DIEP 2014

lemon68

Teacher and Dyvgrl- thanks for making me feel better and normal. I am hoping I can sleep tonight, I am starting to dread the nights. Morning and nights are bad but usually the afternoons I feel better. I think I did too much the past 2 days and am paying the price. Wish we were all closer together so we could get together, that would be SO nice. Tomorrow I plan on sitting in my chair in the sun and soaking up so Vitamin D. We are finally having some nice weather here. ((hugs))

nihahi

morwenna.....good info that you posted. The impact of any version of DIEP or free TRAM on ab musculature, and the benefits/reasons of one version over another is often "glossed over" by surgeons and leads to a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding by a lot of patients. There is a whole lot more to it than taking or not taking a small section of muscle.

lemon....if you are still in significant pain, trying to withhold your pain meds until you can't cope any longer is not going to help you heal. In fact, keeping your body "stressed by pain" is counter-productive to healing. It's good to be careful not to use meds when not necessary, but it is just as important to use them when you need to. Any pain med will be more effective and actually hold you longer, if you don't let the pain become overwhelming before you use it. 

goldie...you ARE making progress. Hope it's a good week coming up for you.

Trinity0723

Goldie the bar has board that goes under bed and then bars for you to pull-up on. Bought it from same shop lymph sleeve was from in Arlington. You're not alone. We still here. 

My daughter is coming to visit tomorrow. Excited about that. She had my newest granddaughter two weeks ago. Didn't know when I was going to see them. She has three daughters. Yay!!

goldie4040

trinity, yeah...so cool that you get to see your new grandbaby.  have a great day!!!!

Dyvgrl

was left alone for a few hours, was hingry so reached for stick cheese on the top shelf. Ouch! Bad idea. Now all I can think is ripping blood vessels and losing my flap. Ugh!! How long before we can reach without worry??

goldie4040

I know what you mean dvygirl.  I had my DH put some plates on the counter for me so I don't have to stretch to reach anything.  I was alone for the first time today, and I had similar issues.  I had to use the little step stool to get something off a normally very accessable shelf.  Did you have a mastectomy with your diep?  I had already had my bmx and I was hoping I wouldn't have ROM issues this time, but I do.  Not as painful, but they are there for sure.  My PS told me to use my arms normally, so.....

naiviv

Good Morning and Happy Memorial Day 

Thank you for bathroom ideas. I am looking into them . The toilet is easier, not as much pain with up and down movement. I have started to use a walker which is helping.

I took first shower yesterday and it felt heavenly, especially on back, but again very tiring to stand will look for bath chair.

I did put a chair in bathroom area to sit in after shower to dry up and do drains, face, etc. It was a great help so was a small fan to make sure incisions were dry.

After shower I felt I was walking taller .

I also made it up and downstairs once yesterday , not as bad as I thought.

I also took my first good look with mirror yesterday. Big belly incision seems to be covered with a tape/glue. I feel tight, but there is swelling in abdomen area.

Breast area has new scars for me . My bmx  were done with lollipop incisions. I now have an anchor under flap, plus some incisions  coming up to nipple. The flap side breast is large I was previously very full dd's I think I am a good c maybe d. The shape is a bit off, but I know from what I have read that shape comes later and swelling has to come down.

My sad side have very visible anchor and vertical  scars. I can't look without crying, or even write about it.  I keep journals.

I have 5 drains , one in each hip, one on flap breast and 2 on failed breast.

I rented a recliner for a month , it helps and is comfortable. I have a hosp bed through insurance which is great at night.

Thank you all for your posts they help to see progress and where we are going and by when.

Vivian at day 5 post diep

naiviv

Good Morning and Happy Memorial Day 

Thank you for bathroom ideas. I am looking into them . The toilet is easier, not as much pain with up and down movement. I have started to use a walker which is helping.

I took first shower yesterday and it felt heavenly, especially on back, but again very tiring to stand will look for bath chair.

I did put a chair in bathroom area to sit in after shower to dry up and do drains, face, etc. It was a great help so was a small fan to make sure incisions were dry.

