DIEP 2013

ssla01

Goldie, the foods are fine...just need some re-shaping at stage 2. The Dr. Said she won't leave the drains much past six weeks. As Marty has said before, some of us are just juicier. Lol. I'm just sick of them. I thought of drawing on the bulbs to make them pretty :-)

Jeannie57

Goldie, so sorry you're having such trouble with the TEs. I definitely had iron bra for several months, then it lessened but never went away completely. Very bearable, though. But I had skin to work with. It's amazing how the muscles can stretch so much over them and then bounce back after surgery. I used to do "tricks," flexing my pecs and moving my TEs around. I'm not really even sure what causes the iron bra feeling. Is it the way they are attached at the ribcage? Maybe somebody knows. Hard as it is, I would trust your doctor regarding how it will give you the best result, while making sure he knows the extent of your discomfort. I would take drugs to deal with it, for sure. I'm sorry it's so hard. Hopefully you'll soon get good answers and be able to move forward. I pray so.

Anonymous

You have the patience of Job, ssla! Bless you! What does your PS say about it?



Sherry, you are doing great! So glad you are happy.



How is your pain Sweetpickle?

Tracy516

Hello Newbie here! Been lurking for a week or so;) I just went to PS today and will schedule my DIEP for sometime in September?! Getting a lift too;) I'm scared, mad, nervous and need a plan of action. I am 41 married 18 years, two children 14,6! Don't smoke and been trying to lose weight which who know my flabby stomach would aide me one day!!! I hope to be healthy on day soon even though I don't feel suck... Ah sick! Lol

Tracy516

Oh and I'm having a bilateral mastectomy at the same timeOo

Anonymous

Crossing posts lol! Ssla YES! You should make drain bulb JEWELRY!!! We could just wear them loud and proud in front of EVERYBODY if they were pretty. No worries if they are hanging out your fupa....cos it's FUPA BLING.

ssla01

Lol Bailey. Mine are at the sides. I could add sparkles. These are boring!

goldie4040

LOL, SSla...you could draw little faces with mustaches, etc.  I just remember my drains started to look really funky around week three right before they took the last one out.  Can I ask how much are they still putting out?

Thanks, Jeannie.  What's interesting is some women I know never felt iron bra, and I think docs think we are making it up.  I have had two opinions on it now, and was kind of blown off about the discomfort.  It's like everything else with men, if only they could have a few labor pains, or one period, etc.  Unless you experience yourself there is no real symphathy. Now, other docs, like my internist, I can say my back hurts, and he has probably been there, or I have a sore throat, and he gets it.  But, a male PS working on breasts.  Do they really know the pain we go through emotionally and physically?  No way! I read an article written by an oncologist who works at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.  His wife got breast cancer, and they went through it together.  He admitted being on the other side gave him something he needed to be a better doctor to his patients in the future. 

And, yes...I think it is the alloderm welded to the ribcage that causes iron bra.  I had it the moment I woke up after my bmx and it just keeps getting worse with each fill.  But, I am drugged up a lot, and I am going to get through it.  We all do somehow. Thank goodness for all of you guys. 

kuka21174923

Hello ladies!

Yes Goldie, I went running and then took the kids swimming. I only did 2 miles today though😞. Went and did my Pre op today and everything is ready for Monday!

Marty, I forgot to thank you for the advice on the compression garment. I bought a leonisa one for after surgery and a spanx one to wear later on. What is this compression you and Tammy are talking about?

Tammy, so glad you are doing so good!

Ssla, wow!!!!! Talk about having superpowers!!

Sherry, glad you're doing good:). Keep resting!

Going to bed now. I'm so tired!!!

Anonymous

Yes...I recall you have hipsters...hip bling just wasn't as funny as fupa bling. I think I am punchy.

goldie4040

I wasn't going to have to do pre-op again for my diep since I had just had it a couple of months before for my bmx.  I did pre-op at Harris for my hysterectomy, and it is a long process. I bet you were there a couple of hours. 

Gosh, Kuka. It is really happening for you.  That is so great.  You know, they probably are going to want you to wear a chin support for that chin lipo too.  Be prepared.  My hairdress had lipo of her tummy and waist, and she wore a compression thingy for months.  She said it felt better with it anyway. 

ssla01

Bailey, hip bling makes me think of the things belly dancers wear. Lol

Goldie, they are still both putting out over 50 cc's a day. They are supposed to be below 30 for 3 consecutive days to come out.

