DIEP 2011

marxi

thanks, dee.  i hate the thought of having to drag that around but if it will make a difference...

XmasDx

NotAfraid, I believe most ps's leave the drains in until they output less than about 25cc/day each.  Mine were down below 10cc each by the time I got them out.  It was about 2 weeks on one of the abdominal drains, and 3 weeks on the breast drain and other abdominal drain.

You do not want them pulled too early or you could get swelling/fluid built up which is unpleasant and painful.  Activity definitely increases drain output.  

scubacat

Had my Stage2 consult this week. Should get a Stage2 date for early May. Decided to go on a simple path to start with, lipo and lift without additional incisions under breast, and see what that looks like. I'm already 36B so dont want to be any bigger, so it's just about shaping and lifting and making the girls look good, plus nipple recon. I already have the tats done. If Stage2 needs future adjustments we'll discuss that later, but I opted for a simple approach with minimal additional surgery time and a quick recovery (1-2 days). I can't wait for this to be done. My PS knows I need to be in a swimsuit for a July 4th vacation to Belize!

x-raygirl

Good morning ladies!  I had my bilat diep on Wed. 3/1.  I am so relieved it's behind me and am grateful that it was a lot smoother and easier than I had built up in my head.  The sx was 7 hrs, I was discharged on Sat, and had all 4 drains out on Tuesday.  I'm loving a flat tummy!!!!!  And yes, soft boobs again (had TE for 1 yr).  I had a low grade fever off and on which they thought was due to lack of deep inhalations and developing some gunk in my alveoli in my lungs.That's all subsided.  I've been walking slowly and it feels so good!  Right now, my abdomen is so itchy!!!  Maybe it's healing?  Does anyone have any great tips for scars?  My PS suggested mederma.  Wishing you all a great weekend!

 Scubacat - stage 2 sounds fun - I find it all so fascinating!  Best of luck!  ~ Daiva

Snobird

Vit e stick is working great for my scars. I didn't start using it until a month after surgery but it's made a world of difference. Congrats on a good surgery. Keep moving and do sme easy stretches with your arms. After a couple of weeks I would lay on the floor and let my arms stretch up and over my head for a few minutes twice a day so that I could regain full arm mobility.

x-raygirl

Vit E stick? Where do I get it? Thanks for the stretching tips. Also, was your abdomen itchy? I am soooo itchy around the abdominal incision.

XRAYestInMA

X-raygirl Happy to read that you're doing so well! 7 hours= not too bad at all, and 3 days in the hospital, DC'd on the 4th, that's super. I'm thinking the itchiness is because the scar is healing? How does it appear otherwise? When you mentioned lack of deep inhalations - do you mean post-op, as in when a spirometer is given to aid in bringing the lungs back up to their capacity, or was the mucus in your aveoli the result of being under anesthesia for 7 hours? And how is the sleeping going for you? Did you purchase one of those wedge pillows or are you bunking out in a recliner? I'm in a prep mode with 8 weeks, 2 days to go.

@Snobird Palmers makes a cocoa butter scar stick with vitamin E in it...do you mean something like that? When I typed in "vitamin E stick" on Drugstore.com, not many hits came up.

x-raygirl

X-ray, I'm sleeping on a wedge pillow. Hanging in recliner during the day. Re: mucous- I think it was a combo of anesthesia and post op not breathing deeply. I love my new yoga pants (low waisted). I would recommend getting a couple pairs.

Iamstronger

My PS recommened silicone pad dressings.  They are expensive, but he says they really do work.

http://www.amazon.com/Molnlycke-Mepiform-Self-adherent-Silicone-Dressing/dp/B000PQAVYY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1301337485&sr=8-6

V

XRAYestInMA

@x-raygirl Where did you buy your low-waisted Yoga pants? I have 2 pair at present - 1 is Champion brand (nice), and my favorite pair is the active Yoga pants from Landsend (VERY NICE). Neither pair are low-riding though - right now they hit an inch below my navel - the one that prob won't be in the same spot after the surgery. I have to buy a "short" in length as I am 5'4" (on a tall day), and average length is way too loong. I tried the GAP brand and didn't care for the fit.

~Lori

XmasDx

Hello fellow DIEPers!

I'm using a product called ScarGuard that I bought at Walgreen's.  It's a silicone/vit E/hydrocortisone mix that you "paint on" twice a day.  I had surgery 2/28 but didn't start using it until this week, I can't tell yet if it's helpful... it was $30 for the bottle but looks like it should last a while (weeks).  Supposedly #1 product recommended by PS and now available in stores!!  LOL we'll see...

