DIEP 2014

nihahi

goldie.....small amounts of quality protein, throughout the day, not just at one or two meals. It seems endless right now, but stay flexed, and make sure you are well flexed/supported when resting/sleeping. No need to be "challenging" that tummy incision right now. Fingers crossed for you, that it resolves well.

bdavis

Iowa. I pulled my own drains. All 20 of them. You just snip the thread that holds it in place, open the bulb and it will probably slip out. Painless. And takes about 1 minute. You may need help clipping the thread depending on where it is... I used mirrors, but would have been better to get a friend or spouse to help.

iowagirl1

Do you just leave the open wound and cover it with gauze?

nihahi

yep, keep it clean and dry, no need for any ointment. Mine took a couple days to stop oozing, then you're done!

Ridley

Iowa - for all of the drains, we just cleaned with saline and covered with gauze.  I think I only used gauze for a couple of days, and then they were healed over enough that they were not leaking, so I stopped covering. I felt much better once the last drain was out.

Ridley

thinkpink4ever

For those that removed their own drains, how did you know it was time?  You decided based on the output levels that the doctor advise that you should be at?

One love,

tp4ever

JerseyMomOf3

Gals, did this happen to you too? I have been so busy the past couple of months dealing with the dx, figuring out which treatment to have, then finding the right Drs, then dealing with preparations to be out of work and help with the kids, etc that I didn't really have time to be nervous. Now that I am two days away and all the hard work has been done I am feeling pretty anxious. Am I making the right decision? What if something goes wrong? Etc is running through my mind. I have a massage scheduled tomorrow morning and I hope it helps calm me down. I have taken a lot of time to make this decision and I have followed my gut and done my homework, etc. But  I am feeling some real fear now that it is almost time! Any words of wisdom?

Ashira

jersey mom, it definitely happened to me, just about that 48 hour time frame. My advice is to trust yourself and your instincts. Pampering with a massage is a great idea....and don't forget to breathe! You did your homework and you made the choice you know is best. As you've probably read here before, all you have to do now is show up and leave things on the capable hands of your medical team. One foot in front of the other and before you know it, you'll be on the other side.  I just noticed that your chemo regime was the same as mine. Honestly, for me, compared to chemo, this surgery was a walk in the park!

Sending you strength, prayers and lots hugs. 

JerseyMomOf3

Hi Ashira, thank you - I really needed to hear that from someone who has gone through this. Just to clarify I have not had chemo.  Thank you so much for the reassurance!! I notice you had your surgery in April- hope your recovery has been going well! Hugs to you!!

goldie4040

Iowa, I had my hip drain pulled today. It hurt a wee bit, the breast drains never hurt.  I always think, "I drove all the way here for that? I could done that!" You can do it.  The hip drain is leaking a little after they pulled it, so I just covered it with some gauze. I kind of get the issue doctors have about pulling drains that aren't their doing. They are all afraid of the liability.

Nihani, thanks for the tips on my tummy issue.  Nothing is easy, is it?

Betsy, you crack me up.  You are like Pioneer Woman of flap surgery.  The things you have done...I can't even imagine.  You make me feel like a wimp. 

 

KooKoo621

hi ladies. I was given the okay to lay on my side today. I have been so looking forward to this night, being in my bed instead if the recliner, and on my side!!  However, I am extremely uncomfortable and in some pain, abdomen, boobs and back. Any suggestions?  I'm so discouraged right now. 

GeorgieGirlKC

Hi all, just finished catching up on the many posts since Cinco Surgery! Glad to get an update on everyone. My surgery went well. Took about 8 hours. The hospital staff was wonderful and got to see someone from PRMA everyday I was at the hospital including Dr. Pisano twice. We have had a a bit of a Griswold experience while down here in Texas. A car trunk left slightly open on accident...lots of wet stuff, including some very old photos. Apartment we were supposed to stay in ended up being "not quite as advertised" and as I was checking out of the hospital my family was scrambling to find new housing. My parents signed the new lease for new and improved place as we were driving out of the hospital parking lot. The place we originally looked at appeared amazing on the internet but was a dump. There was actually a cockroach in the sheets of one of the beds. Thank goodness I wasn't there to take this all in.. Hurlin' girl for sure. Been sleeping a lot, and getting some walks in. First week feels like a daze looking back. Trying to wean off the narcotics. Today only took one this morning. Two tonight. Difficulty getting comfortable in bed. Back aches.  Plus it is really hot here. Lost power about two hours ago so no air. Plus this super "hot" binder and bra. OMG add the TED hose and wallah medical victoria secret model. NOT! Thanks for all the well wishes and hope everyone is doing well and continuing on with their healing journey. Georgie Girl

GeorgieGirlKC

My sweet Sacramento family walked the Susan Komen for me. Check out the fun shirts! Feeling loved!  

goldie4040

KooKoo

You haven't been in that position for a while. Your body will probably need to readjust to just lying in the bed first.  Maybe tomorrow you can start lying on your side for short periods of time till your muscles slowly adjust to being in that position again, and I bet before you know it you will be back to normal. I am impressed you are doing so well at 6 weeks.  There was a time I couldn't sleep unless I was on my side.  Since my bmx a year ago I only sleep on my back.  Good luck.  Keep us posted on your progress.

goldie4040

Hey Georgie,

We cross posted.  How are you doing?  What a great pic of your family.  What an awesome thing for them to do.

Nevermind, just found your update post, too.  LOL.  I need to ween of the narcotics too.  It has been warm in Texas.  I am in Arlington. 

