DIEP 2015

BigSister-2015

exercise-guru, welcome to the group! Everyone is invited.

I see you already had your mastectomy? Are you now having a DIEP?

Everyone is different, so I hope many chime in. I had my bilateral mastectomy with expanders back in February. After two infections involving 3 more surgeries I finally decided on a DIEP.

My surgery was on a Thursday and I came home on Monday. I had bo trouble with the one stoop step we have going into our house, and I didn't find steps hard as long as I didn't have too much of the pain meds on board.

They sent me home with a walker which was nice because I was a little wobbly. I used it for a day or two and then didn't bother, mostly because there was always a wall or a piece of furniture nearby that I could grab onto if needed.

I slept pretty much the first two days at home and then did some light things, helping the girls with dinner prep, but I paid for it with more pain in the evening.

I am now 11 days out and don't do much of anything. The most strenuous thing I did was make myself a salad, but I left everything for my family to put away.

My kids and friends have always called me "Amazon Woman" and this surgery has knocked me down good, so I would consider giving yourself at least 2 and preferably 3 weeks of down time with others to help. My daughters have worked it out that I am never left alone--they don't trust me to behave!

Use paper plates so there are no dishes. Ask friends for soups and casseroles in small containers as well as ready-to-go salads in a bag or container (love those!).

Let your frail mom care for you. She'll be slow, but compares to you she'll be spry. I kept teasing that I had turned into old-man Tim Conway after this surgery. Lol

(Edited to note that YouTube links don't seem to show up on this site well. For a good laugh Google "Stella meets the oldest man.")

I am fortunate that I still have 4 teen girls living at home. They chase me out of the kitchen and scold me if I try to do laundry. perhaps you have some friends who would be willing to come over an hour a week and help you catch up with those things; or your mom might have friends to come help her.

As women we are used to being the ones to hold up the world. this is the time to let others do that for you. You will have the opportunity to pay it forward someday.

Yesterday I was reading thru a workbook/guide that someone posted on another group it is a great help for planning for any breast surgery. find it here:

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/55a930ffe4b0...

Sorry this was so long-- thisAmazon woman doesn't know when to stop! Lol

We are all here for you. Sorry you had to join us, but we are all becoming instant friends as we travel this cruddy road together.

Jill

BigSister-2015

Drain-free today! Best Christmas present ever.

SA8PG

Big Sister awesome awesome news!!! Merry Christmas indeed. :-). Did your surgeon stitch your abdominal muscles the diastasis together for you when he was in there after all the pregnancies?

My bug was identified. I will be on Cipro for 10 days. Believing an end is in site for infections. Now off to buy a bra & shaper after Christmas that I have to wear 24/7 except shower for 4 more weeks. And I will start my scar massage and physical therapy to help with my range of motion.

How is everyone else doing?

spookisgirl

HI all,

Had my Dx Mx with DIEP reconstruction on 26/11. Was in the hospital for 4 nights due to high fever and breathing issues. Was standing up more or less straight at 1 week, but had a large spot under my left breast open up into a large wound. Got my drains out at 2.5 weeks, but was put on antibiotics because of the wound, just in case. I see a wound specialist nurse every day to monitor the open spots, and have been told to expect the one spot under my left breast to be open another 2 weeks. My belly was healing up really well, the right side is all healed but one spot where a stitch seems to be coming out, but the left side a bunch of scabs came off and it seems like there are new open spots along it. My belly button reopened at 3 weeks and hasn't closed up yet--it is also being watched daily and the nurse took a swab today to check and make sure there is no infection there.

On on more positive note, all my pathology came back clear making me officially cancer-free! i just have to heal now.

I am a dancer and yesterday was given permission to go back to my stability and posture exercises that involved maintaining my posture and moving my legs only. I was able to try them today and except for some burning they weren't too bad. I can feel fluid moving around my abdomen now, so we will see how things look tomorrow and if the swelling goes down or not overnight. From what I was told, making some movements helps your body figure out how to heal, so fingers crossed.

Good luck to all who are also healing!