After shower I felt I was walking taller .

I also made it up and downstairs once yesterday , not as bad as I thought.

I also took my first good look with mirror yesterday. Big belly incision seems to be covered with a tape/glue. I feel tight, but there is swelling in abdomen area.

Breast area has new scars for me . My bmx  were done with lollipop incisions. I now have an anchor under flap, plus some incisions  coming up to nipple. The flap side breast is large I was previously very full dd's I think I am a good c maybe d. The shape is a bit off, but I know from what I have read that shape comes later and swelling has to come down.

My sad side have very visible anchor and vertical  scars. I can't look without crying, or even write about it.  I keep journals.

I have 5 drains , one in each hip, one on flap breast and 2 on failed breast.

I rented a recliner for a month , it helps and is comfortable. I have a hosp bed through insurance which is great at night.

Thank you all for your posts they help to see progress and where we are going and by when.

Vivian at day 5 post diep

Donna2012

I had my surgery 4 mos ago & have been in PT for the past 1 1/2 mos.  I now feel 100% back to normal & can do anything & everything that I was able to do before surgery.  My insurance pays 100% for the PT, so I have been taking advantage of that & going 3x every week.  We set goals & then work to accomplish them - and then re-evaluate & set harder goals.  We are working on my abdominal, neck & shoulder.  I am now doing planks, advanced stomach crunches (about 100), etc....  If I had to pay for this out of pocket - I probably would go less often & try and do more on my own at home.  However, it is REALLY nice to have my own personal PT working w/ me for a full hour each time.   I plan to continue as long as I can, to keep further strengthening my body.  Everyone should check w/ their insurance to see if this is covered.....  It has really made a huge difference for me!!

iowagirl1

I got rid of my last drain and it was in 4 weeks and 2 days.  It was on the side where I had the huge hematoma.  That flap is now only 60 % of the size of the other one.  I am a large C on the good side and barely a B on the problem side.  I am grateful for what survived and am not complaining.  There are women on here who truly are hurting today and my heart goes out to them. 

Has anyone else had this problem?  I just don't know how to deal with it appearance wise.  The good breast is very saggy and PS said we will do a lift at stage 2.  I got measured for a bra and purchased a C cup.  There isn't enough adjustment on the strap to raise saggy up to be level with the small one.  I will need to get a prosthesis for mini-me.  I just want to look normal in my clothes.

Any ideas?

brendarj

So on Thursday I received a call from M at TGH that my surgery may have to be postponed. I was was supposed to find out for sure on Friday. Friday came and went no phone call, decided to play ostrich and stick my head in the sand (if I didn't hear it then it wasn't happening Worst case senerio postponed with no new date. M called first thing this morning and I get to keep my June 3rd date I am now  Time to go into super planning mode Where are my sticky notes.

Have a good week everybody and wishing all gentle healing. I love that saying

Dyvgrl

Donna,

I have a prescription for PT but not sure of insurance will cover. We'll see. I also wasn't told when to start. She just said, when you're ready. My BS wrote it, not the PS. She also wrote me a script for like 5 bras and 2 camisoles then the nurse said I might want to wait awhile before filling that. To wait for swelling to go down? Didn't seem to make much sense to me to wait. By then I shouldn't need a script, right? I was going to make an appt at Nortdstroms and see what they can do for me. 

The1toC

Naiviv I think you are doing exceptionally well at post op day 5!!!! Keep focusing on those positives!

Iowagirl check with your ins what they will cover for prosthesis and mx bras. I hope you have a good shop for fitting in your area. Most are really amazingly helpful and even with the insurance end of things.

Has anyone had a tram type 2 where they take a tiny bit of muscle? My PS had to do that on one side and I really feel a constant tug and burn in that area of my belly. The DIEP side feels really fantastic!

iowagirl1

The1toC.  I also had a tiny bit of muscle taken on the  tram side and none on the Diep side.  I have the same pain that you describe.  Mine is usually a very sharp pain and I get relief if I sit down.    It showed up at week four.

