DIEP 2011

RetiredLibby

My BMX with immediate recon was 20 hours surgery total -- 2 for the BMX and 18 for the DIEP. I had 1 breast surgeon for the BMX and 1 PS for the DIEP. I asked him how he went 18 hours all by himself and did he even get dinner ... He said that there were times when he had to wait for things to be brought to the OR or wait for things to happen before he could continue. He said he took bathroom breaks and got a little something for dinner and had a chance to sit down occasionally. I asked him if the same anesthesiologist stayed with him the whole time -- he said no, but one nurse-anesthetist stayed with him the whole time. He went through 3 complete crews of OR nurses and techs. He is young -- in his mid-late 30s, but it must have been brutal. (The noobs turned out great -- my belly incisioned opened up a few weeks after surgery, but it wasn't anything he did or didn't do.)



L

treesprite

amazing, isn't it!

carol57

My DH stayed in a waiting area for most of my 12-hour bmx/diep, happily working away on his computer. He had a direct view of the vending machines to which my PS and the entire team kept coming for snacks.  On seeing the PS's third visit to the vending area, DH offered to get him something more nutritious...offer politely declined!  I too asked about this after the fact, and PS said he is well trained to tough it out, and that you'd be surprised how much punch a package of peanut butter crackers delivers! 

Kay_G

My surgery was uni mx and diep and took about 5 and a half hours.

CookieMonster

Thanks for all the info on times, ladies. I guess it varies quite a bit. I know I'll have two PS in there so that should make things not as slow as some and the assisting PS is really good (from what I've heard from two women here at BCO).

Time to hunker down and wait, I guess.

Snobird

I had BMX/DIep with 2 PS microsurgeons and one BS. Total time was 7.5 hrs.

bdavis

I had BMX and Hip flaps, so they had to flip me... and that was about 10 hours (2 PS) but some of that time was spent trying to get my port out, unsucessfully.

Jerusha

I had implants taken out with removal of capsules and scar tissue, then bilat extended DIEP. Two PS at NOLA.

4+1/2 hours!!!! I was IMPRESSED.

Seashellie

Well, I'm 1 week out from my delayed bilat DIEP and thank you for the well wishes. The surgery was about 10 hours and I was in the hospital for 4 nights and had 2 plastic surgeons. It's so amazing to have "breasts" again after 5 months without. I love them already! My tummy is VERY tight. I didn't have as much fat as hoped when surgery time came around so he used everything he could. Small price to pay for the extra bit of size. My chest drains came out right before I came home and I'm sure the 2 tummy drains will come out when I see my PS in a week but they could come out sooner as they are draining very little. I have no real pain in my chest, mainly just tightness. The tummy is pretty sore and tight and my other big complaints are my lower back from bending over and my butt from the pressure of sitting and sleeping on it.

 I'm taking my Arnica and Traumeel (another homeopathic formula with arnica in it - great for healing and bruising). Also taking vitamin C, E, A, Zinc and Bromelain in addition to my regular vitamins. In case anyone doesn't know, check out Bromelain for healing after surgery.

Kathy/Treesprite - My PS is Jeff Scott in Mill Creek. We're neighbors - I'm near Lake Stevens

Just_V

seashelly - try some mini pelvic tilts for your lower back while lying down... really helps when you are still so chair/bed bound... then, after a few days, I added  in slight twists with the pelvic tilts... helped a LOT! 

On Wednesday I will be four weeks out from a UMX (first UMX was in June) and double DIEP - back at work for a week now, and started my yoga (very light - no pushing) yesterday... my surgery was a total of 9 hours (1 BS, 2 PSs).

RetiredLibby

In the interest of full disclosure, I should add that my 18 hour bilateral DIEP was punctuated by the East Coast earthquake, epicentered about 50 miles south of where the hospital is located.  I'm sure there was some time in there when they evaluated whether all the equipment was still hooked up and functioning properly!  My PS did joke that they wondered if they would have to finish the surgery in the parking lot.

L

mgm1953

Just-V: yoga already? OMG! This must be completely irrational, but I'm still afraid of busting open the incision if I "exert" too much (4 weeks post op tomorrow). I'm doing very light housework but no heavy pushing pulling or lifting.