Tmgilbert1071

big sister- congrats. It's such a "free" feeling when the drains come out. Showering was such a treat after mine came out.

SA8- you have scar massage instructions? I never got that. I wonder if I would have benefited from that. Thank goodness they found your bug and your getting that taken care of.

Spookis- congrats on being cancer free!! The recovery from DIEP is not a walk in the park and sounds like you're having a little bump here and there but you sound positive and that's what it takes!!

As for me, I'm trying to get everything ready for Christmas and my stage 2. Can't say I'm not nervous because I am. Anyone heard from TRINEG? Blossom40? Tryingtostaypositive? They've all had their stage 2 within last 2 weeks.

CarolynAnne

Wow! I am amazed by all the different post-op instructions! What the heck?

I am 4 months post-op.

I was no bra for 10 days ( until first post-op visit) then whatever was comfortable. I wore just a shelf bra for a long time because I couldn't stand the binding feeling on my incisions but after I healed I switched to normal bra for day/ shelf bra at night. I do think my foob has fallen some or maybe he just didn't set it real high to start with?

. Oh and I had to wear binder 24/7 for 4 weeks. I still wore it some after for support

This is what bugs me. I don't think my PS really cares what I end up looking like.

I have dog ears, bulge above stomach incision and he hasn't offered any help.

Just had my revision surgery on Friday. New nipple looks good but he was supposed to lift my left side and when I took off my bra for the first time on Sun, I wanted to cry. It looks like he just tookthe nipple off and sewed it back on. The breast isn't as high as the right foob and the nipples aren't even at the same height.

My husband says to give it time. We'll see.

nihahi

Big Sister.......I just had to let you know your post about Wilbur brought a huge smile here! There is a core group of 2013 friends that have stuck together, and we still mention Wilbur from time to time. It's good to have a large dose of humour throughout this, we all found.

Just a quick ..btw.. the "hard tummy" sensation for many of us took months to resolve. We termed it the "iron plate" and it seemed to very slowly reduce in size over time. The "swelly belly" seemed to be something different, that would come and go with increased activity, once the initial healing stages were over. Seemed to be connected to the lymph fluid having to find new pathways after all the abdominal skin/tissue was re-arranged.

Hope you don't mind me popping in here, I do "check the threads" every once in awhile.....Wishing everyone gentle healing and much happiness in the coming years.

lessharp

Well, ladies, I'm home from stage 2. Surgery went well and I've had minimal pain. Had liposuction fat grafting to fill in hollow spots on my breasts, had her revise the shape of my nipples and areola scars, and removed some dog ears.

I don't do pain meds well...at least not opiates....so I'm just using Advil. I had one issue on my right buttock/hip with some significant drainage...fluid was pouring out when I stood up and walked. It is bandaged and seems to have subsided finally. I came out of surgery at 6pm...and it is now 10pm. I have some big puppy training pads for my underside to keep my bed clean! LOL. I really don't feel much pain EXCEPT my right hip smarts pretty good....well, a lot!

The doctor said she pumped me with about 2 liters of fluid, so that is why I'm leaking like a sieve from the liposuction donor site. Much of that was local anesthetic. Crazy! No wonder I can taste it in my mouth still. I have some heartburn from not eating and drinking Chik-fil-a lemonade on my way home....so opting to sleep in a recliner tonight. Hope that helps the heartburn and also the pressure on that hip, too. Plus, husband takes daughter to work at 3:30am and I don't want to keep him up or wake him with my fidgeting!

I'm gonna try to get some rest now....I'll let you know how things progress!

Good night gals!

Tmgilbert1071

Leesharp- so good to hear from you! Glad your doing well. Are you in a compression garment? Did they revise the original abdominal scar? Were you able to stand and walk ok afterwards? So glad to hear positive. Haven't heard from TRINEG since the day she had her stage two and it makes me worry a bit (we are both at the same breast center). Can't wait to hearmore!!

BigSister-2015

Nihahi, I am still working through reading the 2014 DIEP thread--I am up to page 160 or so. Those ladies had some fun stories! Wilbur (the nickname for what anesthesia does to our minds) was certainly at my side a long time. I hardly remember anything about my 5 days in the hospital for my stage 1.