Anonymous

Has anyone used those disposable pockets for holding drains? I don't want anything hanging around my neck, and I don't want to use pins either. Also, what did you guys wear while in the hospital and after you got back home. I'm thinking button down oversize shirts and cotton drawstring pants...but what do I know. I don't even want to be here! My surgery is June 16, and I am hoping to be sailing fit by August (July would be even better) and carriage driving fit by September. Lots of trips scheduled that I am hoping I don't need to cancel.

Dyvgrl

Heidi,

I don't think you're gonna be sailing for by August. Just being realistic. This is a one time surgery and you don't want to screw it up. Take the time to heal. I've resigned myself to the fact that my summer is shot this year (as was last year) but I WILL be diving in the Caribbean next year for sure. Take the time to be good to yourself. Pushing yourself too hard might cause you to lose a flap and that would really suck. 

lemon68

Nihahi- Thanks for the gentle reminder. I am just so surprised that I am so down and in pain. 3 weeks today. All my previous surgeries I was always fine so quickly. I thought I was going to be better, in my mind I thought I am young and strong so I wont experience all that others do. I was wrong, very wrong. I now know age has nothing to do with this. I didn't think of this as major surgery, if I had I may have been too scared to do it. I am taking my pills as needed and will continue to do so. Since he did take some of my tummy muscle does that make me a TRAM on that side? I didn't ask which side but the pain on my right side takes me breath away and stops me in my tracks, burning and stabbing.

Donna, thank you for sharing, 4 months and back to normal sounds wonderful. Glad you are getting the PT you need.

Last night I felt like I had a pin in my right breast, wondering if this is nerves coming back to life? I thought there was something in there. I also was in the shower and for a minute thought I forgot to take off my breast binder, it was off but off or on I am swollen hard. When does this horrible swelling subside? If there something I should be doing to move it along?

Vivian, happy Memorial day to you too. 5 days out and it sounds like you are doing well. Glad you have the recliner and the bed to make you more comfortable. Glad that you are pleased with your diep side. You don't have to talk about it but I know soon you will be telling us how much you love that side also. They will get this right for you, I know patience is hard. I can tell by your pic your already beautiful and will be whole again soon. Sorry you had to go though this.

Speaking of pics, I have been taking them and want to get them posted. Wish I could just post here but I know I need to go to the forum. Once I figure it out I will put them up. I have not seen any like mine so I hope I can help someone like others helped me. They look good and bad, sides are almost square and swollen under my arms to my back. I feel like I am wearing a children's inner tube for the pool!

Iowa congrats on getting rid of that last drain! I am sure in Stage 2 they will get them sized to match. I was to have C's mine are huge right now so I don't know what to expect.

Brenda Yahoo for June 3rd! it will be here before you know it.

Heidi I have to agree with Dyvgrl, I don't think you will be able to do those things in August but I do think you will be able to be comfortably in a cozy chair enjoying. I would have thought the same thing for me and I did , I was wrong. Its hard to accept but the end result will be worth it. All the best to you as you move closer to your day.

XO

Dyvgrl

I had it in my head that I'd recover a lot faster too. Definitely wrong. I am forcing myself to go easy as I tend to push myself hard. I've gotten a little over my head shopping and being busy around the house and it hits me like a ton of bricks. I get pale, break out in a sweat and start hurting and getting dizzy. I don't push so hard anymore, it isn't helping my recovery and potentially is setting it back. Had to do a job interview 2 days out from the hospital so will hear back hopefully tomorrow. The timing couldn't be worse but what can you do. Might have to move cross country in just 3 months. Ugh!

Anonymous

I have a friend who had double DIEP and she felt pretty good after six weeks, returning to work. Our boat is a little cruiser, so it's very comfortable to get about...even if I become more "passenger" than crewman. I am a real water rat, unless I am doing the horse thing. Changes with the season. Kind of like Ratty from Wind in the Willows.

