DIEP 2013

heavenschild

KiwiMum - you are my hero, I am so pleased to hear about your recovery.  I saw a movie today, The Hobbit, I think it was filmed in New Zealand.  Wow, what a beautiful place! 

Nihahi - I had a couple glasses of wine the night before, it helped!  They also kept me waiting around for three hours before the SX, I don't know why either.  Once the anesthesiologist showed up, however, and gave me something to relax, I don't remember a darn thing.  I fell asleep going down the hallway to the OR, which I prefer.  I have been awake in previous SXs when they rolled me into the OR and I really didn't enjoy seeing all the weapons of mass destruction they were going to use on me! 

sbelizabeth - time will fly for you!  Seriously, the worst part is the waiting! 

Moviemaniac - do you think sleeping in a light support bra would help?  I am considering it.  I still can't sleep in the *big bed*, but I am just going to roll with it and when my body is ready I'll try laying down flat again.  I am sure in a couple of months I will have a new normal.

nihahi

Heavenschild...wishing I had your scenario, but, not even close.... no alcohol allowed 24 hours before surgery, I will be walking from the "holding area" into the OR. That's where the PS will do his markings, photos, etc. so no "sleepy time" either. I remember watching the scrub nurses set up the instruments for my mastectomy....not a calming experience!!!!!!!

sbelizabeth

Remember the days when, for even a relatively minor surgery, you were admitted the day before, given a pre-op shot of something sleepy, got rolled into the OR, and stayed that night to recover?  Three days in the hospital.  

When I had a unilateral mastectomy last year, I was in the surgery center for FOUR HOURS.  My husband could have circled the parking lot a couple of times and I'd have been asleep, surgerized, awake, and ready to go.  Oh, well.  At least the bacteria at my house won't crawl into my incisioin and try to kill me. 

Thanks for all the encouragement here.  I know the next month will fly by.

Cuetang

I had a lot of trouble sleeping after my diagnosis in January, so I took Ambien on and off for about a month and a half when needed (sometimes nothing, sometimes melatonin). However, I was pretty liberal the week before surgery about taking it.

PinkHeart

When I asked for something to help sleep while in the hospital for flap recon surgery, I was given ambien.

faith729

Nihahi when I went yesterday for my pre op testing I asked the NP if it was ok to take something the week prior or even just the day before to calm my nerves. She said that it is absolutely ok to take an anti anxiety med and to speak with my primary care doc to ask for the lowest dose pos and just a few days worth. She said that as long as it doesn't make me too groggy I could take it the night before even. I asked mainly because though Im feeling great about where I'm at emotionally right now I anticipate a big difference in my nerves a few days beforehand. I basically want to enjoy my family time on Easter and I know when I get too nervous I get snippy so I'd love to avoid that if possible.

It's worth asking about at your pre op or even before that if your thinking it might help.

Cuetang

Yippee, first post op appointment A week out from surgery with the PS today and 3 of 4 drains were pulled out!

Skigirl72

yay for drains removed!!! Good progress...

nihahi

Cuetang!!!!! Wonderful news...so happy for you, and it proves how well you're healing! I bet EVERYTHING seems better today!

Thanks for the sleeping advice ladies. I am going to ask at the pre-op visit what they allow, "anxiety med" wise, then followup on that.

Hoping for good days for everyone.

Cherrie

I took whenever I had one or two sleepless nights. My sleepless nights really took hold before stage 1. I have since switched to Tylenol PM. This works best for me. I slept 6-7 hours before stage 2 which is unheard of for me. I am still using it when I need to.

faith729

Hi ladies just got back from my teach appointment and feel great about it. The NP did prescribe an antianxiety med I asked for the lowest possible dose and for just a bout a weeks worth . She was happy to do that and said that quite often women ask for something especially for sleep purposes.

Also the hospital I will be having my surgery at participates in a program called "the jackie" they give you a special shirt with pockets on the inside made specifically to hold the drains. The shirt was created by a woman who has already been through this surgery.The sleeves have velcro designed to make handling the iv in the hospital easier on the nurses. I tried it on and it was extremely comfortable. Figured I would share this info to you ladies so that if you were interested you could as your bs or hospital if they participate as well. This is a pay it forward program so when I am through with mine I can send it back to the company or I can have it cleaned myself and send it offto someone that I think could really use it.