SA8, no diastises to deal with--my tall body handled babies well. Phew!

Lessharp, I am glad you are home and home the draining subsides. Have you ever tried raw apple cider vinegar for heartburn? (The kind with "the mother." We get Braggs brand.) A tablespoon of that instantly stops heartburn. I think the acid in the vinegar causes the sphincter at the end of the esophagus to close. Works wonders. Chewable DGL tabs (you can find them at health food stores) also work well.

Carolyn, I am so sorry you are unhappy. I do hope time is your friend, but your surgeon should make it right. you can also get a second opinion if you don't think tour PS is listening to you.

I have to agree with all the various opinions regarding compression/no compression. My PS just kept saying that I was "young and healthy." That is nice to hear at 55! So he said the only no-no is an underwire bra. I can go with or without.

I have been enjoying without on the bra, but I LOVE my yoga pants. The ladies on the 2014 thread swore by them. I had never owned a pair. I love the slight compression they provide. Comfy and attractive! My girls laughed and agreed that yoga pants are the best.

I didn't realize how much pain my drains were causing till I had them out--hardly needed pain meds since, and I even slept on my side! That used to hurt before surgery--there must have been some scar tissue that needed to get cleaned out. I am thankful to be returning to normal so quickly.

I hope that those of you with open wounds and infections heal quickly. Half my family is on antibiotics right now for sinus infections, so I guess I needed to heal quickly to help them out!

We are all looking forward to just watching movies tomorrow. Somehow my 11 yo missed out on some crucial Christmas ones, so we'll have to fix that!

Gentle healing to all

Mel2328

Hi all! Ive read your threads and learned so much from you all. Thank you. Someone just started a DIEP surgery thread for 2016; I'm hoping some of you will join and or check in on us; as we have so much to learn. I also wanted to let others know about new group. Those who have been reading the threads; like I have been for education; that it would be nice to check out Duel 2016 group to ask questions and support each other as we go through this journey! Thanks! Ps/ ill still be on here learning from your experiences! Thank you

lessharp

Thanks ladies! I did not sleep well at all. I used some baking soda in water to squelch the heartburn, (I've used apple cider before, but just forgot about that remedy, thanks BigSis)...but really just too anxious to sleep last night. The pain on my right hip went away about 11pm. So I wasn't in any pain last night.

TM, I was able to walk immediately...in fact the nurse was quite impressed with me...as I was walking around like I didn't have surgery at all. They put me in an abdominal binder....but that was not working well. The binder was digging into my hip and coming apart. I had ordered a compression dealy-bob on Ebay, but got the wrong size (too small, and I took measurements...Ugh)...so I ordered the next size up 2 days ago. Low and behold, guess what was in my mailbox as we got back home from hospital? Thank God! Much more comfortable, although very tight. The compression has an open crotch, and in my opinion a necessity!

I'm in the compression garment 24/7 for two weeks, and then during the day for the following two weeks. No shower for 3 days...oh my! I've asked my husband to at least help me wash my hair in the sink. I'm gonna sponge bathe and use some rubbing alcohol on my armpits and use some patchouli oil so I don't stink.

Now this morning....I am VERY sore! It isn't debilitating.... and remember, I am only taking Tylenol or Alieve for pain. It hurts to get up or down from sitting. My breasts are also hurting, especially the left!!! I'm very excited about that, as I thought I was getting some sensation back...and that confirms it.

lessharp

Sablanut58

i had diep on Monday x 8 hours Only R breast and 45' later sent back to operation due flap low blood????? For 3 more hours.

I'm still not happy with explanation, with all anestesia and meds was very paranoid but just reading the test the dr order he was looking into seroma and scar tissue in the mediastine area/ lungs from radiation. Will revisite my dubs next Tuesday when I'll be more awake in his office follop up visit. Have 4 JP's, nicely surprised that not in the end of the hip but 2 coming out from pelvic area( Ken toy?) the incision looks high now so I'm not bending much, could see new belly button. Breast look small but whatever! Dr explained more stages are coming. One of the drs told there were 5 during surgery, some r residents on ps. It's RWJ in NJ never heard anybody from it.