Dyvgrl

Heidi,

I can see going out on the boat, just wouldn't be doing any crewing. If you feel up to it, go for it. Just remember to go easy with those arms. I'm dreaming about kayaking Prince William Sound, but just not sure it's realistic for me this summer.

lemon68

Heidi, that actually sounds so relaxing right now. Being the passenger with  your loved one as you sail, nice and probably great therapy!

Dyvgrl, hope the job comes though if you want it. Sounds like a big move.

Anonymous

exactly...it is the best therapy ever...relaxing and never fails to lift my spirits

Stall cleaning does the same...but that requires slinging sh*t so hubby will be doing that for awhile...again...still...

nihahi

lemon....if you were having a much more difficult time "this time around" with your flap recon, it would be cause for concern and despair. However, since you have nothing else that you have already experienced, that is remotely similar, I'm thinking you're just going to have to accept that....for you.....this is your recovery from this surgery. You WILL get to where you want to be, but it will be on your body's timeline, and no one else's. Medicate as needed, focus on eating healthy food with good quality protein, hydrate well, walk as you can, rest when you need.....repeat. ((((X)))))

To all those with questions re: pain/Tram....we're all different, and our surgeons do things differently too. I definitely had a Tram, and had very little pain. I was only intermittently taking tylenol by discharge day, and never had the stabbing, localized pain some of you are describing. Perhaps it's due to how my PS took the sliver of muscle, but I also have no residual muscle/bulge issues, and always had a healthy flap. Hope you all feel better soon.

goldie4040

Dvygirl.  I am going to disagree on the age thing.  I believe it has a lot to do with how we recuperate from this surgery.  Also, physical condition.  But, I have been paying close attention in the year I have been on here, and the women in their 30's and 40's seem to sail through this. Well, not sail, but do much better.  Also there seems to be a sweet spot on how much fat you should have on your body.  Too little, not great, too much not good either.  I think the women who are slightly overweight do the best.  They have some belly to give so they are not pulled so tight, and the complications from too much weight can cause wound issues.  BTW, how did you do a job interview two days out of the hospital?  Weren't you still in Seattle in the hotel of horrors? 

I am also three weeks out, and I can do very little. Standing is still almost impossible.  I can lie on the sofa almost flat, but when I stand I can not pull up that straight.  I have terrible burning pains on one side of my stomach if I move the wrong way.  I cannot pull my shoulder's back into a good posture yet.  Now, on a more positive note, I have been getting on my stepper for 1 minute intervals...lmaooooo...about 6 to 8 times a day. Because you can bend forward on a stepper I can do it no problem, but I am not going to push myself. Who knows, maybe tomorrow 1 1/2 minute intervals. I also have pulled way back on the pain meds.  1/2 hydrocodone this afternoon, and then one tonight at bedtime.  I muscle relaxer this afternoon for my back.

Heidi, I don't know how old your are, how active you are, how healthy you are, but there have been a couple of woman who could do what you want to do, but I mean just a couple. This surgery is doable, but like Dvygirl said, you don't want to go through it all only to compromise your flaps, etc.

Dyvgrl

Goldie, 

I had to go for a ride in the minivan to do the phone interview. It was a comfy chair and air conditioned so... Hubby was driving and distracting me, had to ask them to repeat themselves a few times. Honestly don't know how I managed to answer any questions intelligibly lol. We'll find out tomorrow. It sucked but what can you do! Hopefully I fall into that happy medium for recovery. I had plenty of belly fat to donate but aside from swelling it's pretty flat now with no extra weight at least in front. I have these love handles on the sides of my incision now but the PS told me about them and said he'd lipo them out at Stage 2. I lost 10 lbs so far and am hoping to continue to lose another 30 to get to my goal weight. I was hoping to lose it prior to surgery but that just didn't happen. I feel good about my shape now, just need to whittle down all over. All in good time...