Congrats Cuetang!



Have a great day ladies !

seagan

Yay, Cuetang and Kiwimum, you both sound great! And you gals nearing surgery dates sound good too - I'm so glad we all have each other. Go, breastcancer.org, go!

Nihahi, I really appreciated your words about the difference in how you feel before this surgery versus before your mast. Isn't it freeing when you can have that sort of "a-ha" shift in perspective!

I'm doing fairly well after a week back at work on a "4 hours per day or more as tolerated" schedule, and so far 4 hours has been plenty! The big thing is making sure I get up and move around every half hour or so, which I often forget to do and really feel it.

I've also started very gentle PT to strengthen my back and gradually stretch out. The fabulous therapist also had some great advice: since sleep is so hugely important at this stage of recovery, I should whatever I need to sleep well at night -- including continuing my super-supported semi-curled position that I've been in since surgery. Let night be about sleep, and work on the stretching-out stuff during the day (for now).

I also asked her what to do when my back starts to yowl when I'm doing stuff like dishes or even just walking for longer stretches. She said to stop and do some stretches, and then try going back to the activity (unless, of course, I'm just reaching a fatigue point and need to stop altogether). That has been hugely helpful. It's like the gentle stretches re-set things.

My sleep still isn't great, though. Last night I tried an OTC sleep med that has helped me in the past, but still woke up a bunch. I don't like how Ambien makes me feel, and so I've hesitated to ask for any prescription sleep meds. I guess I've wanted to figure it out more "naturally," but I'm about to give that up. Nihahi, you mentioned muscle relaxants -- what are examples of those?

nihahi

Seagan....4 hours....you're a champ!! Great advice from your physio, thanks SO MUCH for passing that along! I totally agree, that sleep time is "restorative" time, which is why I have already sorted out the rental of a recliner. 

I don't like the "dullness" of waking up from sleep meds either, so am hesitant to take them. I do sometimes take Tylenol nighttime lately, which is more because of my shoulder/implant issues, and that isn't too bad if I take them early enough, and don't have to rush out the door in the morning. My shoulder and back were so bad a little while ago, my doc gave me a prescription of Flexerall. It is a muscle relaxant that also has a "drowsy" component, and helped alot when I took it, but again, don't like to take it regularly, just when I have to. Another gal, MartyJ, has posted that she found it really helped her back issues post DIEP too, so maybe ask your doc for a rx? I am very poor sleeper even when life is perfect, so really try not to depend on meds to sleep, or I'd have to take them every night. But I do plan to ask for some more potent sleep help if needed post surgery, so that I can actually sleep when I need to. 

I agree....I couldn't get through this journey, with any shred of mental/emotional strength, without you guys. I plan to "pay it forward" as much as I can, for ladies coming after me. No one else "gets it", or even gets the NEED to think, talk, plan about it like we do. 

Moviemaniac

Ladies-this is a subject near and dear to my heart......I have had sleep issues since menopause, and a Breast Cancer DX did NOT help! That being said, I procured (from my PCP) a weeks worth of Ativan, and on nights when I could feel the stress/anxiety ramping up, I would take the prescribed dose. It really helped. My Anesthesiologist ok'd me having 2 the night before SX, and one the morning of. I do not remember a thing past climbing into the bed/gurney in the pre-op area.......I woke up about 22 hours later. I asked the nurse what time it was-she says "6 o'clock". I say " wow! My surgery was faster than I expected!"(SX time was 7:30 am(ish). ) She says-"In the MORNING!"......

(Nihahi-that was for you-may you never have that experience! :-)



Anyway, I got off topic :-). The night before surgery was the best night of sleep I have had in the last two months! Sleep issues back with a vengeance......I am another person who does not like the way Ambien makes me feel the next morning, so I went back to my PCP and asked for Trazodone-it has worked in the past. I took it one night this week and actually did not have to get up to pee (that has been the story of my life since menopause. :-( >>>>>sigh<<<<<<<<. ) 7 blessed hours of uninterrupted sleep, so I thought I would give it a go last night, as well. Went To sleep at 10:30 pm......slept like a log until....oh, about 3:30......had to get up and use the bathroom, and COULD NOT get back to sleep! I laid in bed until 6:30 am, and then got up and went to the gym. I figured that if chemistry wasn't going to do it for me, then I would knock myself out that way! We'll see if it works out for me, but right now I am exhausted!
<br />

I have used Melatonin, but with limited success.....usually in conjunction with Tylenol PM, or a Benadryl. I think what I REALLY need is a bladder retrofit! :-)



Namaste and God Bless - JACKIE. (Just like the hospital one!)

