. I don't have back pain so much but I am getting that sharp pain in the middle of chest that I think you mentioned Stace. I don't sleep in recliner anymore just try to prop up back with pillows. I really want to sleep on side but guess that has to wait bit longer. My right side hurts if I roll that way. I am returning to work April 3 sure hopeI feel more energized I would hope so! Does anyone take anything to sleep at night I take ativan even then I toss around trying to get comfortable.. iI'm not doing much, walk the dog, do some laundry will drive to store to pick up something for dinner etc. How active is everyone else?

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2016

    Hi DIEP 2016 ladies. Can anyone suggest how to get rid of the hypersensitivity of the boobs please ?

    only thing that helps is Tramadol which I would like to stop taking ASAP as it is a controlled drug. Don't want to get hooked on them

    Also how long does that hypersensitivity lasts for?

    Thanks

    Clare


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