After uni-mx I am really up and around a lot, coming up on the 6 week mark.  Ditched my wedge pillow weeks ago in favor of side sleeping (with pillows/body pillow).   I have been sleeping very good the past 3 weeks or so, but poor DH is still on a cot or sofa for my sake... I do wake up every time it is time to roll over from one side to the other.  It's kind of a production, like when I was 8 months pregnant!

So I go back to work on Monday (office job).  I went shopping for pants since everything was tight even before surgery.  I found that by going up a size (for now!) I was able to find lots of khaki's and even jeans that were comfortable.  And dresses!  Flat tummy is so nice for dresses yeah! 

Low-waist yoga pants - I know the quality is not as good as GAP or Landsend probably, but Kohl's has a wide assortment of pants in petites, regulars, womens sizes.  I have also purchased low-waist yoga pants from Target in the past and been happy with them.  The regular section or the sports-clothes section...

Another subject I have questions about is activity/exercise ~

I am too scared to go to the gym yet even though I feel pretty good overall.  Not that I normally go a lot (about once a week) or am some great athelete (I'm definitely NOT!)... but I normally would go, do the weight machines for 20 minutes or so, elliptical for 20 minutes, treadmill for 20 more and leave tired and sweaty but energized.   I'm scared I will get there and overdo it.  My PS said no elliptical for now, nothing with criss-cross motion over the abdomen like the x-country skiing motion that could cause an abdominal seroma.  

Anytime I do any grocery shopping or take out the trash etc I feel it in my abdomen and breast (sore, pulling, etc) so I'm very nervous about any weights.  I figure I will "know" when it feels right to go back to this?  Does anyone have a guideline on how long after DIEP before they were allowed by their PS to do sit-ups or pilates or anything like that?

x-raygirl

My favorite yoga pants are from Lululemon and Lucy. The Lululemon ones I just roll the waist down. They hold up very well, can be worn dressier with cute shoes, flip flops or sneaks- with every cent and are flattering!!!! I always get compliments on them.



Vmarie-you weren't kidding about the silicone pads! $$$$

marxi

I've been catching up on posts and am so glad for those of you who are doing well.  Also, for those preparing for DIEP, I wish you the best.  I did want to update, though, because I think it's important for everyone's story to be heard.  My surgery was March 1, second surgery was March 2, all kinds of complications and problems which I spoke of earlier have made this experience a very difficult one for me.  The left flap is viable but still problematic.  I still have infection which is being treated by strong anti-biotics, I have a huge cavity where a large hematoma was and this is irrigated and packed daily by in home nurses.  It's a long way from healing.  Two days ago, another area on my left flap burst open and began outputting copious amounts of blood and pus.  Apparently, this was an area of fat necrosis.  No explanation which made sense about how it can just bust through skin like that.  However, this was cut open by PS and is albeit a smaller open wound than the larger cavity, still a concern that is packed now as well.  Ab wound was doing well and then several areas began to open up and weep and separate.  This surgery can be a wonderful thing for many women.  For others, it can be a struggle from the beginning as it was for me.  Although my PS went to great lengths (the leeches, etc.) to bring my left flap back to life, there are times when I wish he had let it fail and take off the right one and I would have been spared the horrific 13 days in hospital and all the complications and other problems that are on-going, seemingly without end.  Prior to my own surgery, I researched and read all I could so I could make an informed decision.  That's why I believe it's important for me to update on my own condition.  There are never any guarantees.  I was totally unprepared for what I have had to face.  Having said all this, I am trying hard to be positive and want to thank everyone who has contacted me to offer encouragement.  Your supportive emails are much appreciated.

scubacat

x-raygirl; I got this VitE rollon from Amazon.com (3 sticks $20.00)  Nature's Gate Pure Vitamin E Oil Roll-On, 1.1-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3) I too didn't start to use this straight away but use it on all scars now. My ab incision is still itchy but this helps, I put it on morning and night.

I lived in my yoga pants for most of Feb (6-8 weeks after surgery) but now I am wearing all normal clothes again, even undies! I have bought good bras that are so comfortable and not heavy sports bras and can even get away with vest tops now the weather is warming up in Dallas!

XmasDX, I started back at the gym to do stretching and sit on the bike, this was after my PS released me to do "anything" at week 5. I went and used some machines and only did stationary bike for 30mins and not anything like the 10 resistance I was used to, just 4 or 5. I still have not used the eliptical!

I have now started back to my classes; Body Abs and can do most things, including light weights. I started back to classes about week 7, did one and have now done 4 or 5. It gets easier and I can do slow and gentle crunches. Getting up/down off the mat is the hardest thing! LOL.