Moviemaniac

Seagan- I like your PT! I really try hard to focus on movement (or lack of) at the gym (I broke my arm right at the shoulder two years ago, so the PT I learned then has come in really handy so far.....PS is willing to prescribe more, but I took a "wait and see what I can do" tack. I can tell I will need some work on knots I just cannot get to release, so I am sure I will be doing some, but I have great range of motion, and am even lifting weights again....although not at the weight I used to do. I am going to remember to stop my activity and stretch if things get too tight and tired. I can not wait to get back to yoga, am doing planks, downward dog, and child's play.....but upward dog is a ways out! :-)



Namaste and God Bless. Jackie

Lorikay

DIEP surgery for me 3-18-2013

SheChirple

YAY Lorikay....thinking of you Monday.  good luck

Moviemaniac

Best Wishes to you, Lorikay! It'll be over before you know it, and you'll soon be on the road to recovery!



Namaste and God Bless

Jackie

KiwiMum

Wow Lorikay! Good luck Monday. I agree with Moviemaniac, you will be on the path to recovery before you know.

Morningsun1

Have a good weekend everyone!

faith729

Lorikay I will be thinking of you Monday! You'll do great.

ironmagnolia

Lorikay-- good luck with your surgery on Monday! I'm your neighbor in San Antonio and had my DIEP on 3/8/13.

Today is day #12 post-op for me and things are going well so far. I needed a lot of help when I came home for a few days with bathing, dressing, getting in and out of the recliner, etc, but am now very independent. The drains were a pain of course, but I think the worst part for me was lying in one position all the time the first few days in the hospital. I had no real pain, only soreness. 

I'll be thinking of you on Monday!

llr010200

LoriKay, good luck on Monday...you will be in my prayers.

Ironmagnolia, glad you're during well. Here's to a continually good and speedy recovery!

sbelizabeth

LoriKay, have a wonderful weekend.  You'll be on the mend before you know it.  

Ironmagnolia, glad you're recovery is coming along!  Are you getting around, walking for exercise, showering, etc?  I don't know what to expect after mine.  I hate the thought of not being allowed to shower/shampoo for days.  

llr010200

Faith, you are scheduled just a couple days before me so I'm kinda following your trail. I thought I was doing fine but I'm finding myself becoming more anxious each day. I have lots to get done at work and am wondering if I'm preparing for home well enough. I"ve been practicing getting in and out of bed as I have one of those big/high post beds that take a step stool for me to climb in right now. Thinking I may need hospital bed or electric lift recliner. IF insurance pays for it.

heavenschild

Hi guys!  I normally have sleep issues, just getting to sleep is a pain.  Last night it was 2:00 p.m. before I got to sleep.  My prior surgeries I took Ambien, but after reading the following article on how dangerous the hypnotics were, I am off of them:

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/304910/Sleeping-pills-how-tiny-dose-can-kill

So, Flexeril or Ativan (muslce relaxers), or Trazodone (anti-anxiety) works for you laides?  Inquiring minds want to know.

Nihahi - Oy Vey!  That is awful!  I would definitely ask for some anti-anxiety meds before having to walk down the hall to the OR, what, they can't afford a gurney? You are a brave woman. 

Lorikay - congrats on having your SX on Monday!  You will be in my prayers.  Out of all the possible SX's for CA, this is the best. 

Ironmagnolia - I love your name!  You are going to have such a good post-op course. 

faith729:  I love the *Jackie* - my drains at the hospital for the first two days were a mess because they couldn't move me.  They were tangled everywhere and made my life miserable.  Where do you get the information for this?

Blessings to all, this site has made life so much easier for me and I so appreciate all of you. 