 Yeah, the PSs have to take some kind of breaks, jeez, but don't go out for a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant (which mine kinda joked about). I used to watch Nip Tuck back in the day, and I wonder what the surgeons are talking about as they work on us, what music they're playing etc...what we're they saying about our bodies...Oy.  At least  I know I helped further the cause of medical science, since this Kaiser is a teaching hospital...

 seashelly- congrats on a successful surgery! I hear you about the tight belly and sore back! Improvement is Very Gradual. Sleeping on my side now, standing up straighter...I've been taking the Arnica, maybe will add some of the other homeopathics you mentioned. I want to minimize that belly scar!

Kay_G

mgm1953, I thought I was the only one who wondered about conversation and music during surgery. LOL, thanks you made me feel more normal.



Saw the PS for three month follow up today (actually is more like 3 and a half), all is well. That scar tissue or fat necrosis that I thought was at the bottom of my breast is actually my rib. Boy did I feel stupid. In my defense it is a bit raised from the rest of my ribs for whatever reason. I also told her I was glad I finished rads and didn't have any problems with my noob. She said she knew I wouldn't, she would not have done the surgery if rads would have been a problem. Not sure if it was confidence or cofounder. LOL

treesprite

I asked my operating room what kind of music did they play and did my doc keep an eye on the conversation. I had a procedure where my docs were talking about their golf games, like I was an object rather than a person. Sheesh . . now I always think about it and often ask.

carol57

Seashelly,  the tightness is normal, lasts for a few weeks, and then gradually you realize that it's 'giving' more than before.  Sounds like you're doing great!  Reading all of these stories reminds me that everyone deserves a 'wow' for taking so much in stride!

LoveLee

  

    Just_V

  I just read your post about Beth Isreal video showing a DIEP.  Where can I find it?  I googled but couldnt find it.

Thanks,

Vicky 

CookieMonster

This is the video that I saw someone link to on BCO.

http://www.or-live.com/bethisrael/1896/event/rnh.cfm

I found it fascinating in a disconnected way, and I hope my PS is just as careful.

CookieMonster

Had my pre-op appointments today. With PCP - just basic physical stuff and an EKG, blood draw, pee in a cup. With PS, he went over some of the dangers and possible complications and we talked a bit more in detail about sizing and stuff. I had almost a full page of questions, many generated by what I'd read here at BCO. But either he's delusional, his patients seem to fare better than most, or the people that we hear from on BCO generally have a harder time than most - or I'm just remembering more of the worst case scenarios than best. He told me that I'd be able to sleep in bed, propped on a few pillows, that I'd have full use of my arms (to lift them over my head etc) before I leave the hostpital 3 or 4 days after surgery, that by day 3 in the hospital I'll be up and about and wondering why I'm still there, that I'll be wanting to do stuff other than lie in bed - use the laptop and/or read a book etc... I guess only time will tell.

As it's getting closer and closer I'm getting more and more nervous. Today's appointments increased my stress level and anxiety a fair amount, it's really happening and SOON. I also got the pre-approval for the surgery in the mail today.

OK, deep breaths and I should probably go distract myself, I have grading to do.

treesprite

CookieMonster: I think the challenge stories tend to stick more in your mind than do the easy ones. Most women have good outcomes and do not have complications, otherwise they wouldn't be doing the surgery; it wouldn't make sense.

Decide that your surgery will go well and that you won't have complications and do everything that you can on your end to support a good outcome. A good friend had her DIEP on Nov 17 - super smooth, no complications, hardly any pain . . she said the worst was the back ache from being bent over the first few days and she doesn't need to see her PS again until stage 2.

Complications are very unlikely but possible, so know that whatever comes along, your team will know what to do.

These forums often draw those of us with more time on our hands and sometimes those of us with challenges because it is a place of support and information. Women with no complications don't have the same need to reach out or need to do it for shorter periods of time . . . then there are those like me . . .avoiding all my other work by socializing!

just keep breathing and thinking positively! 

It is normal to feel anxious . . .our brains tell us that being cut is not a good idea!!

Rent some funny movies, go to the spa, have some good time with family and friends . . .things to distract your brain from the worry . . or I guess you could do your grading but find a way to fit in some fun distractions if you can . . it is more challenging when you have to work and you also have all the holiday prep on your mind.  

 kathy

beacher4209

cookiemonster,who is doing your diep? I live in San Diego ,i have 2 consults lined up but would like another and i will be watching your posts ..good luck try ro relax i know when i finally get as close as u iw ill be nervous also but there are alot of women in this thread to support us

CookieMonster

beacher4209 my BS is Nova Foster, PS is Charles Tseng all through UCLA.

