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DIEP Flap Reconstruction 2016

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Comments

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    Thanks Mom4

  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2016

    Hi Dlia, so sorry to hear you had an infection with your previous surgery - how awful! My surgeon showed me stats that indicate tissue reconstruction has a much lower incidence of infection than implant/TEs, for the very reasons Mom pointed out. I wouldn't "expect" to get another infection, and we'll be keeping you in our thoughts for healthy healing.

    I'm drinking Premier Protein shakes from Sam's Club. A case of 12 is $18, and contains 30 grams of protein in each shake (1g sugar and 160 calories total). Since I was told no chocolate the other option was the Bananas and Cream - I thought it would be awful but it's surprisingly tasty and I really enjoy them. I drank 2 a day for the first couple of weeks until I landed back in the hospital, but since I've been home I'm pretty much down to one, trying to make up the rest of the protein through good food choices.

    I found button-up shirts to be easiest for the first few weeks, between the drains and my lack of range of motion in my left arm. I got a few inexpensive ones at Walmart and Kmart, so that if I ruined them with stains I wouldn't feel bad about getting rid of them. I also picked up a few inexpensive soft cotton tank tops at Target for when I felt like I could wear "real" clothes again.

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    Thanks i'm going to find those shakes I had one that was not as much protein as the ones you have.

  • Stunned_at_33
    Stunned_at_33 Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2016

    Hello ladies.

    I have my DEIP flap surgery coming up at the end of October. I currently have implants after doing BMX with expander in 2014. Feeling nervous and scared. I'm a little on the thinner side and am worried I don't have enough stomach tissue/fat to form adequate Breast, though my surgeon assures me that i do. Am also nervous about my low blood pressure, some of my past surgeries my low BP was an issue and delayed me from moving out of the recovery unit. And lastly, I feel I do not have the financial means to prepare ahead of time and am wondering if I should do it at all.


    Anyone else on the thin side who felt happy with the outcome?

    Anyone have complications during/after surgery and how did you deal with it?

    What are the top 3 things you would say are "must haves" during the recovery process and/or for the stay in the hospital?


    Thank you all for reading, understanding, and to all who respond. Couldn't do this without you all

  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2016

    Stunned,

    I understand the feelings of being nervous prior to surgery, especially with so many personal unknowns. You ask really good questions, though.

    I like to think I'm a bit on the thinner side - at least, that's what my PS said. I think much of what you'll get out of the surgery depends on what you're hoping for. I was 150 going into surgery, and carry most of my weight in my hips and thighs (dancer/runner, so much of it was muscle). I had a little "pooch" from having had two children. My PS was able to create a nice large B/small C (I had a unilateral MX and recon), and my tummy looks fabulous.

    Like you I typically have low blood pressure (standard is 90/60 for me). The day after surgery my BP tanked into the 80s/40s; the nurses pushed IV fluids and after several hours my BP started to come up. They monitored me closely during my stay; once I was able to start eating again, and then getting up and moving around, it seemed to stabilize.

    If you don't mind my asking, what kind of financial concerns do you have? Are you currently working? Will you need to pay for assistive care after surgery? Are you worried about paying for the surgery?

    Everyone is different, but my "must haves" would include comfortable clothing (drawstring pj pants that came up over my incision, and button-front shirts for the first couple of weeks while I had drains); protein shakes (I had very little appetite for the first couple of weeks and the protein aided in the healing process); and something to pass the time while I'm sitting still (books, movies, crocheting, etc.)

    Keep asking questions, and we'll do everything we can to help you along the way!

  • Stunned_at_33
    Stunned_at_33 Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2016

    @NancyHB

    Thank you so much, your response truly helps relieve some of the jitters. Especially about the BP issue, I often feel I'm the only one who struggles with this.