I too decided dresses were a good option for 'back to work' and they are comfortable. So I bought a couple and trade with pants that are not too tight! They look nice with the flat tummy! Some things are good.

Marxi - sent you a pm.

SAMayoFL

XRay, I am so glad to hear your surgery was smooth and that you are feeling well.  My surgeon recommended Vitamin E oil too.  I bought a bottle at Walmart for about $5.00.  I rub a little on every morning as soon as I get out of the shower.  My mastectomy scar and the scar on my port look really good.  Honestly, my mastectomy scar is barely visible.  I hope my DIEP scars look as good as my mastectomy scar.

Marxi, I am so, so sorry to hear how bad things have gone for you.  For the second time, this week I had an abscessed subasceious cyst that was positive for MRSA.  One of my main concerns is infection although I didn't have a problem after my mastectomy.  My heart is heavy for you.  It stinks that you have had such a bad time.  I hope for continued healing and that you are up and feeling great in no time at all!  Please continue to keep us updated on your progress.

Susan

treesprite

I'm using the ScarAway silicone tape strips; about $20 at the drugstore. I've had good luck with silicone strips in the past but those were from the PT and much thicker than the ScarAway. My belly button finally emerged from the super glue --- hooray (almost 3 weeks out)! My husband says it looks like a crescent moon on its side; I prefer that description to an upside down frown. I think I'm finally tape glue free although still a few of the dissolving stitch ends poking out here and there. 

Marxi - are things getting any better for you? I'm sure one day soon you will turn the corner and things will begin improving. Keep us posted so we can keep sending you positive energy. Is spring starting to emerge where you live? I love all the flowering trees and spring bulbs blooming in my area. 

Anyone massaging their bellys and belly scars? It seems like that would feel really good but it is probably a bit soon for that. I had PT with scar massage for my mastectomy and that felt really good --  I plan on doing that again -- I've got a great PT close by that specializes in post mastectomy work; it just felt so good to be massaged and I knew I could relax and trust her work.

The most discomfort seems to be just below my waist to the scar and just feels like massage (scar tissue release?) would feel good. 

kcshreve

XMAS - I was told not exercising till the 6 week mark, and very gentle exercise at that for awhile.  In the scope of things, no rush. You do want to heal as well as possible with no glitches.

marxi

Susan, I hope your dr is carefully monitoring the MRSA.  My cultures haven't come back yet so I'm not sure what my infection is...at least the antibiotics are clearing things up. 

Treespite, I am trailing behind all of you...but, I'm still on the path.  Have the large cavity and a smaller one where fat necrosis burst through a few days ago.  Both are being cared for daily by nurses.  The ab wound used to be so beautiful and now is angry red and lots of splitting...:(  Also, about a 4 inch area above the ab scar is really firm.  Is that normal?  I am trying soooo hard to be positive and hope that things will settle down now and start to heal.  It's gonna be a couple of months, but it will come, yes? 

XmasDx

Marxi - I'm so sorry this has been such a complicated and difficult surgery & recovery, that just stinks.  I am hoping that you will turn a corner very soon and that things will start to heal up.  It just takes time, a lot of time!  I'm not sure if you have a hard spot 4" above the ab scar, is that by your belly button?  I don't have that, but the middle 4-6" of my abdominal scar is very very tight, thick, numb, and feels very deep, if that makes any sense.  Like there is scarring & swelling in that middle section that feels very hard, like it will never soften.  Massaging it makes me feel "oogy" as it feels like it penetrates very deep into the tissue or something, I don't know how else to explain it.  

scubacat & kcshreve - thanks for the info on exercise timelines... I guess I will just start slowly and see how things go.  I sure feel it when I overdo anything!  Esp in the foob... and I'm not sure this tightness/tautness in my abdomen will ever go away, we'll see.

marxi

X, I didn't explain well at all.    What I mean is the band of stomach area from the ab wound up to about 4 inches above all across my mid-section is hard and firm. 

XmasDx

Marxi,

I don't have that so much, just "underneath" the stitches is so hard!  And everything is numb too.  It's a weird feeling, isn't it?  

marxi

Some of my numbness is going away already.  I notice the past few days when the nurse changes the ab dressing that I can definitely feel areas now that I couldn't before.  This morning I was running late and didn't get into the shower before she got here and believe me I felt the tape pulling on my skin in some places and it hurt!  Good sign, I guess, that some sensation is returning.  Bad thing is whereas I had 4 open spots there, today are 8. 

