DIEP 2015

Mel2328

Crvincen I'm do happy for you that everything has gone so well and quickly. Congrats! Does your Dr say its common yo have daily pain 8 months later? Ive been dealing with expanded problems since April. Was hoping Id be pain free after fully recovered from DIEP.
Not Again. So happy for you too! That's awesome hospital gave you a necklace for drains. What's a pink pocket!?!
lastly what's DH? I figured out husband but what's acronym stand for!?!

lessharp

Mel, I had hollow areas on the top of my breasts (upper poles) and inside area by my armpits. I'm not sure where she took all the fat from. I'm relatively slender, and she marked my upper bum/hips, but I know she also was going to take from my sternum. (she said it gives you a bit of a six-pack look) I feel pain/bruising in my lower back, upper back, abdomen, sides. So she grabbed some from several places. I know there are 4 entry points on my back and one in my navel for the sternum draw. My back is what hurts getting/up down. Mainly just very bruised and achy. The first day was the worst for pain...but I did not take any pain killers except tylenol and allieve.

My doctor said they don't do too much at one time as that decreases the chances of the fat living, as it needs to sit next to a blood supply to live. I look very much bigger, I think a whole cup size. I expect some loss, as doc said 15% will reabsorb/die. That is a lower rate than I've seen online...but my PS is very thorough and meticulous...and another reason why she doesn't overfill.

I had zero drains. I went under at 12:30pm and woke at 6pm. I'm not sure how long the actual surgery was, I expect about 3 hours.

BigSister-2015

crvincen, I haven't read much about women talking about tattooing on this particular thread. On some of the other threads I almost always see women mention Vinnie doing their tattooing.

I have a long way to go before I get to my tattooing, but I am strongly considering using Vinnie.

I think I remember seeing there were some tattooing threads on this site. I'll bet you can you will get a wider range of responses if you post to them. That is what I am planning to do when I get there.

I recall reading that not all insurance will pay for tattooing if it's not done in the doctors office, but even my plastic surgeon is discouraging me having my tattooing done in his office. He said if I were his wife or daughter, he would be sure a tattoo artist was the one who did the tattoos.

BigSister-2015

I am feeling so much better today. My 2 days of bedrest helped immensely. I plan to continue to lie low for at least a week before I even think about standing up straight or trying to do anything.

Also, last night I took 600 mg of ibuprofen which was more effective than the nonprescription dose.

Tmgilbert1071

well girls here it is...today's the day. I was up like a 6 year old at Christmas. Stage 2, finally here. I have no clue what they're going to do today as my pre-op is right before my surgery. I had my husband take more pictures last night so that I have before and after shots. My belly button is crooked. Thought it was but can def see in the photos. Also there are what is call hollow spots when I raise my arms so I will point that out as well. Wow, what a journey and this is the end (I hope and pray).

I will post again as soon as I can.

SA8PG

Prayers & happy healing Tmgilbert. I can't wait to hear about your experience.

Lots of love & hugs

G

NotAgain2015

Morning All,

Best of luck tmgilbert! Thoughts and prayers with you and your surgeons!! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

BigSister same here continuing to lie low and mend...

BigSister-2015

tmgilbert--prayers coming your way. Good idea on the pictures! I need to get mine collected and off my phone. (My girls borrow it on occasion to take or look at picks, and I don't want to freak them out!)

NotAgain, with the ice storm and winds today, I am content to curl up on the couch and rest. I amjust now getting up at 10:30! Such a slug.

Trvler

Constipation tip: Magnesium.

How long does it take to get used to having numb foobs? I had my surgery Sept 1 and I still can't get used to it.

BigSister-2015

Trvler, although my skin is numb, I can feel the breast in general when I cup it.

I have learned that when it itches, scratching is useless because I feel nothing. But if I rub the breast instead, it relieves the itching. Go figure.

So, try for rubbing instead of stroking and pretend. At least, that is what I do, coupled with touching areas that I can feel.

I had my BMX with TEsback in Feb and just had my DIEP done this month. I seem to remember being frustrated at the numbness for a very long time after the initial surgery, but it did get better. Can't remember when.

Seemed to be less of an issue this go around? Probably because the belly tightness is giving me plenty to think about ....

