2018 DIEP Surgery
Comments
-
OCDAmy- I know what you mean about the hips! I felt the same like wow they are really sticking out but it must have been swelling because it has definitely calmed down and I'm wearing spanx which totally helps as well! I'm 7 weeks post DIEP now and feel really good .. the wedding is 7 weeks post stage 2 so finger crossed I will feel the same! Although Bella has worried me a little
. My PS said he may remove tissue from my hips because a typical tummy tuck goes further out to contour — he didn't want to take more tissue than necessary during stage 1. He also plans on doing fat grafting frommy sides under my arms because I have fat pockets there since the mastectomy.I was initially waiting to get a dress but a couple of weeks ago my mom and sister insisted we go shopping .. I was looking for a long sleeve gown but found this gorgeous off the shoulder gown that covers my upper arms perfectly 😊. Best part is that is has a built in bra! I found it at Macy's so I figure I can return it if it doesn't work after stage 2 but I am hopeful! It is also a smaller size than I used to wear .. all my clothes are baggy now but not making too many new purchases until my surgeries are done!
Bella- Scary about the swelling and bruising! PS definitely didn't mention that! He said most people go back to work after a week .. ughhh. Hope it's just a temporary setback and the healing starts ASAP. I'll be praying for that!!
0 -
How many of you were encouraged to put vaseline on your incisions once you were healed up and just had dry scabs? My surgeon told me to, and even though he is a top rated surgeon, it makes me worry a little, since putting stuff on was initially such a no-no. And, vaseline?
Thanks,
L.
0 -
OCDAmy- I went to my aunt’s wedding 2 months after DIEP and found a nice A-line dress that hid the hips well. You might want to start with that style.
Leatherette-Vaseline is a super moisturizer and can help keep that area from getting too dry so in a way it makes sense. For me, once everything was healed I used Cetaphil lotion across the incision line and about 1.5”’on either side of it. It helped reduce the pulling feeling and kept things moisturized.
0 -
Lula, did you have the swelling and bruising in Stage 2
0 -
Hi Ladies! Love hearing about the upcoming weddings and dresses - so happy that we are discussing happy celebrations
First regarding what to bring to the hospital... I packed cute pajamas, robe & slippers but stayed in the hospital gown/socks as it was easier to use the bathroom and the drains and everything.
You will want your phone charger and bring snacks for your support person. I liked using my own toothbrush instead of the hospital toothbrush. Maybe it's me but I really couldn't do much those first days post op. I chose my outfit that I wore to the hospital carefully as that is what I wore going home (long skirt with elastic band and very loose top).
In terms of ERAS: doctors often do their own thing (traditionally it's a standing order of Celebrex, neurontin (gabapentin) and Tylenol). My doctor used IV ketorolac (torodol) and Tylenol - each were given every 6 hours (but spaced apart so that I was getting something every 3 hours). Dilaudid either IV or by mouth if needed but in my opinion I would have preferred oxycodone.
What really helped me at home was this pillow thing called a Yogibo. (https://www.yogibo.com/yogibo-support/)
It's a firm pillow thing that is shaped like a " U " and it was terrific when I lying in bed that first week after coming home. I had one of those "husband" pillows then the Yogibo and some pillows for my head and for each arm. Heaven (or as close as I could get). I placed a pillow under my legs. Do you get the impression you should go out and buy some more pillows 😄
Leatherette - funny but just today my doc told me to start putting bacitracin (which is basically fortified Vaseline) on my crusty parts. He picked off one of my scabs and caused a hole 😬 So then he gave me some silvadene cream (silver sulfadiazine) to put on it so I will probably use that. Happy to get off the crusties. Unfortunately he said no to me swimming!! I can't wait to jump into the water soon!
It feels like Iturned a corner recently - today especially was a good day. Still some discomfort and pain but my breasts feel the slightest bit less hard and painful and I'm standing almost totally upright (it appears like I'm standing normally). It seems like 4 weeks is a milestone with most people and it will be 4 weeks this Friday.
Trying to decide when to start back at work. I'm a little afraid. I think I'll try 2 days a week to start -- having a hard time deciding when to pull the trigger.