MartyJ

Kula the Leonisa looks great. I think I will order the celebrity body shaper for later. The Design Veronique my doc uses has zippers on both sides to wear for the first couple of weeks after surgery. Just easier to get on and off.

sweetpickle

Bailey- Since I put myself back in the recliner it has been fine. I didnt take any meds today until just after dinner. For some reason my tummy decided to swell up, Ive done nothing but drive to the store and back, dd lifted everything for me. I think I just need some more time so Im giving it to myself. We are moving in a week and a half so I am really intersted to see how bad my OCD is going to kick in having to rely on other people to unpack my stuff....lol



Hope all our new diep graduates are resting well :-)

liefie

Bailey, you are too funny . . . fupa bling????? LOL!!!!!!!!!

kuka21174923

Marty, I hope they feel good! They look nice and they're much cheaper than the marena ones, and with free shipping!!

Goldie, I did a Pre op 3 months ago but they said I still had to do one. Is protocol! I wasn't there long though. Just about 45 minutes. I made sure I asked for the patch behind my ear for nausea so that I don't get sick again!

Bailey, did you start working out yet? I wonder how long I'll have to wait after surgery to start working out again? I forgot to ask!!

Anonymous

Kuka- I walked with 5k training group tonight after work and I have been going to PT and doing what she said to do for strengthening and flexibility. Working in slowly. PT says NO running yet.

Anonymous

I cannot sleep.

nihahi

Hey ladies....

Bailey...try picturing the patterns you could make with a "bedazzler" on ssla's hip drains!...no.....wait...that will SURELY NOT help you sleep. 

sherry...tammy.....so good to hear from you both. sherry.....I could just wrap you up in hugs. You have been through such CRAP...let those happy feelings hang around, girl....you've earned some smile time!

hrf....I can't remember my own name sometimes...I wouldn't worry too much about keeping us all straight...it'll gradually happen. As a primer for you and the other newbies...Bailey is the crazy one, I'm the normal one.

goldie...what???? you think you need to explain tears, anger and bad days???? pfft....not to us sister....we get it.

perhaps Wilbur is the guardian angel of us all, while we are "sleeping" away at surgery time??????

liefie...for pete's sake....stay away from the bears!!!!!

liefie

Bailey, once again I stand amazed at the different protocols from different docs. I had my surgery a week before you, started running again yesterday in the gym, and I am just fine. Like I said before, the docs should read this thread. It will be quite the eye-opener, I think.

Anonymous

Nihahi...I am wicked with a glue gun, sister, watch out. Seriously...couldn't they make us some translucent, colored drain tubing and bulbs. It'd be like those colored "jelly" shoes, right? Get some glitter all up in there. The nurse could show you the little color wheel and you could pick your colors....



Tracy - welcome! Glad you joined us. We get a bit silly at times! Throw your questions out there....somebody will answer! We can be serious and very supportive....it's a good place to be.

Anonymous

I know, Liefie, it is frustrating. Actually, my PS said I could do whatever. It's my PT that said she doesn't want me to run. She wants me to build more strength and flexibility and endurance first. I do trust her judgement, though, so I will be good.....for now.

nihahi

Bailey....I'm thinking glow in the dark tubing and bulbs could also work??? No need to turn on the lights to do the flap checks....just lift the blankets and do the work by the "light of the bulb"....get it....light...bulb....I'm going to bed now.

Anonymous

LMAO...yeah...I'm the crazy one.....and I like the glow in the dark.... best thing ever. Women will be lining up to have drains inserted.

Moviemaniac

You guys are nuts.......



Go to bed, Nihahi....you're an hour ahead of me!



Saint Wilbur......patron saint of all Flappers, everywhere........lol.......



Bailey, I'm punchy, too......better haul my keester to bed......



Love to all ......

Namaste and God Bless - Jackie

nihahi

Could I log a formal protest that sbelizabeth has not yet shared a photo of OUR grandbaby!!!!! 

ok..noooowwww, I'm going to bed, but I'm so overtired, I don't think I'll sleep! 

nihahi

ps.....I prefer the label of "creative".....crazy gets sooo messy in social situations!

goldie4040

Goodnite Wilbur. Jeannie, did you ever think that the Patron Saint Wilbur of all Flapper's would come to you in a foggy haze of morphine?  Anybody artistic here?  Maybe we could get tshirts made up with a logo of Wilbur and his Flappers.  Imagine trying to explain that to somebody in-line at the grocery...lol.

Jeannie57

I am so glad Wilbur continues to be a source of such joy! Not sure who he is or where he is but he is ours!



I am growing concerned about a pain upon breathing in my right chest. Please, no hospital. I just don't know this new chest yet and what it's going through. I am on it, no worries.



Why am I up???

Jeannie57

Feeling better but can't sleep!!!! It's twelve-freakin'-o'clock.