I wonder what others have experienced

lessharp

TM, good luck on your surgery! Hope you get the results you are looking for. :-)

Trvlr, I have sensation all the way around except about 2-3 inches in the centers are still numb, and along the inner tops of my breasts, my PS says that it is unusual. For some reason, the fat grafting seems to have increased my sensitivity. I don't know why this would be. Doesn't make sense, especially so quickly. I do know that from the start I have been sure to tickle and run fingers, combs, towels across all the numb areas...with the hope that it would stimulate nerve regeneration. I figure the more I drag from area of sensation to non...perhaps it'll give my body the clue that it needs to rebuild the nerves there. I've read it can take up to two years....so don't give up yet. Try stimulating the areas!

Ramonica60

December 21...Bilateral free tram, prophylactic at UPenn. Dr. Serletti. Diep planned but ended up with free TRAM

Tmgilbert1071

well 4 hours later and I'm done!!! Woo Hoo!! Right now I'm in and out. I have 5 drains (was kinda surprised by that). I feel like I was run over by a semi, thank goodness for the pain pump! My husband says the PS told him everything went well.i have on a girdle but I haven't really seen it, haven't gotten up due to foley cath .

Will discuss more later when I'm a bit more co

Sablanut58

Hi girls! 7 days passed since surgery and still no stamina. Walking hunched hurts my back; doing the breathing excersices makes my coughing painful, dr said hold a pillow tight when i do. Today i had senna tea and had diarrea! So basically i m only on tylenol extra once or twice a day or ibuprofen 600 mg. plus the baby aspirin.

Dr says sleep with knees bent over pillow, compression band at all times except for shower. I m also w/ out bandages, cause i had this crazy glue that its transparent, but sticks to my band!. My 4 Pj's hope to get off tomorrow, when i will have first follow up with PS. The 4 are attached with a long safe pin to my compression band.I think it's better that the 2 hip ones r on pubic area. Nurse mesured incision to half meter!

Emottionally it's a roller coaster! Hope as days pass, i may feel more relax and happy this fase was over and flap is safe.

Wondering of iv decadron,an antiinflamatory that gave my hot flashes during hospitalization but made me paranoid i was having fever, then another infection!!!! Or was Wilbur

lessharp

Tm, congrats! Now it's just time for healing. Drains suck...so sorry for that. On the plus, less worry of swelling and fluid build-up. I had no drains...but sprung a leak on my way out of the hospital. It was somewhat comical, as I had no clue fluid was pouring out of me....I took it rather nonchalant and the nurse was running around trying to stop the leak. LOL> Anyway, the only pain I have is certain angles or twists while getting up or down. I'm one week out of stage 2. Hang in there!

Sablanut, It took me over 3 weeks to stand up. Don't push it too early as my PS said extra pressure on the abdominal incision will make for an ugly/bigger scar. Haha! That got my attention! Also, you absolutely want to do the breathing exercises, as that is to prevent pneumonia. ....oh, and all those meds make me a crazy person. I refused any opiates or benzodiazapines this time around, as I just don't do well on all that. I took only Tylenol or Allieve for pain. You will feel like a new person when you can stand upright...just give it the proper time.

Happy healing to everyone!

-Leslie

Tmgilbert1071

sablanut- stage 1 took me about two weeks to get to the point where I could stand up straight and walk normal but, I was extremely tired after surgery and at 4 weeks they finally let me pull the last drain

Hang in there time time time. And let me add it was worth the time and pain to be able to look into mirror today and see normal again!

Emotions will level out on there own. Hang in there!

BigSister-2015

I'll ditto the recommendation to not standing up too straight too soon.

I got my drains out close to 2 weeks and the doc said to take it easy and let pain be my guide. I thought I was being careful but two days later I was miserable. Lots of tight pain and some burning. So I am back to really hunched over and taking it super easy.

There seems to be a delay between activity and discomfort, at least for me!

Tmgilbert1071

Leesharp - did you have to wear a girdle? I have one that zips and buttons (eyelets) on each side and a "hole" to use the toilet. I have to wear this for about a month. Let's just say I'm not going to take showers on a daily basis because it's not fun taking off and on. I know that sounds gross but I'm not doing anything that would make me need one. I'm scheduled to go back to work on January 11th. Do you think I will have any issues that would keep me from doing rha

daboysMumma

Hi All - so glad to hear everyone is doing well and healing... Haven't posted with the holiday - but always lurking and checking in on everyone!!