Hugs to all - sorry for the long post!! Xoxoxo
0 -
adgnola,
My surgery is on the 7th, and I have had a bag packed for the last two weeks. I got my little throw blanket, one pajama outfit, I also bought a boppy pillow. Chapstick, slippers, dry shampoo, phone charger, and colors and coloring book to pass the time. I hope your surgery goes really smooth I have my pre-op appointment on Thursday and have been getting pretty anxious now that it is almost here
0 -
My ERAS protocal included a nerve block. I woke up from surgery nearly pain free. When I woke up from my BMX I was in a lot of pain and needed a lot of IV pain meds.
JustKeepMoving, I'm glad you feel like you've turned a corner. I'm looking forward to the 4 week mark now!
My PS told me to put Vaseline on the glue about an hour before I shower to help it come off. He said the incision is closed now and the glue is doing no good anymore.
Don't bring pajamas to hospital. They will want easy access to your breasts. All you will want to do is sleep so don't worry about keeping yourself busy. My room was 85 degrees and I had that heated blanket. I was hot all the time
0 -
Bella- I had lots of bruising on my hips and thighs where they did the lipo. My breasts had some mild bruising that went away quickly. (I’ve seen bruising on the breasts post stage 1 and stage 2 from centers other than NOLA that is unbelievably bad and makes me wonder just what technique their PS used.)I had overall swelling from all the fluids they pumped into me (I get dehydrated really easy). The breasts were a little swollen but not too bad. The compression girdle kept my lower 1/2 from swelling too bad. Everything settled within 3-6 weeks and I was in a bikini at the beach at week 6.
0 -
oh, yes.... Forgot about the nerve block. It's a combination of Exparel with plain bupivicaine -- it's injected into the site towards the end of the surgery. Some places actually use bupivicaine in a pump that gives continuous blocking agent but that wasn't used with me (and from what I see not typically with DIEP).
And I wanted to agree on how great Bali bras are!! Forgot who mentioned it here but they are terrific.
Good luck Elijahgirl - the day comes and all you have to do is show up and let the experts take over. Try to relax and find peace! Hugs xoxoxo
0 -
I had a thoracic paravertebral blockright before surgery.
Lula, yes I'm thinking an A-line dress will be the way to go. Was hoping I was going to look really skinny but these hips are not making that possible yet.
0 -
OCDAmy- you’ll look skinny from the side view! The dress I found was fitted through the bust and the upper abdomen and the flare started at about the bottom of my rib cage and it was very subtle at first and then dramatic from there ending in folds just below the knee. So it showed that I was skinny, had nice boobs and yet concealed the hips nicely. The other thing is to wear a lovely necklace that brings and keeps the attention up top. I actually found mine in the juniors formalwear section of Macy’s – LOL! I do find that juniors cut clothes fit better overallpost DIEP than traditional misses cut.
0 -
Lula, thanks for the feedback. I am pleased with my breast...that bruising is clearing up nicely and I am pleased with their shape, firmness and evenness.
I am moving around much better today. The bruising on the hips are unattractive but not as painful as a few days ago. I went out to lunch with my sister and picked up two new pairs of glasses. I felt good but am feeling a bit tired now
0 -
Bella, so glad you are feeling better and are pleased with your results, you must have a great Dr:) Take care and don't over do it.
0 -
Hello everyone! I am post b/l mastectomy and radiation for ER+. Exploring if I want reconstruction or not. Planning on scheduling appointments with plastic surgeons soon to get more information. I think I want to do a DIEP procedure but my head is still spinning. Has anyone had this procedure done in the Atlanta, Ga area and can share their experience with a surgeon that does the procedure. Would be very appreciative of any advice from anyone on this procedure.
0 -
Well, tomorrow's the big day. After fifteen months of waiting, I'm finally having the first of my two revision surgeries. This first one she'll just do a mastopexy (lift) on both sides. Then in 8 or 9 weeks I'll have liposuction, fat grafting and scar revision.
I'm surprisingly nervous about going under anesthesia again. I wasn't this nervous before my BMX/DIEPflap. Maybe because I had no choice. I had to have the BMX.
I've requested the same anesthesiologist. He did an amazing job last time. I woke up from an eleven hour surgery feeling great. I'm hoping I have the same results tomorrow.
After nearly two years if treatment, I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Hope it's not an oncoming train. 😁😁
Wish me luck!