Anonymous

My thoughts are: one day at a time & everything in moderation. I also hope for the best and prepare for the worst. So, either way there are few surprises. I have always been athletic and fitter than most gals my age. Cancer hit me hard and did require some readjusting of priorities. But I never allowed it and all the associated side effects to derail me. DIEP won't either, though I certainly would prefer not to do it. Keeping my cats and dogs from walking and sleeping on me will be a full-time job when I get home and, silly as that sounds, will be a daily challenge too! 

goldie4040

dvygirl, so you did a cyber interview.  Very cool!!!  I hope you get the job.  You deserve it.  I really can't see how I am going to look yet.  I can't stand up enough to see what my belly will look like, my foobs still have tape all over them, and I am not pulling it off.  I read one woman's post about how she pulled skin off with the tape.  I ain't going there!!!!!  When you do get on the picture forum look up our old pal Christina0001.  She had a uni done.  She is one of the young ones I was telling you about.  She had awesome results.  Anyway, I recently was on the picture forum and looked her up to see if she ever posted nipple pics.  Well, she has lost 50 pounds.  She looks freaking awesome!!!!!!  Truly a complete transformation. 

Dyvgrl

that's great, I will look her up. I am allergic to the adhesives so my doc used glue on all my incisions. I have no bandages on at all. I am super happy with the small crop circle incisions on my breasts. I was expecting a more paddle shaped longer scar but they are basically the same size as my original areolas. Once the swelling goes down I should have a nice D cup. My ab incision is hip to hip, which I was expecting. Not happy about it but I can't complain at all. My belly button is centered and looks like a crusty belly button but it's right where it should be and I'm sure will heal looking just like a belly button should lol. All in all I'm really happy with Stage 1 and shouldn't need a lot of work for stage 2. Lipo the hips, probably side boobage removal, and some shaping. They are kind of pancake/ donut shaped at the moment. He said he might even be able to do my nipples at Stage 2. We'll see how things shape up after a few months...

Rubiayat

Hi everyone! I had a TUG three weeks ago and unfortunately there are not a lot of women out there that have had this procedure. I thought since the TUG and DIEP are both flap procedures that you all might have some insight on what I'm experiencing. I know it is still very early and swelling is normal. At the very top of my breast (and above where my cleavage normally begins) it is still very swollen, hard and very sore. My PS is not concerned, but I am wondering if this is normal? He said it could be some swelling and some extra tissue as he was able to get more tissue from my thigh than he thought he would and that the extra tissue could be removed in stage 2. But the rest of my breast is soft and this area is hard. I know they reconnected the blood vessels in this area and maybe all that manipulation caused the swelling and it is taking awhile to heal?

During surgery I had a wire wrapped around a blood vessel and the other end was attached to a Doppler system outside of my breast, which they used to monitor the blood flow to the flap for the four days I was in the hospital. Did anyone else have this done? The wire is still inside my breast and I'm wondering how they are going to remove it - a question for my next visit to the doctor!

A few posts ago someone asked about how to look even in clothes. My healthy breast is a size C and my flap is about a small B at this point and there is a big difference in elevation! My PS doesn't want me to wear a bra for at least four weeks post surgery to minimize any compression while a healthy blood flow is being established. So right now I look funny in clothes. I just purchased this insert for when I can start wearing a bra:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003T3REQS/ref=pe_385040_...

I was thinking about a prosthesis, but don't want to deal with getting a fitting and insurance. Hopefully stage 2 is just 4-5 months away and I don't if it is worth getting a prosthesis for that short amount of time. I thought the fiberfill from amazon would work good enough for the short term.

The1toC

Iowagirl: showed up at 4weeks?! Yikes! Tomorrow will be 3weeks for me and I just presumed it will be somewhat better at 4weeks-I am planning to return to work next week.well, I will just take it one day at a time. What else can we do.

Rubiayat: I too was resistant to a prosthesis-for the better part of 2years. One day I was in the town where there is a lingerie shop that specializes in mastectomy support so decided to drop in. The wonderful staff got me fitted and with a cotton bra. I almost cried I appeared balanced again. In that moment Iwas totally converted. My insurance covered the prosthesis and bra. I used my prosthesis for less than 6 months before my DIEP and felt it was totally worth it.