I am about 4 weeks out DIEP and immediate reconstruction - Everything going well - I think - no binders or compression - occassional angry nerve endings but overall OK!! However, I have significant pain at the bottoms of my breasts (???) like if I was wearing a bra - it was all bound up and I want to constantly pull on it. Not sure if its a weight thing or what - visiting nurse suggests that I call my PS - any ideas?

Healing vibes to those most recent Post Ops!! Take the time to take care of yourself....it doesn't last!!! WE are hard to keep down for long...

Julie

lessharp

TM, yes...I have a compression garment just like you describe. I'm back to work today.... I am blessed to have also started my period...ugh...so I unhook and unzip to bathroom break, even though I also have an open crotch.

Only one more week of the garment 24/7 (off to shower), then just during the day for two more weeks. My follow up with PS is Jan 7th to get stitches out.

SA8PG

Hi TM. You mentioned having drains after Stage 2. I didn't know that could be a possibility. I'm so glad you are here to share with us. How are you doing? Were you able to go home the same day or need to stay the night? Are you hurting or just super sore?

LessHarp how are you doing being back at work now? Are you managing ok with the binder garment? Sorry about your period showing up, always the worst timing.

Daboys so great to hear from you. The pain your describing sounds like it might be scar tissue forming. Did your ps advise you to do moderate to heavy massage on the breast area? Do you feel any thickening or hard areas? Let us know what you find out. I'm sorry you are dealing with pain.

My infection is gone thank goodness. Just dealing with abdominal swelling bellow my incision line hoping the compression garments will help with that.

How is everyone else coming along?

Hugs

G

BigSister-2015

daboys, I agree with SA8, check with your PS. It is likely scar tissue and some kind of massage can help. You might need a physical therapist to teach you.

Periods--ugh. You know, as much as I have issues with menopause, periods are one thing I don't miss! My heart goes out to those of you who still have to endure.

I am finally in the upswing. A day or two ago I realized that whenever I stood up I was clenching my abdominal muscles to compensate for the hunched back. So I am now trying to pay attention and relax my belly fully. The pain is much better as a result. So I am a victim of my own good posture!

I am trying to decide what non-narcotic pain reliever is best. I think that 600mg of ibuprofen works best. I can supplement with Tylenol or 1/2 of a Percocet as needed. I use the narcotic at bedtime to sleep. It is getting harder to find a comfy position.

Funny how areas of pain like to move around each day. Now that the tummy is complaining less, the ribs are speaking up.

lessharp

DABOYS, Sounds like you're doing well... I hope that pain is resolved soon. I also did lots of massage as soon as i was able to....so you might try working those areas.

B

IGGSISis, I found stage 1 DIEP most painful ( in my back), right before I could stand up...it was so much better once that hunched over phase is done with. For me, it took 3 weeks. May be due to my belly being fairly slender, and less stretch in in. You will be amazed how quickly the aches go away once you jump that hurdle. Unfortunately, I don't think we can speed it up....just have to submit, and put it in Gods hands! Time heals...

SA, I'm doing great, but so much so....I forget not to lift things. Picked up two TVs yesterday. Ooops!

NotAgain2015

Hi all

I got all 4 of my drains out today - yippee!! I also got more pain meds. I was trying to cut down to two a day, one when I got up and another early evening, but it just wasn't enough. I'm also taking ibuprofen 600 every 6 hours. I'm finding that as time goes on, different things hurt. Now when I get tired my upper chest hurts/aches - I guess that is the mastectomy talking. It also wakes me up at night. It is hard to find a comfy position to sleep. Today lower right ab feels like I've used it too much, pulled something ish. But all in all I would characterize it is significant discomfort, not pain if that makes any sense.

Earlier today I could stand up fairly well, then later, all stiff and not so much. Today was a busy day and I am feeling it. So like others are saying we let our bodies tell us .

I see my PS next Tuesday. I haven't heard anything about compression yet. Still basically swearing nothing but a simple, soft camisole. See my BS and MO next Thursday.

Happy New Year everyone, you can definitely do this!!! I have nice cleavage and can tell that in the long run, this is going to be great!!!!