0 -
Bella- so glad the bruising is clearing up and you're not as sore today! They say that for however many hours we are under anesthesia, it takes that many months to recover back to 100%. So we're looking at 12-18months typically. In the meantime if your body says rest, then rest. That was very hard for me to learn as I've always just pushed right through, but this time had to be different. In the end it's all worth it!
Trishyla- good luck tomorrow!!
Santafe55- I don't know of anyone in Atlanta, but I know of some excellent DIEP flap PSs in New Orleans and Charleston, SC which aren’t too awful far away
New Orleans- Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (aka NOLA) is one of the top centers in the world for this type of surgery with a <1% flap failure rate, <2% infection rate, and superior outcomes just for starters. I traveled from central NC to this group and I would do it again in a heartbeat! www.breastcenter.com
Charleston- Dr Craig Blum, recently moved back home to SC. He was with the NOLA group and does fabulous work. He's now with Sweetwater PS. https://www.sweetgrassplasticsurgery.com/meet-dr-blum/
Charleston- Dr Craigie and Kline, both trained with the same OS that trained the docs at NOLA http://naturalbreastreconstruction.com/
Here's a great resource for more information on reconstruction no matter the type or where you decide to have it done: https://www.breastcenter.com/2018/05/01/i-wish-id-known-dr-dellacroce-speaks-to-ypo-about-modern-breast-reconstruction/
0 -
We are looking to interview, and possibly feature in a video, people who have had a revision/corrective breast reconstructive surgery at the Center for Restorative Breast Reconstruction in New Orleans, and are living in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US. If this applies to you, and you are interested, please contact the Mods and let us know a little bit about yourself, including your age, city/town and state, and a few details to what you had completed at the Center.
Thank you!
0 -
feeling like a snake shedding its skin, I'm peeling durabond everywhere.
0 -
haha! I can relate. My crusty scabs are coming off! Big pieces
(sorry if anyone is eating when reading this!)
0 -
So I had my pre-op appointment today and I have to check in at 5:30 in the morning, do they think I am in the military? Oh wait I am lol. The surgery they think will be 8-10 hours and a 5 day in the hospital and will be taking home 4 drains. So this seems to be the the standard for everyone that I heard and talked too, ( Thanks Ladies ) My plastic surgeon said that he is more concerned about how the DIEP heals than the BMX. I am trying not to project to much into the future but I am curious did anyone get the nipple tattooing and if so how long before you had it? Also if I understand some of the blogs that I have read Stage II depends on the individual, how well they heal etc. So is it possible that some may not need to have a stage II procedure? Should I just plan on it?
0 -
elijahgirl- most ladies do have a stage 2, so I would just plan on it. With the bmx they basically just scoop the breast tissue out, so not as big a deal as the DIEP. My incision for the bmx and DIEP went from bottom of my nipple to chest wall so about 3-4 “ and that was it.
0 -
Wishing you a speedy recovery Elijagirl!
I know very little about stage 2 as I'm taking this one day at a time now. My PS said everyone needs a little touch up... I'm looking at myself and I think it looks amazing and could skip stage 2 if I'm not picky and didn't want a nipple. I'll cross that bridge when I'm ready.
Good luck xoxox
0 -
Thanks lula73 and justkeepmoving
My surgery is not until the 7th, so I have a few more days until I am laid up so I am planning to enjoy myself until then.
0 -
Mmmmm....crusty scabs.
I am being really good and not picking, but a few are literally hanging by a thread. Then I picture one of those cartoon scenes where pulling on one loose thread makes the whole garment fall apart. That helps me keep my hands off!
0 -
crusty scabs hanging by a thread, surgical glue peeling... trimming with a pair of sharp scissors cleaned with alcohol beforehand were the instruction I was given. Why trim? For just the reason Leatherette mentioned (it doesn't have to be your fingers that pull-it can be your clothes! So keep them trimmed)
0 -
My PS is encouraging me to go back to work and I don't feel ready. I mostly sit at a computer but my job is demanding and not easy. Do I have to be 100% to go back? I don't know. I'm also burning up all of my vacation time and have almost none left so maybe I should try to go back. He signed a paper that says I can go back 2 days a week starting August 1. I should have said no I need more time but at that visit the 1st was a week away and I thought maybe I'll be ready. As the date approaches I'm getting worried. He thinks it will help me recover faster (get back to my old life) but right now my belly is in knots when I walk around. I'm worried. I'm post op 4 weeks today (from the DIEP flap surgery -- I had a second surgery a few days later to remove hematomas and blood).