Just_V

VicktAnn - looks like CookieMonster found it...

Just_V

CookieMonster - I just had my UNX and double DIEP not even four weeks and have been back to work in the office for over a week...I used Hibiclens for a week prior to the surgery (wash) to rid myself of any germs (my first recon was a failed TE due to infection), and did what I could to ensure I was in as good of shape as I could be.  After the surgery, I used my legs and arms extensively (need to avoid using the ab muscles).... my sister came down to care for me and I would grab her arm to pull myself up with my arms and legs...

The first day after the surgery was not bad b/c of the drugs but I literally could not move my back or butt... my arms were fine.  The next day they had me move out of bed to a chair and to the bathroom... truely that was the very worst part from a pain perspective, but they helped me... then, every day, every hour got easier and easier... drains out on day 8 - after that, I had to be careful to not do too much...

Each tons of protien and vitamin C (not sure why but it seemed to help), sleep as much as you can (the first surgery back in June I layed down but did not sleep - force yourself to actually sleep); do NOTHING for yourself for the first 7-10 days.... make your care givers help you..You will be exhausted - not in so bad of pain, but very exhausted -- the surgeries are long and the anesthesia takes a long time to leave your system... One thing my PS did was use pain pumps that pump meds directly into the ab incision to mitigate the need for overall strong narcs...

I cannot believe it but this surgery recovery was EASIER than the first UMX/TE insertion.

Also - I can tell you all that I am also in the TE trouble thread, and I am really glad (sounds weird) that my TE failed b/c I truly believe the DIEP is the better reconstruction option for me..

Del11

Range of motion issues are primarily related to implant recons, and/or node dissections.  DIEP alone won't physically affect your ROM, but you do need to restrict it so you don't jeopardize the flap.

RetiredLibby

Re: ROM - I wasn't allowed to lift my upper arms above my shoulders for the first 6 weeks -- the instructions were to keep my elbows below my shoulders.  Anything below the shoulders was fine, but no elbows above the shoulders.  They sew the flaps to your pectoral muscle and they don't want you to tear anything in there.  I cheated a little toward the end of the 6 weeks and have pretty good range of motion now (3 months out from surgery). 

L

Just_V

jeskachi - i agree -- my PS said to listen to my body - my yoga is restricted (no plank, no chair pose)... I am not sure, though, maybe you know... my ribcage, one-two inches under the breast but well above the ab area feels tight - I am nervous that I may be having scar tissue build up (that is part of the issue I had with the TE - that and infection).... should I stretch that ribcage area or baby it?  I just don't know....

treesprite

there is good evidence based research on larger doses of vitamin C for healing at the cellular level . . . it is well worth adding in significant amounts

beacher4209

THANKS COOKIEMONSTER i will look into it my insurance changes to a ppo come january so im shopping now! best of luck

 ANYONE else got a diep ps they like in the SAN DIEGO AREA?  THANKS

beacher4209

I just sat here for over an hour reading back about 15 pages. You ladies are so honest and helpful ,oh and FUNNY! To all of you  DEC. dieps my thoughts are with you and i know from reading all the past ladies experiences with bumps in the roads included you will be ok!

SOOO for me i guess i should sratr the 2012 diep thread ,because i am pretty sure thats where im headed because of all of you i feel hope now.

TexasRose

Hi ladies,

I posted awhile back asking how soon you could have traveled after surgery as we have an April vacation to Hawaii and I'm worried about being ready for it. I haven't posted any since because I have nothing to talk about. I haven't even had my initial consult yet. My original appt was supposed to be 11/1. That was changed to 10/31 and that was changed to 12/5 (in part because I was going to be out of town and couldn't make the dates he had openings in Nov). And then 12/5 was changed to 12/7! Yeah. It's been crazy. I haven't gotten a call today, so I am hoping my appt for tomorrow is finally a go and no emergency surgery will pull him away again. I know surgeons are hard to schedule around, but good gravy. Of course the emergencies should get top priority. I'm just ready to get started.

I'm sitting here today in a bit of a fog. I have a list of some questions to ask him. I have read this thread and made notes. I'm nervous. Excited. Not sure what to think or feel. I know you understand.

When I called for the appt back in September, I was ready to jump on the table. So much time has gone by. I'm still ready, but a lot of time to think. Too much time to think.

Anyway, wish me luck as I go for my first consult tomorrow. I hope to be joining you soon and I can't thank each of you enough for sharing your experiences. 

Mary