Tmgilbert1071

SA-well I thought that I had written a book and posted it but apparently I was still under the influence of anesthesia and pain medication. I also was unaware about the "drains" for stage 2. I guess I just assumed that because I didn't read about them for stage 2 that they were not going to happen. Boy was I wrong. I had 5 drains in. Two in my breasts (they came out the next day) One in my left hip and two down really low under the scar. My PS told my husband that I still had fluid in my abdomen from stage 1 so I'm sure that's why they put the drains in down really low. The bruising is brutal but that's to be expected. My breasts were lifted so it's hard to give an opinion on the outcome. Is

Anyone going over tithe 2016 board

SA8PG

TM do you think the fluid is what was causing the ken doll/swelly belly? I am wondering about the same thing. Are the drains in the lower abdomen putting out a lot of fluid for you? Where did they lipo you? Are you on antibiotics?

I'll be heading over to 2016 with my Stage 2 sometime this year.

Tmgilbert1071

SA-so yes I do believe that the fluid is/was causing the swelly belly. As far as the Ken doll look, I think that is due to them really pulling that skin high and low. The fluid could cause the "mound" to be/appear larger.

The lipo is done to sculpt everywhere and add fat to breasts where needed.

They lipo'd my inner and outer thighs, my back "flab" area that hangs over bra in TSHIRT. They used that to fill in on tops of beasts. He also "shaved" some of the breast on the sides from the stage one flap, I guess so that it's not so "wide".

I'm on keflex antibiotic for 10days 3x/day. The drains are producing a lot right now. Like 50cc/day. I can't remove them until they start to drain less than 20cc for two consecutive days. I'm in a garter compression thing and it actually feels better on than off.

I'm better than after stage one. Stage one I couldn't stand staight up for almost 2 weeks. This is just like people describe when they say it feels like they've worked out like crazy and now they're sore and bruised.

Ultimately, this is it...it's done. In one month I'll be able to look and see the finished results. I was happy with stage one, looking forward to stage 2 results.

Tmgilbert1071

Leesharp-questions for you. My feet and calf area are still swollen quite a bit. Also my forearms and hands?? I've never had an issue with lymphedema and I know they pump is full of fluid For the procedure. Pain comes and goes. Notice if im sitting for a while And get up its much more painful. Not sleeping very well, not sure why really just not. I'm wearing the compression calf machine at night but not during day.

Bruising is aweful to look at but tolerable on the pain scale. Compression garment is a pain in the buttocks Especially with the drains will defiantly be happy when these 3 drains come out.

How long after you had done did you go back to work? Are you having any swelling in extremities? My surgery center calls me weekly so I'll talk to them as well.

lessharp

Hi TM, I have my first post op appointment at 2 weeks out....this Thursday. I was very swollen in my abdomen...but no issue at all anywhere else. I was back to work after one week. I didn't bother with LOA this time around...just took some unpaid time off.

AS for your swelling....I wouldn't jump to LE right away. As I said, my PS pumped me up with over 2 liters of fluids....and my abdomen was very swollen. And...we are all different....you do seem to excrete more fluid than me....but doesn't mean you are developing LE. I would guess you are swollen from surgery...just like last time...and give your body some time to heal. I'm not sure they could even begin to consider diagnosing you right after surgery, anyway...how could they? You have a reason to be swollen.

Please don't fret it. I am almost angry at the LE therapist I met with....scared the cr+p out of me about the whole thing. I really am not sure there is anything we can do to prevent Lymphedema. The BC/treatments/node biopsies are what cause it and this idea that avoiding air travel, needle sticks, bug bites, etc....implies there is something we could have done to prevent it. Those things may trigger the symptoms from undiagnosed LE, but I don't think they 'cause' them. Well, that's my take on it. I'm tired of worrying and allowing these things to control my emotions and keep me from enjoying life. We've had enough to deal with.

lessharp

Had my follow-up. I need another revision. Pooh. My PS says most don't need 2 revisions...I guess I'm just lucky that way ;-(

Also I have a hard lump on top of my left breast. She says to give it time, it could still be swelling or hematoma, and hoping it is not necrosis....and hoping it goes away. I asked her when I could start working the area and she said I need to wait 6 wks from surgery to start working/massaging it. Since this is my Cancer side somewhat near the location... I'm not happy...but at least I know that it couldn't possibly be recurrence at this point. It is about the size of a grape and of course it is just since the surgery two weeks ago.