It's 4 AM and can't sleep, don't like Percocet at all and some steroids for inflammation gave hot flashes! Going home tomorrow Christmas Day and my sister sure will be my rock for next 20 days ( she is MD gynecologist) reading about others with incision and wounding freak me up

Sablanut58

this model looks so comfy on it! Thanks for the pick, I wouldn't tell that you can pee through it, jaja! I'm going to show my dr to see what he thinks

Sablanut58

Big sister: would you mind explaining Wilbur a bit more, cause i read post joking but didn't understand well: maybe i got it too? It's a memory thing

Mel2328

Lessharp did your doctor tell you before surgery that you'd need compression garmets? I assume you wear that after drains come out?Don't the incisions need to breathe? I go in for surgery in February - Ive got a lot to learn!

lessharp

Mel, my doctor had recommended a different compression garment that was $150. I found this one, which was very similar on eBay for $50. I bought two more spanx style for when I'm past the major swelling.

I do not have drains. I can shower tomorrow, but compression must go right back on.

I am having less pain getting up down today. Compression is getting annoying....but only two weeks of it full time. So I will deal with it.

Merry Christmas!

BigSister-2015

Sablanut, so sorry you had to go back to surgery because of low blood flow. It happens, which is why they are so careful to check the flaps hourly for the first 24-48 hours. On the 2014 thread, I read of a woman who ended up with 23 hours of surgery because of blood flow issues! So, it could have been worse.

Sounds like your docs are concerned that the radiation might have done some damage to the blood vessels deep in which is why they had trouble, but it also sounds like they were able to salvage things and the flap survived? That is not always the case. In any case, it sounds like you are out of the woods and on your way home to gentle healing.

Glad to hear that you have a caregiver to be with you. I am an RN and I just taught my teen daughters what to do. My 17 year old became my primary helper with showers, dressing changes, and drains. My journey began with my first surgery, mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders (TEs) on 2/13. 3 weeks later I was back under the knife to remove an infected expander. It was reinserted on 6/10 and 3 weeks later I was in the hospital on IV antibiotics for sepsis due to another infection, so out it came. I decided that implants were not for me and went with a bilateral DIEP that was done on 12/10. It was a much better outcome!

Plastic surgeons vary widely on what they like to do post-op. Mine does nothing, and I mean nothing. I woke up without a single bandage. He explained that he wants to ensure that every time the staff does a flap blood supply check that they can easily see all the incisions and check them at the same time. He used some kind of see-through glue to cover everything. It is a lot like contact cement. I am still picking it off since all the incisions underneath have healed.

I was sent home with no compression at all, not even a surgical bra. I enjoyed being free and easy all over. Once my drains were out at my first post-op visit (day 12) I started wearing yoga pants and found the light compression from them is WONDERFUL. I had to wash them today and couldn't wait for them to come out of the dryer. Clearly I need a second pair! I have never had yoga pants before--I really have been missing out. LOL

At that visit I asked if I should be using compressions, wearing a bra, etc. My PS said to do whatever felt best as long as I did not use an underwire bra. It was fun going bra-less, so I had continued with that until today. I used my arms too much yesterday and paid for it overnight. Today I put on a front-zippered sports bra for some light compression (like a hug). I used it after my other surgeries because that PS wanted me to wear a sports bra all the time. It feels nice to have it on today.

BigSister-2015

Regarding Wilbur, it is a reference to either the 2013 DIEP thread that continued into the 2014 posts. In 2013 "Jeannie" posted to the forum the first day or so after surgery:

"I am officially a flapper! Everyone says my doc did a fantastic have been jnnt fit the block. I can't dibs both Wilbur grgvsimecgungrt."

Ever since, "Wilbur" has become a name for anesthesia and its effects. We are thankful for Wilbur's presence during surgery to keep us asleep and watch over us, and we blame him for the silly things we do as we are coming out of the effect of anesthesia.