    Financially I am strapped pretty tight. I'm a single mom working a well-paying FT job; however, the pile of medical bills I have on payment plans is running me dry and I just don't know how I could spend money on things like a walker, shower stool, wedges, etc. I'd really like to get a recliner too but will have to suffice with what I have. Yes, and worried about adding one more BILL to my already big pile. :(

  • zinny
    zinny Member Posts: 169
    edited August 2016

    Stunned -

    I slept in a bed just fine, used a big wedge that I got on Amazon for 4 weeks or so. Got a shower stool - really good - they lend them at places like the red cross, so you could probably get one for free. I am on the west coast, so not worth it to ship it, but there may be people nearby that have outgrown their need.


  • Annie-B-7-14
    Annie-B-7-14 Member Posts: 37
    edited August 2016

    Stunned,

    I am so sorry you are in this boat. I wish I could give you all my gear, but I am in Cali. I wonder if you could post on a local board or call a local support group to see if anyone has hand-me-downs? I have seen shower stools at thrift shops, and with a little scrubbing, I am sure they could be almost good as new. I found that my kids' stuffed animals worked as well as or better than pillows because of their firm shapes. I did NOT need a walker. Shower stool is nice but, I had a ledge on my tub I could sit on if I put a hand towel down first. I have low BP too and the nurses took acre of it, they won't let you leave before you are stable. I was told by PS that I only had enough for a C, and wound up with a D. Do you think your surgeon is over-promising? I think having a stretched out tummy from pregnancy helped me. Could you ask to talk to one of his other patients? Many women are willing to do that.

    Good luck!

  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2016

    I was more worried about finances than anything else, which increased my anxiety incredibly. Like you I almost considered abandoning the surgery, afraid of the cost involved in taking time off, and aftercare. I will tell you I never needed a walker, either in the hospital or at home. We picked up a shower stool at Meijers for about $20, but I know that locally, I can also find those types of items at Salvation Army and Goodwill (that would have been my second stop had I not found it reasonably priced at Meijer). A recliner is handy but not necessary. You can create a wedge for behind your back and under your knees with pillows or rolled-up blankets (I bought one of those funky pillows with arms, like a chair back, for my bed to help hold me upright - $20 at Target). You can also check your local medical supply stores or home furniture rental stores for a rental recliner. Another thing to do (which can be difficult, I know), is to ask friends or family if they have any of these items you can borrow for a short period of time. Lots of people want to help but they don't know how, and this gives them a way to feel useful.

  • Annie-B-7-14
    Annie-B-7-14 Member Posts: 37
    edited August 2016

    Hi again Stunned,

    Maybe ask to talk to a social worker about any financial support they have for things like pillow wedges, bras and shower stools. Some hospitals have a few of these items tucked away or discretionary Target gift cards that they can give to folks who need it. Also I learned that once a package of items like bandages, disposable underpants, body wash cloths, disposable thermometers, abdominal binders, peri bottles and under-pads has been put into your room, then they have to toss it OR you can take it home, so bring an extra bag to the hospital and ask the nurses or a friend to stuff any "extras" in there. Partly bcuz I had low BP, they filled me with so much fluid that I could not fit into my underpants, so I took about 10 pairs of disposable undies home- it was so helpful.

    Here is another tip that REALLY helped me- start strengthening your legs now, do squats and lunges if you can. After surgery, you will not be able to lift much with your arms and it helps so much if you can let your legs do all the work. Practice getting in and out of chairs and your bed using ONLY your leg strength, as this how it will be after your surgery. It will pay off.

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    Stunned sorry you are here but you are in good company. Everyone answers questions, give their own experience and offer suggestions to things that will help you in your healing. You may never meet of us but we are here if you need us.

  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 1,748
    edited August 2016

    I so wish I was in this group but have been told I have another 4 YEARS to wait still, however I am hoping you can help me with a big concern I have.  I do not have a huge belly but more importantly I have a vertical hysterectomy scar that splits what I have in two.  I cannot see that there is enough tissue on one side to créate a large enough mound as I am a 36D cup and have already had a reduction on my remaining side.  I did mention this to the surgeon when I saw her and she was not that interested and said we can do from the belly, but as she knew the waiting list was mega long I don´t think she was really looking in to it carefully and I am so worried I will wait for 8 years (yes, bloody inhumane and disgusting) and then find she says oh I did not notice that......and I cannot go back and see her until she is planning surgery..........