Sounds like you are doing awesome.  I am so glad. 

What is a TED hose? Sorry for my ignorance.

Teacher64

Jerseymom, you are ready. Those of us who have had our day had those concerns. Let them go and enjoy your massage. 

KooKoo, I'm still not a side sleeper. Go for it gradually and sweet dreams.

Georgie, great picture full of love.

Janet_M

Jerseymom - Remember that you followed your gut to make this decision. Once you get nervous, other voices join in the choir in our head, so it get harder and harder to hear that guiding voice. Lots of mental chaos right before surgery. And a natural instinct to to stay in our safe caccoons.  But keep trusting your gut - even though its speaking softly. And don't forget to breath. 

annajo

Georgie, you crack me up!  There should be a calendar for us women in our sexy medical undergarments and whatnot.  I'm glad you didn't have to sleep with cockroaches.

My stage 2, June 16th!  Time is flying!

naiviv

Good Morning.

I just saw my primary and have medical clearance for both surgeries (hysterectomy and DIEP). My Cat scan of belly is set for Friday am. I pre-regisiter at Doctor's Hospital on Monday morning. Hospital was changed due to surgeries. I have never even set foot in this Hospital, it is part of the Baptist chain, but it is one of the smaller hospitals. Working on my bag and what to take that will feel comfortable to wear. Nerves are beginning to set it, but am excited.

Vivian

MartyJ

For those lamenting "sleeping on your back", just remember most facial plastic surgeons will tell you that it is better to sleep on your back - fewer pressed in wrinkles.  I haven't slept on my stomach in almost 30 years (the implants hurt if I tried).  Only occasionally on my side.  

goldie4040

naiviv

I went to my surgery in a pair of capri's and a tshirt, and I left in a pair of clean pajama's and a pair of flip flops.  I brought some creatures comforts like chap stick, tooth brush and tooth paste, facial wipes (which I as body wipes too).  I over packed for my bmx, and this time I just through a few things in a small over night tote, and went.  They frown upon you having anything valuable with you, but I had my husband give me my cell phone when I was coherent enough to keep track of it.  Other than that, not much. My PS asked us to bring a sports bra to go home in, which I also wore home. 

iowagirl1

Thanks to all for your help about my drain.  I pulled it out myself due to. All the instructions you gave me.

New question.  My left breast drain has always been the fullest.  Last week it was running 30 to 40 ml.  Saturday it was leaking around the drain but that has resolved itself.  Yesterday it went up to 60 for the day and this mornings first empty was 75 ml.  Is this normal?

goldie4040

Iowa, that drain is obviously not ready to come out and fairly often they will put out more when you activity level goes up. Maybe you can take it a little easy today and see if the output slows down a bit.

MartyJ

Iowa - yes your drain is normal.  Did your PS give you any guidelines as to when you could pull?  Many say less than 30 ml for 48 hours.  Caution as you don't want the fluid building up inside.

iowagirl1

Thanks ladies.  I have to be below 20 ml for two days straight before i remove it.

Teacher64

MartyJ, if only I'd known sleeping on my back would be better for a "wrinkle free" face, I'd have a more youthful face to match my new boobs and belly!!!

MsW2012

Thinkpink, just read your post and I feel you! I haven't even decided for sure whether or not to have the surgery but I'm leaning towards yes. I know I will be scared and nervous. And yes, thanks to many women here for sharing your experiences. It is so reassuring to know how it went for all of you. Sounds like the recovery sucks big time but results are usually very good. I had so many disappointments since my diagnosis in 2012 it's hard to imagine it really can get better. Ugh, I should just get a surgery date and get it over with.

My surgeon says the procedure involves removing any really tough, radiated skin tissue and replacing it with skin from the flap. That means more scars and that's hard to live with, they take so long to shrink down, but she says they will be inside bikini lines at least. I look at myself now and feel like a freak. (Awful implant results.)  I'm sure this will be an improvement but like the doc said, it can be depressing because it brings it all back, the whole post-mx experience from before. It won't be a walk in the park, eh? I just hope that after a couple of months, I will be happy with the results.

MartyJ

MsW - give yourself a year to be happy with the results.  The scars do disappear, slowly but surly.  Remember that the first surgery (the big one) is all about the transplant and ensuring it takes.  Aesthetics come with the second stage.  I am so glad your doc can place the scars within the bikini lines. We all aren't so fortunate.

bdavis

Cindy... I had a total of about 20 drains, through all of my surgeries... not at one time. Can you imagine?

Iowa. What everyone says. After pulling the drain, just cover with gauze for a couple of days. One drain leaked a fair amount afterward, which is just fine cause its better for it to leak out than to remain in. Compression on the hips helps keep the leakage down. My doctor said below 20cc for two days in a row.

Goldie... glad I can entertain.

Thinkpink... There is a protocol set by your doctor, certain levels for a certain number of days. My PS always wants to be in teh loop, and then they tell me when I can pull them.

Kat-ski

Hi Sisters!    I went to the wound clinic and the doctor did say everything was looking like it was healing but it would take time.  He prescribed some silverdine cream plus another antibodtic due to an staph infection on the tummy incision. The opening under the flap is closing(I am happy not to do the wet/dry anymore) I just want to get this healed so I can do the next step.

My daughter and two kids will be living here in the Fall after her divorce.  This is still a shocker that her husband just wanted to walk away.  So, our house will be full but that will bring lots of happiness in our lives.  Add two more cats to the mix, lol!

Take care everyone and keep healing!  Kat