Janet_M

Cuetang, Kiwimom, Seagan- Your progress sounds fabulous. Very exciting to follow your pre-op to post-op, and even  going to going back to work.

Heavenschild - You get to be driven into the OR on a gurney?! I've had to walk in for both my surgeries! I don't know if I would want to be wheeled, there's something for me about walking in alongside my nurse and  greeting everyone that makes me feel more like a participant. And to me, that part about putting on a hospital gown and hat, and putting my clothes in a locker, is the most anxious/vulnerable time of all.

I rely on Ativin. I really do. When I get nervous about my upcoming surgery (Date still TBA) I tell myself that there will be something to calm me down. Too bad it's so highly addictive, or I've be taking a lot more of it. As it is, I occasionally take a half dose to go to sleep. I'm a poor sleeper, and my GP said that the benefits of being rested, outweigh the occasional sedative.

Cuetang

JanetM-- I agree that the benefits of being rested outweigh the occasional sedative and also worried about it being addictive. Before BC, I had never ever taken any sleep aids or anxiety meds. However, after three weeks I was getting pretty messed up with lack of sleep and nerves and was like to heck with it.



A brief update on my status (because I so appreciated all the updates others gave here before my surgery). I'm 8 days out of surgery and as you ladies noticed from my post yesterday, I was so excited about most of the drains being removed.



Even in the hospital I was able to get up out of the bed without assistance. I was walking around in the hospital without assistance doing several laps at a time. I've been sleeping in an electronic recliner the entire time at home and require no assistance getting up or going to the restroom. This is mostly because I'm a side sleeper and it helps me from turning on my side accidentally at night. The only time I find myself really hunched over walking is if I've been sitting or in one position too long, but would say I'm walking about 90% upright. I can navigate the stairs at home pretty well too. As for showers, my PS is very liberal about it, so I had my shower in the hospital even with the drains and one every few days at home. However, I got really tired at home after my last shower. My hubby helped wash my hair because I didn't want to stretch my arms out too much. Like iron magnolia I haven't really felt pain, more like being real sore everywhere, more so after the 3 drains were removed. I've been taking 30 min walks around my neighborhood when the weather permits. So far I'm pretty independent, but have mostly chosen to stay home so I don't overdo it since I tire easily. I'm fortunate enough to have my parents here and the hubby off work, so I don't do much of any chores or errands around the house, but think I can if I needed to. The only restriction I've been given by the PS is "don't lift anything" and "don't drive if you're still taking Valium/Percocet".

ironmagnolia

sbelizabeth--Vainly, my hair was one of my greatest concerns because I wash it daily and am very particular about it. I wear it short anyway, but had it cut good and short before surgery. Washed it morning of surgery then, was unable to wash until 4 days later when the nurse put me into the shower for the first time. I'm sure it looked a fright, but I was in a Morphine fog so found I really didn't care!!  It did feel glorious to have it washed again, though.

I got bed baths until the day of hospital discharge, walked in the hall daily, sat in a recliner in the room. My first two days home, it took two people to get me showered/shampooed. We used a shower stool and hand held showerhead, my daughter and sister in law helped me bathe and dress. After a couple of days I found I was strong enough to bathe/dress myself. 

My Dr required me to get up and move around every two hrs at home and walk daily for short periods as well. I got my strength back pretty quick, but had to rest frequently. Got 2 drains out in 1 week, the last two out on day 10. That made a lot of difference!! Range of motion with my arms has been better than I had anticipated too. I mainly have had soreness, no real pain, my new breasts remind me of when I was lactating... tingly, a little achey. They are numb to touch for the most part.

I am 12 days post op today and am very self sufficient, using pain meds every 12 hrs with tylenol in between, and have to remind myself to rest or I really feel it. I am actually surprised at how active I am at this point. I am not driving yet but plan to start in a few days.

ironmagnolia

Wow, Cuetang! Your recovery has been exceptional! I was NOT able to get in and out of bed by myself in the hospital.

I too feel I could probably do more around the house, but have help at home so am taking advantage of that and pretty much just taking care of myself. I hope to drive in a few days, have to go shopping. I get to transition from the surgical bras and abdominal binder to wireless support bras and panty girdle. Sexy!!