    Did anyone else have this to deal with? Any info or advice would be appreciated.............

  • Katiebird
    Katiebird Member Posts: 35
    edited August 2016

    Just found out that I'm also scheduled for my surgery on Sept. 21

  • Jiffrig
    Jiffrig Member Posts: 158
    edited August 2016

    lily, why do you have to wait 4 years? For DIEP surgery? Where do you live? I am doing the nipple sparing surgery with tummy tuck on 12/6 and they assured me they would fine enough or " stack" what they have. Are you just doing one

  • Simplicity
    Simplicity Member Posts: 723
    edited August 2016

    Morning ladies. Hope all are well. Prayers to those still having issues, and glad to hear lots are healing well and moving along.

    My PS wants to proceed to stage 2. He says he can go in and fix the other issues while there. A lot of cutting :( Haven't decided what I am going to do yet. My hole in my breast has decreased in size tremendously. The overflow hole, tunnel, seems to have mostly dried out. But now I have a yeast infection from the abx on my abdomen.

    Oy.

    Fun times.

  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 1,748
    edited August 2016

    Its 8 years wait in total as there is such a long waiting list and they see plastic surgery as a "luxury", I was given no info on the way the surgery would happen or anything, maybe they are gambling that enough of us die before they have to spend money on our luxury surgery.......

  • Katjadvm
    Katjadvm Member Posts: 117
    edited September 2016

    Lily55 : In which country do you live?

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited September 2016

    lily can you go somewhere else?

  • Stunned_at_33
    Stunned_at_33 Member Posts: 4
    edited September 2016

    thank you ladies for your wise advice. Very helpful. Smile

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited September 2016

    Simplicity I here in chatlotte too which hospital were you in? I'll be in CMC Main Dr. Korn is my ps.

  • SA8PG
    SA8PG Member Posts: 280
    edited September 2016

    Hi ladies I wanted to share that I had my stage 2 on August 25th. It was my 7th surgery and 2 years from my last chemo. I had fat grafting, bulge repair & scar revision. I am one week out and starting to move a bit more. Just wanted to give some encouragement to those that have had some bumps in the road whether infections, more surgeries etc to not get too discouraged. You will get there even if the road to reconstruction is not what you thought it would be. Hang in there. Healing hugs to all. :

  • Simplicity
    Simplicity Member Posts: 723
    edited September 2016

    Morning ladies.

    SA8PG, so glad to hear! A week out thou? :( Kind of discouraging, no offense intended. I say this because my PS is wanting to proceed with stage 2 and is doing a lot extra to fix abscess holes, and abdominal dehiscence scarring. He says maybe a week recovery *sigh* With all the complications from my recon, I'm a bit skeptical on that week. Am so glad to hear thou that you are moving about! May I ask what is the hardest part? Where are you the sorest? (I know, it probably all hurts to some degree). What is impeeding your movement? I'm having trouble at work with my recovery so trying to plan is difficult not knowing how things will go.

    Dlia, I was at CMC too :) Dr Robinson is my PS out of CMC. When are you going in? I would love to come meet you, maybe bring you some good breakfast? And what are you having done? About to look at your profile but don't see much in your tagline....

    Hope all are healing well, feeling well, and have a great weekend. I need to check in with another sister here and see how her recovery is going.