XmasDx

Oh no Marxi!  Those stupid incisions, drat drat drat!!!!!!!

treesprite

Marxi - are you taking extra vitamin C? My healing issues last fall turned the corner for the better when I upped my vitamin C (advice from my RN friend). My PS recommended vitamin C, zinc and iron for healing . . .  but they didn't say how much. I usually don't up my iron because of the constipation issue but maybe you are super low after what you've been through. I take adult gummies and I add a packet of emergen-C 1000 mg. morning and evening to my water. You should check with your doctor before adding anything; it would be bad to have interactions with other meds.

It must be nice to get some feeling back! My tummy feels weird, like it is either constantly hungry or that I have a constant mild upset stomach.

mamaoftwo

Marxi, I have been following your story and hope that you can closer to healing from the horrific surgery and complications.  Sounds like you are getting very good care with nurse visits.  Even keeping wounds clean and changing dressings can be a challenge. My thoughts are with you.

I had my DIEP and double MX on January 12 so I am almost three months out.  I had a pretty good recovery in general, with not many complications, thank goodness.  In terms of exercise, I was given the go-ahead to start running again after eight weeks.  But I can't do sit-ups yet; the abs feel too tender. 

My only complication is that there is a round spot on my abdomen scar, where a stitch or two must have come apart, that never healed.  It is small, but still an open wound, and I need to take care of it, changing bandaids several times a day, as per PS instructions. I am sure that chemotherapy is getting in the way of a proper healing.

I am afraid of Stage 2 but will need it.  Mostly afraid of the anesthesia.  After chemotherapy, the thought of putting more drugs in my body is intimidating.  But There are divets in the scars where the skin was grafted that need to be filled in.  Some day I will need a tattoo and/or nipple, though not a priority in my life at the moment.

Best wishes to everyone.  If you're recovering from surgery, hang in there, it does get better but it is a yearlong process for some of us.

marxi

treespite, i will ask about the vitamin c and zinc.  i already take over 900 mg of iron daily as i have been very anaemic since childhood. 

mama, it's great how well you are doing.  you must be pleased.  yes, i have good care and am thankful.  i could never pack these things myself.  i would pass out.  i am afraid of surgery again too.  the ps said last week he could take me to the or to 'clean things up' and i said not unless absolutely necessary.  too scared right now.

x-raygirl

Thanks to all of you for the scar tips.  I'm day 12 since sx and am pleased as punch.  I'm still taking percocet and am curious how long everyone was on rx pain meds.  I'm taking 1 at a time and wondering if it's time to switch to Advil.   Part of me is chicken.  I went out this weekend to see my daughter's high school show and again yesterday for dinner.  I regretted wearing jeans - just wasn't comfortable.  It really wiped me out too.  I guess it's my body's way of telling me to take it s l o w.  

Marxi ~ I've been thinking about you a lot and am so sorry it's been such a tough hard journey.  Sending healing thoughts  your way today...    

Also, my drains were taken out on day 6 and I don't see PS for 5 wks.  There's a stitch at the end of my abdominal incision.  I'm wondering if they are dissovlving ones or if he'll pull it.  I better put a bandaid on it because I keep wanting to pull it:-)   Wishing you all a peaceful day.   ~ Daiva 

Snobird

X-ray- I weened myself off of vicodin by switching to 800 motrin during the day and vicodin at night for a week. Then I switched to 800 motrin at night and 200 during the day and so on until I didn't need anything. If the 800 motrin didn't take me thru the 6 hours (you can't take more than 800 every 6 hours) I would supplement with Tylenol at 4 hours. Worked really well for me.



Don't overdue! There is a lot of healing going on inside that you can't see. Stay well rested and well fed with good food( not junk) lots of protien, veggies and fruits. Those are the healers. Glad everything is going well.

marxi

despite all of this, i haven't used painkillers since about day 4 in hospital...i took tramacet twice since coming home, not for pain, just to make me sleepy so i could get some rest at night.  my ab and flaps are numb mostly.  i guess i thought that would be the same for all of us.

SAMayoFL

Marxi, I hope you are having a good day.  Are you able to be up and around at all or are you totally homebound?  I am bummed out that your ab scar has opened more.

X-Ray, being 12 days out, how do you feel?  Are you able to wear the same jeans from before surgery?  Who was your surgeon?

Treesprite, how are you doing?  How do you feel?  I think I have told you all that the most I will be able to take off work is 3 weeks.  I will have to come back, at least part time, the 4th week.  Do you think that is doable?  Could you work at a desk job for maybe 5 hours a day right now?  My anxiety level about this surgery is through the roof.  I want it so bad but am terrified at the same time.

Susan