DIEP 2011

RetiredLibby

@c8ndygr1 - Thankyou!  I have a pretty high tolerance for pain (except dental pain, where my tolerance goes to less than zero!).  After my reexcision 4 years ago, I took one tylenol.  Percocet makes me throw up, and vicodin makes me itch (no rash, just itch from the codeine), but I figure, "Hey, I'll be in a HOSPITAL! They should certainly have SOMETHING I can take!"  PS told me 1 night in ICU, 2 nights in regular room and then home ... but I'm not counting on that.

Your stories and commentary are the most helpful of all -- hearing from women who have already done this is very, very useful.

Thank you all for sharing!

L

ladym13

Hi all...

So I have some puss coming from a small part of my belly incision and now worried that it's infected. The rest of the belly and the boob have almost no scabbing left and look great...just this one small part where there is yellow puss....it's freaking me out... 

mscal02

ladym: I ended up with a place on my belly incision, that ended up being a stitch that didn't dissolve.It was not infected, but left 2 small holes there. I had to have  the stitch cut out. I have been washing it with soap and water. It is doing much better. It was not infected.I was glad that my PS's nurse had experience with stitches that doesn't dissolve.I was told to put polysporin on it,but after it didn't get better I went in so it could be seen.

JustLaura

Ladym13 - we had our DIEP on the same day and my belly button (not belly incision) is oozing too! I thought it was an infection and got put on antibiotics but it is still oozing. The Dr said it was the glue 'melting' and that I needed to get it out of there. I have done some cleaning (just about lost my lunch doing it - it is SO gross) and it is better. I'm trying to get it to dry up but it just isn't. I can feel some stitches sticking up and the Dr said I should go somewhere and get them trimmed (my dr is out of state) but I'm hoping that they resolve themselves. If it doesn't get better in the next 24 - 48 hours I will go to an dr here and have it looked at.

Nanorama

Hi there - I had a bilaterial DIEP in February.  They operated all day Wednesday and by Friday I was begging to be let out of "jail".  On the other hand, I had rented an electronic recliner for a month and found that essential as it was impossible for me to get into/out of bed, or lie flat, for several weeks. A little Percocet (plus stool softener to counteract the side effects of the opiates in Percocet) will help you through the initial discomfort.  While you're going through it, it feels long - yet here I am a few months later and the memory is already faded out and I'm just happy with my result and even happier knowing I won't have to revisit it ever again, unlike implants which always require repair or replacement down the road.  So lots of luck with this, and expect to be among the many who are truly happy with their DIEPs. All studies thus far confirm that women who choose perforator flap reconstruction (which includes DIEP) are the most satisfied of all mastectomettes.

Nanorama 

JustLaura

HappyLibby - you can definitely fly with drains. Get a note from your doctor though explaining you just had surgery (get this at your post-op to have just in case). I have heard of some women flying after surgery and having to get frisked because TSA saw their drains. You do not want this. It is best if they don't know you have them. Don't go in the xray line just the one with the metal detector.

Betsy -

Cough Drops - I did bring cough drops and didn't use them. But they are an easy thing to bring if you need them. YOU DO NOT WANT TO COUGH - so anything to help that is good. Use that Icee machine. I didn't feel like eating much in the hospital (except their fruit cups - got those 3 times a day) but I had at least one (sometimes 3 icees) a day. They had Pina Colada when I was there and it was heaven.

Slip on socks - my husband put them on for me. I left them on for sleeping too - it was cold in the hospital and this helped to keep my feet warm..

Constipation meds - NOLA will give you everything you need. You should not have to bring anything from home. I brought stool softener and did not use until I had been home for a couple of weeks. So just have it at home. I did make sure I went before I left the hospital though. They were not overly concerned with this - they said sometimes it is not until after 4 days that your body needs to go. I did not want to be in the hotel away from their care and having to work on going to the bathroom. The day I left I asked for a suppository (never had one in my life) it worked like a charm and I felt infinitely better instantly.

Sleep Eye Mask - I wished I had brought one for the hotel. At St Charles is was easy to plunge the room into darkness but it was not so easy at the hotel.

Robe - NOLA will provide one for you while you are in the hospital. It is a nice one too and if you are leaking anything you want it on their stuff and not yours. You won't need one in the hotel unless you plan on leaving your room in your pj's In the room I wore as little as possible - sometimes just the dom that they will have you wear with my undies over it. Had my husband in hysterics with my 'superman suit' (you will know what I mean when you see it). I actually opened the door for housekeeping one day with this on and didn't even think about it until my husband pointed it out. I'm pretty sure that poor woman thought I was crazy.

One other thing I thought of and I don't know what others experience is and where your body is now (I know you had chemo and that can mess with your cycle). I got my period 12 days after surgery (way off schedule) I heard this from someone else in this forum too that they had their's 12 days out. So I'm not sure if it is such a shock to the body that it triggers this or what. I was home by then since I was only in NOLA for 10 days but you may still be there on your 12th day. You may want to bring supplies if you think you may need them. 