  • stellamaris
    stellamaris Member Posts: 313
    edited September 2016

    Hi Ladies - had my stage 2 August 23rd. Balancing reduction on the left (good) breast to match the size of the DIEP. A secondary reason was to do a pathology on it, as my BC never showed up on mammogram or MRI. I am thrilled with the result, but still waiting for the pathology. I have to say the reduction recovery has been the most difficult of the 5 surgeries. It is not extremely painful, but it is sore, very bruised, and very swollen. It feels like there is a huge pimple on my chest, ready to pop. I am still quite uncomfortable sleeping (mostly on my back still). Hope this doesn't discourage anyone too much. It had to be done, and I will get through it, however, it is quite frustrating to be fully recovered, and then have to be down and out again, physically and psychologically All that being said, I am looking forward to putting this behind me and sending all of you still in recovery my best wishes, hugs and prayers.

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited September 2016

    Simplicity, I will be having the diep on both breast taking out the implants. My surgery is on the 14th. I believe Dr Korn told me Dr Robinson would be assisting him. I wasnt nervous about the surgery but the closer it gets the nerves are starting to kick in.I'm so ready to put all of this behind me and get back to living...

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited September 2016

    DL3 thinking about you praying all is well

  • Simplicity
    Simplicity Member Posts: 723
    edited September 2016

    DLIA how is your support system? I'll message ya in a bit. Love to meet ya

  • phoebe58
    phoebe58 Member Posts: 96
    edited September 2016

    Stellamaris - so very glad you are happy with overall result, and I totally get how it must feel like a step backwards to be healing again after coming so far, and all that entails :( I wonder if the extra pain has to do with less nerve damage on the good side -- as opposed to the diep side. Be gentle with yourself as you are healing. Hugs. You must be ironing your grass skirt soon for Hawaii!! Coconut bikini top maybe?? Now you can get matching sizes!!

    Simplicity - wishing you good luck with your fixes -- I have heard longer than a week too, so best to prepare for that. You have been through a lot and have been so admirably strong. Hope you enjoyed your Vancouver visit.

    Boy oh boy SA8PG you have had a lot of surgery fixes, and still have such positivity. :) Hats off to you.

    Welcome Stunned, and sorry for your anxieties -- it's tough enuf dealing with the diagnosis. I was able to borrow for free a shower bench from Red Cross [Dr's note}, and my dr didn't want me to shower at all for first 2 weeks, so I became queen of sponge baths with a microfiber facecloth. Although a recliner is great, lots of pillows to prop u up and under the knees will work ok.

  • SA8PG
    SA8PG Member Posts: 280
    edited September 2016

    Hi simplicity

    Great question. The soreness is from my abdominal muscles being sewn together (like a tummy tuck but to fix the hernia) so I am hunched over again like stage 1 & a brand new hip to hip scar, my fat grafting was from my back & hips. I was told 4-6 week recovery. My stage 2 is not normal so remember that. Lol


  • Jiffrig
    Jiffrig Member Posts: 158
    edited September 2016

    SA8PG, are you happy with your fat grafting DIEP? I am having that done but with tummy fat. Seems like a lot but hopefully one and done. I only had 4 kids but a tummy tuck seems like a nice bonus! Also, nice to know I will be in hospital 4 days to catch any issues before getting home, unless infection, which I fear the most. Sorry for your experience. I had that after back surgery, not fun

  • Simplicity
    Simplicity Member Posts: 723
    edited September 2016

    Thanks phoebe58. Ugh I'm going to have to wait. No way am I ready to be down again. With 3 kids (single mom but they're older; 22b, 18g, and 15b-the one who is going to put me in an insane asylum haha), and just feeling like I am getting this past year back together again. Bleh. Hope you have been doing ok.

    SA8PG, wow thats a lot to deal with again :( How are you holding up otherwise? I am just not sure I am emotionally ready for stage 2. Ex husband has been acting better, but still not much of a help. Only kid that goes to visit anymore is the 15yr old. Oldest quit going at about 15, and daughter (18) just doesnt like to go anymore. I hope your pain is manageable? My breast abscess itches so bad after a shower, I was in tears tonight. I know thats a good thing but ugh. wow. Itching to the point of tears. and cant scratch it (itches inside the fluid cavity).

    Hope all sleep well.

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