A friend of mine forwarded some goofy texts that I sent her post-op to let the rest of my work team know how I was doing on the first day post-op. My text started with "Pass thile thie lgroiup that I am tuning I G continuing to be improving." So, my general recommendation is let your family do the texting until you get home! LOL

Frankly, I hardly remember the four nights in the hospital.

BigSister-2015

Mel, the more you read on the threads the more you will discover that everyone's experience is completely unique. Every PS has his own idea for what to do post-op and you need to follow what he recommends. However, reading what people here have to say will help you develop a list of questions to bring to your appointment to discuss with the PS. You can ask what he recommends and why he recommends it.

It is also helpful to see what outcomes are common to help you know what to expect. When I was considering a DIEP in September of 2015, I read through the entire 2015 list and then started on page 1 of the 2014 group. (Boy, was the 2014 list talkative!!) Reading the 2014 list has been interesting because I can't really respond to anything since it is so old (I am up to July now!) but the over 100 gals there who had the DIEP surgery were so encouraging to one another and gave such helpful advice that I enjoyed reading it.

I keep reading because it is kind of like a soap opera--I want to see how it all turned out! I noticed that many continued to share on the 2015 group, for which I am grateful. I hope to do the same for the 2016-ers, especially since I'll have my Stage 2, Lord willing, sometime in March.

I'll try to share some of the things that I learned from those who have gone before. The main thing to remember is that the most you can do is research your PS and the procedure. Once you have become satisfied with both, trust your judgment and just show up on your day. That was one of the most encouraging statements from these threads: you don't have to be brave; you just have to show up.

Of all that I have read, I have yet to find a woman who regretted getting her DIEP, while are lots of regrets about other procedures. Either we are all a little nuts after this surgery--likely!--or there is something to having your own, warm tissue to recreate your missing breast(s).

I love how mine even jiggle! I feel almost whole again, despite the scars, and I am not even done yet!

SA8PG

Sablanut I hope you are home today & resting. Big Sister gave excellent advice & it's very true that reading the past threads will help you wrap your head around what to expect as you heal. Once your drains are out you will feel much better. Please keep us posted on how you are doing and please ask away.

Lessharp I like that compression garment. I went on eBay and it looks like several companies offer it. For sizing, does it run small or just right?

Big Sister I asked my ps about the distasis repair and he said no he didn't do it. They only do it if it needs to be done like with a tummy tuck. If it needed to be done I would have had him do it for core strength. I have 5 days left on antibiotic and I am feeling so much better. I am looking forward to being able to lift my 4, 2.5 & 15 month olds in a few weeks. My 13, 11 & 10 year olds are my 3 oldest and they have been a great help. The middle 2 (9&7) love bending over to pick up stuff for me. It's pretty cute. How are you now at almost 3 weeks out? Are you standing completely straight?

As for the compression garments every ps has different suggestions. I asked why we have to wear the tummy compression (this is after drains are out ladies) garment that goes right up to under the breasts & I was told that it helps with not getting a muffin top above your incision line before stage 2. Again I think that every Dr just has preferences there is no wrong or right answer.

Happy healing ladies.

Xoxo

G

BigSister-2015

SA8, so cute that your little ones love to pick up the things you drop. My husband has had a pretty severe back disability for years. When that started (1997) I was pregnant with our 6th, so the oldest was 10. My husband could never lift more than ten pounds so he never got to pick up the kids once they were past newborn.

The kids all really stepped up to the plate of doing whatever needed to be done to help daddy. He had just started a new job in a new state so I was traveling back and for and getting our house ready to sell, packed to move, etc. crazy time.

Life never really got easier and as much as our kids missed they gained in being other-oriented. They learned to serve at an early age and to count their blessings.

We homeschooled them all, and that helped immensely because we could set our own schedule around the difficult times.

So, kids are amazingly resilient when it comes to life's trials.

As to standing upright, well, I am back to bent over. I was pretty upright at about 2 weeks and felt amazing when I got my drains out.

So, I of course overdid it for two days. Now I an REALLY sore in my belly and walking like an old lady. I was taking naproxen for pain, but not getting a lot of relief so am switching to ES acetaminophen. I am reserving my remaining percocets for bedtime.