Fanny Pack - I brought one and never used it. Some said they used it in the shower for drains. I did not. They gave me a piece of stretchy plastic that worked and was cleaner than my fanny pack (even though I washed it before I left). Some said that they used it while in the hospital bed. I just used the tray that they had and put all of my stuff on that. But again it is a  smal thing to bring if you think that you might use it. 

bdavis

Thanks Laura.. Its great to hear about what to expect at NOLA as well.... every hospital is slightly different, so I like the details.

IowaSue45

Yes I agree with whoever said if I had known after surgery I would have packed a lot lighter. I left my bag with my husband at the motel and he didn't bring it until day 4 when I was going home. I had cherry cough drops in my purse along with lip balm. I didn't even use my new slip on slipper shoes ( hospital had gripper socks) I had my cell ph. ione and that has music on it but I didn't use it. The 1st two days in ICU I mostly slept when I could. The 2 days in a reg. room I watched tv with my husband and they went by fast. I also had visitors. I wished I had pillows for the 3 1/2 hr. ride home.

sunflowerE152

Binder or spanx?

I now know I will need to wear something for 6 weeks (another month).  If anyone is wearing spanx and likes what they have, please let me know specifically what kind.  The binder is bulky, but I can also see that it might be cooler and easier to get on in the heat.

IowaSue45

I did switch from binder to spanx at 3 weeks because the binder was a pain in the hiney, it always slid up. I just bought my spanx at walmart because in a rural area its all we have. I weigh 150 and needed the large size so they weren't too tight.

c8ndygr1

Spanx mid-thigh shaper. Go 1-2 sizes up (they run small). My PS said no to binders because they roll, bunch and rub unevenly against the skin while Spanx keep things smooth. All doctors do things differently. But it made sense to me. This is what I got:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-in-power-line-super-power-panties-mid-thigh-shaper/3079984?origin=category&resultback=2094

sunflowerE152

thanks all

SAMayoFL

Good grief, I got my presciptions in the mail this afternoon.  Since I am traveling out of state, the doctor wants me to fill my scripts before leaving home.  There are 8 of them.  Percocet, anti-nausea, some kind of soap, an antibiotic, valium, flexeril, shots to give myself (seriously??  That ain't gonna happen!).  That is a bunch of medications!

While we are talking meds, I have never stayed the night in a hospital before.  When I had my mastectomy my surgery was at 3:00 and I was out of the hospital at 8:00.  Personally, I thought that was pushing it a bit.  Anyway, do you bring your own usual medications with you?  Like blood pressure medication?  I take something for my blood pressure and a diuretic every day.  Not sure if I should pack it or not.

Betsy, a week from tomorrow!  You're up a week from tomorrow!  I think about you every day.

Someone mentioned earlier today about wearing a wife beater under your bra.  It's on the previous page now so I can't flip back until after I post this.  I am curious why you would wear a wife beater under your bra.  Also, I thought that compression was for after stage 2, not stage 1.  I really don't understand the binder at all.  If I am need pants a size bigger than usual how in the world can you wear a binder without hurting?  Just when I think I am in charge of all of this I have more questions!

Susan

alexanjb

Susan,  I was told not to bring any of my regular meds with me to the hospital.  They provided them, so you will need to make sure they have them in your chart.  You probably should check with the hospital though because they could have different protocols.  I don't know about all of the prescriptions they sent you.  I only had one for pain meds.  I did wake up with a binder on, it is like a corset, just wraps around your tummy with velcro, it doesn't hurt at all, in fact it feels kind of good except for being hot.

alexanjb

The oversized pants are because you don't want to chafe or put pressure on anything while pulling the pants on and you want to make sure the waistband doesn't ride on your incisions.  The binder is tight but it is placed over and around and then tightened.

bdavis

Susan. I was told to bring my meds with me (I also have high blood pressure) and I don't have any prescriptions to fill for pain... I was told to wash with a special soap (or DIAL) for the two days preceeding surgery so I bought Dial but will look for the soap on Sunday when I get home... I have a long list of things NOT to take medicine-wise and to double my vitamin (take one a night) but I keep forgetting... My hospital will supply all pain meds.

mscal02

Susan:My PS did not want me to wear a binder. All seems to have a different opinion about binders and bras. He did not want me to wear either. I made sure that my wife beaters were big enough, not to hug me too tight. If someone is going with you, you can have them keep up with your medications just in case.When I asked about getting my prescriptions ahead of time , I was told that he would give them to me on the day that I was released from the hosp., and that is what he did.I don't think that I could give myself a shot either, unless I had to. You are getting closer.

SAMayoFL

Betsy, same way for me.  They sent me a long list of stuff not to take 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after surgery.  The soap they prescribed for me is Hibiclens and I have to wash with it for two days prior to surgery too.

I think my chest xray problem has been solved.  I will know for sure tomorrow.  Three weeks from today I will be on the other side too!