0 -
Hi Ladies!
Just checking in... I had my 1 month post op appt this week and all is well. I'm healing nicely, my range of motion is good, and all restrictions have been lifted. He even said I could hit the pool and beach, but I don't think I'm there yet.
My clothes fit better... I'm down one pant size. My PS said my waist and tummy will be reduced even more when we get to stage II.
My nipple crusties all came off and the color is good. The nipple itself is kind of flat and unresponsive, though, I don't know if that will get better with time.
I asked about the hard spots in my new boob and my Dr said those are the areas where they anchored the flap on the inside. He said we can address those in Phase II if necessary.
Oh, and I have my Tamoxifen pills. I'll be starting those on 8/1. Does anyone have any words of wisdom? Is it better to take it at night or in the morning? Any advice would be appreciated.
Leatherette, I know what you mean about the scabs, especially in the numb places. Mine would get pulled after my showers when they were soft and I wouldn't even notice until I saw blood.
Good luck and happy healing everyone!
0 -
just keep moving
I hear your angst about going back to work. Two days a week sounds good. Could you do four half days?
I found moving helped my recovery and was hoping for more time but honestly, five weeks was plenty. Mine was single so i get that it’s different.
I work a desk job too that can be demanding and stressful. I was tired the first week and my management allowed me plenty of time to acclimate.
Good luck
0 -
17 days post op for me. I had Bilateral DIEP on July 10. 11.5 hour surgery and off all pain meds 5 days post op, still not needing any meds. I was able to drive myself to the airport (1.5 hours each way) and declined the wheelchair assistance they offered on this past Wednesday, 14 days post op to get my final 2 drains out. They also removed the steristrips and the durabond tape on my abdomen. The left breast drain did have more drainage and leaked through my clothes. I wonder what people thought at the airport when the blood stains leaked through my shirt, unbeknownst to me. I didn't know till I got home and changed my clothes. I felt great and wearing clothes made me feel even better. I had been wearing PJs all day prior to this trip.
There are a few issues that didn't heal as well, just the center of the abdomen incision and the center of the underside of my right breast and I am to put a prescription antibiotic on it every 12 hours and cover it with a teflon bandage as well as the drain site of the left breast. The rest looks great though. I will see the surgeon on August 8th, he is on vacation and was not available this week.
I have done grocery shopping and gone visiting and even went to the state park visiting my sister that was camping there with her kids.
I was able to get my jeans on and they look great, but there is very little feeling in my abdomen so I don't want to do any damage so i decided not to wear jeans quit yet. I have been wearing stretch waistband clothing that sits high on my waist. My shirts I have no issues with at all I can pull them over my head just fine and they look so good! I have breasts again!!! It has been 16 months.
Another thing, I have had plenty of breast pain after my mastectomy and it got worse after the completion of my radiation. My PS cut out all the scar tissue and encapsulated seromas and fibroid tissues that were the cause. I truly believe this is a miracle surgery, not just allowing me to reclaim my womanhood but also taking away my pain. I will need more PT though, I have noticed I have lost a lot of range of motion, both arms however the radiated side is much worse, but I am sure that is all fixable!
This surgery is the best so far for me, I am very happy I decided to do it and taking care of myself has been just fine after this surgery, I was worried about how I would be able to manage on day 4 when they discharged me and I was to care for myself, but it was no problem. I had visitors lined up when I got home, daily for the 1st week, and that was nice, but I really did not need them do anything for me, just visiting and that was very nice
So all you guys still waiting for your surgery, dont worry. I was concerned about nothing. BTW if anyone remembers my issues with Blood pressure going way up 2 days after surgery, I got to see my cardiologist and he took me off all BP medication he called it situational high blood pressure. My BP is now 103/55 with no medication for the past 12 days. I was just worried about how I would get along alone and once I realized I could do it, I was fine! My cardiologist knows me well.
0 -
carmstr835,
Glad to read of your progress - sounds great. Happy to see another woman up and going after surgery
0