My belly is a little swollen and the incision line slightly red and warm, so I am of course panicked that infection might be playing a roll since I finished my antibiotics a couple of days ago, but there is really nothing to point to that.

So, I am resigning myself to the couch and daily naps to let everything settle and heal. I know I have read that others have found that a lot of recovery is 2 steps forward and 3 back. Your body is quick to scold you if you do too much.

My girls told me they used to play "sleeping beauty." You'll have to play that game with your kids. It won't be 100 years, just 100 days or so. Let them count them off and make up something that is happening in the outside world as sleeping beauty heals. :

lessharp

SA8PG,

I'm not sure if it ran small...or my measurements didn't jive from hip/belly. My waist was 30inches, but hips 37. So I fell into three different sizes.. Hips size put me at a small...waist size at a large...so I split the difference with a medium. It was darn tight as a medium, so I am wearing the large...let me say....the large is tight also! I didn't get a chance to try it before the procedure...so I'm really guessing this is swelling.

To update everyone...I am 3 days out from stage 2. I am not taking any pain meds at all. Really just hurts when I get up or down from laying or sitting. I'm bruised pretty good on my upper buttocks/hips and also injection points on my breasts. The breasts look pretty good, but I can see already that I may need another go to fill in the poles some more. I was told that would be the case...but was hoping not. There is a huge improvement in the shape and size of breasts and nipples...so I am very happy with the results.

I'm still having issues with heartburn. ugh. I'm guessing this could be the compression. I've tried apple cider vinegar, baking soda, tums. It's like late term pregnancy where water gives you heartburn!

NotAgain2015

hi all!!

Sorry it has taken me so long to write again. All is well!!!!

Bilateral mastectomy, bilateral DIEP - Surgery on 12/16 (10 hours), 1flap failed, another surgery over Night on 12/17 (3 hours) - in Hosp 6 days, got home on 12/22. I don't wear anything at all. No compression, no sort of bra - anything - just a gown and I was a 38D going in. My sister who was going to stay with me first week home went home on 12/23 nothing for her to do that my DH couldn't do. I can't believe it.

Was trying to think of all the things I was worried about, bought or ordered that in the end I really didn't need.

This is my take, based on my experience and while on morphine at first and then oxy which I am tapering down now to ibuprofen 600s

The first time I had to get up and move - it was not bad. Uncomfortable but not bad. Going to the bathroom - not bad at all. I could stand up from a sitting position, and sit down from a standing position no problem from first try on !

Sitting up in bed hurts a little more because you have to wiggle a lot, but once you are sitting up or sitting up on the edge of the bed, you are ok.

The drains are probably the biggest part to manage but it is do able. After surgery and the 6 days in the hospital and even now i am wearing nothing on my body but the drains. The incisions do not hurt. They are numb. My breasts don't hurt, they are basically numb. Even the big ab hip to hip scar is numb. There is just this odd full but numb feeling all over my flat belly. The drains are the only thing you feel and they don't hurt, they are just uncomfortable at times when not situated well or are pulled on.

I can stand, sit, twist my torso, raise my legs, pick up something off the floor from a standing or sitting position.

What I don't have is stamina. I also can't stand up straight and the way my back compensates for this is painful and zaps my stamina. I also still struggle with constipation in the hospital and now again at home.

I did sleep in the recliner that I bought. It is a bit hard to to find a comfy way to sleep. But you could work it out with pillows etc. I don't think I will need the recliner long. Try to rent or borrow one.

The hospital gave me the most useful item of all that I didn't see for sale. It was a pocket that hung around my neck and could hold all 4 drains. It hangs down by my waist. Then another good item I have used is pink pockets. They come in a set of 8 or 10 and you can use them on anything.

Having a clipboard with some sort of visual way to see when you need to take your meds.

Just wanted to jump on and say best wishes to all who are recovering or getting ready for surgery. We can do this!!!!!!

BigSister-2015

thanks for the report, NotAgain! Glad you are home. I gather that the added 3 hours of surgery saved the flap?