Susan

Jerusha

Betsy, When you are discharged the SCSH will call in your prescriptions to a local pharmacy close by your hotel. The car service will go thru the drive thru ( going ever so carefuly over the bumps ... Even the drivers think of everything!) so you can pick up your meds . Or you can go inside for any other stuff you want to get. They will also stop at the grocery store, or wherever else you want to stop. Once you are in the hotel, if you need different meds( I did) they will have the car service pick them up. The Walgreens was close, so my husband just walked. Do bring your own meds. If there is something you need that they don't have readily available, they are ok with just using your own. BTW, I found that packing my before surgery stuff, going home from hospital stuff, and after-stuff, bundled separately was a help. Getting dressed to leave the hospital, you will not feel like bending over a suitcase and rummaging around.Despite having bought a bunch of things, I found that my regular clothes worked fine. Bikini undies will be below your incision. Pants or shorts with a roll-over top or drawstring will be above. You will be able to lift your arms over your head, so you don't need to stick with button down things. Longish tops that are long enough to cover your drains will be good. The (black) surgical bra that they put you in at NOLA is kind of hi-cut on top and the straps pretty thick, so it shows if your top is low or skinny-strapped. They send you home with a few bras. They dry overnight so bring some liquid soap for washing them out. When I had my first shower , day after surgery, the nurse was really sweet and washed out my bra! So thoughtful! Ask for extra throw-away surgical boy-shorts and cut the crotch and use them as a " band" to hold your abdominal dressings. Otherwise, every time you pull your pants down, they all fall on the floor... Oh, and for the drains, while showering -- most places have you string them around your neck. I have always thought this was kind of gross -- having the drain bulbs bouncing around right near your breast incisions. At NOLA you will be given two drain bags with several belts. I would string the drain bulbs directly onto one of the belts while in the shower, so they were right at my waist and not next to any incisions. When I got out I switched over to a dry belt. You can also use that rubber tubing some hospitals give you. Even though some of this is specific to NOLA, hope this helps the others, also on the launch pad

misszed

Hi Ladies - Just checking in, it's been a loooong week.  I got my Oncotype results and grateful that l will not be needing Chemo (YIPEEE), so onto Tamoxifen l go. Im 5 weeks post op tomorrow and feeling great, l am wearing wire free satin bras that l already owned and they work great. I started back to work a few hours every other day this week, and boy l was exhausted after the 4 hours l worked, l have a desk job so l was really suprised how much it took out of me. I will add more hours gradually in the next 2 weeks as l build stamina. I hope to get scheduled for Stage 2 at my next PS appt.  Still wearing spanx and "Barely There" shaper bike shorts, it's been so hot here so it's been hard to sleep in them.

Betsy - I will be thinking of you next week, sending you positive vibes, you will do great and l second Ladym IPOD/MP3....it's the only thing l used along with my phone. I never used anything in my bag except for clothes for the trip home and chapstick. The hospital provided the grip socks, all toiletries including body wipes. I was in my hospital gown the whole time l was there, the nurse just put another one to cover my behind during walks. All the best!!

grdnslve

misszed---huge congrats on the no chemo.  so very happy for you!!!!!

alexanjb

misszed, terrific!  No chemo!

Sherryc

misszed congrats on no chemo

alexanjb

I went to the PS yesterday and he said he's glad the 2nd surgery to remove dead tissue was cancelled.  I am doing OK now, even if the noob is rock hard.  It will be a while before I can have a stage 2 because it is hard to say what the noob is going to do.  If it softens it could be shaped differently than it is now.  He cut away some of the dead skin and he said that he thought it would eventually smooth over after it heals.  I am going back to work part time, from home.

momtomygirls

great news misszed!

alex, I'm glad to hear you are doing okay!

mscal02

alexan: I am glad that are doing okay and will be able to work from home.

misszed; Yea!!!! no chemo!

c8ndygr1

@misszed - Wonderful news - no chemo. What a relief, huh. Yay for you!

c8ndygr1

@alexan - glad you didn't have to have the extra surgery. My high, tight rock-hard noobs are just starting to soften and drape a bit lower just like my PS said they would. I'm sure they will be alot different by the time my Stage 2 date. Your noob will too.

RetiredLibby

<stepping up to the podium>

Hi, I'm HappyLibby, and my bilateral MX and DIEP recon is scheduled for August 23.  I'm in Northern Virginia, using Virginia Hospital Center (formerly Arlington Hospital).  Surgeon is Mazen Bedri, who studied with Dr. Chang in Baltimore & practiced up there for a while before moving here in April.

I am having a BMX because of recurrent (after 4 years) DCIS in L breast; right is prophy.

Thanks for all your good information, ladies (and congrats misszed on no chemo!).  All of your experiences have been very valuable to me in learning what to expect and what questions I should ask.  I'm sure I'll have more questions to ask you as time goes on.

L

bdavis

Thanks again all... I am anxious also because I am out of town til tomorrow night and then have to pack up and wash all my son's stuff for a trip to Costa Rica Sunday... then I get to concentrate on me... And Susan, the hospital said DIAL soap is ok too.... And Jerusha, I plan to bring my meds for high blood pressure etc, and stool softener, but will rely on NOLA for the rest. My friend who lives there will be with me the whole time, so she will be driving me and shopping for me etc... so now problems there... Might plan some take out while at Hope Lodge.