So glad you are getting around easily. I did too--was very surprised at that. I'll just caution not to over do, especially when those drains come out. They are probably the only thing holding you back!

Constipation is a bear. I drank prune juice twice a day plus 2 senna-stwice a day, and that barely helped. I've heard that miralax is useful. My goal at home was a BM once a day. Had to use some K-Y jelly and clean myself out a couple of times. It is much better now that I am off the narcotics.

My nap today helped immensely, but all I did afterwards was tell the girls what to do for dinner and hit the couch.I am planning on doing nothing but rest, nap, and eat for the next several days.

NotAgain2015

Hi BigSister, yes the flap was saved! Glad to know you are also doing well.

I also totally agree that while I can get around, I'm not doing much I would think I need at least another very low key week. And my surgeons said 6-8 week recovery. I'm sure I will appreciate every bit of that time. Is your back sore, can you stand up what you consider fully straight? That right now seems like it would be a few weeks out.....

. So good to be home!!!

BigSister-2015

I have naturally good posture, so I was pretty straight earlier this week after getting the drains out. I helped a bit getting Christmas dinner on among other things for a few days and didn't really pay attention to how I was standing--surely more upright than I should have been.

Now I am paying for it.I am back to full-blown granny mode. Yes, it makes my back hurt quite a bit, but since my belly is very unhappy, I am limiting my moving around and pretty much sticking to the couch. A recliner would be more comfy, but piles of propping pillows are working.

My back really bothered me after my first surgery. I would get horrible spasms in the mid thoracic area (between the shoulder blades). Felt like a knife sticking in my back--it was mostly spasm.

So for every surgery after that I would not let them give me anything pre-op. I wanted to be awake to get settled on the operating table. I had them put a pillow or two under my knees and made sure everything felt comfortable they put me under.

I also explained to the anesthesiologist and the nurses about my back issues and begged them to ensure that I was kept in good alignment if the set me upright during surgery. (They often do that to check the hang of everything.)

That all seemed to help.

Right before my DIEP I started to have low back pain, which made me extra nervous. Worked with my chiropractor to get it under control.

For added insurance I asked the docs for some Valium post-op to help with the back. I took it pretty consistently and that seemed to help a lot.

Wish I had thought of that way back when. Not only would it have helped the spasms, it would have helped with the stress as well!

crvincen

Hello everyone.. New to the site and enjoy reading everyone's stories. I was diagnosed Feb 2015 invasive ductal carcinoma Stage 1, ER/PR + HER-. I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy April 6, 2015 with immediate reconstruction with DIEP flap. It was the best decision I've ever made. The cancer was found in my right breast and was not a candidate for lumpectomy since I had previously had radiation to my chest area om 1989 due to Hodgkin's Disease (had chemo & radiation). I was in the hospital for 6 days and felt pain free since I had pain medicine 24/7. I originally had 6 drains and went home with 4. Two weeks later 2 more came out and another 2 weeks later the last 2 were removed. I'm so thankful for my husband being by my side the whole time. I'm not sure if I could have gotten through this without him. I wore the binder for about 3 months only because I felt more secured with it on. I'm very lucky that I do not need chemo or radiation since my Oncotype test came back low. I've had the "doggy ears" removed in Aug then nipple reconstruction in Nov. I'm scheduled to have the areola tattooed on Dec 31. My motto from the begging was " I went in with boobs & want to come out with boobs plus have everything done by the end of the year if at all possible". I seems like it will happen. The only thing now is that I'm having 2nd thought of the tattooing on Dec 31. I read that Vinnie Myers will in Dallas in March & I would love for them to do the tattooing.. Decisions, decisions, decisions... I still feel pain in my tummy and foobs which is a daily reminder of what I've been thru. I try to remind myself of the positive which is "I beat cancer 2x"...Stay strong and keep the faith.

Mel2328

Lessscharp can I ask what are poles? Also did they do liposuction from your hips is that why they are bruised? How much bigger did that make you? Is it your hips that make getting up and down hurt? How long was thus surgery? Any dreaded drains? Thanks!!!