Diep Questions

wambles

Hi Again,

Been some time since I've been here!!!

I am scheduled to have bilateral diep reconstruction (delayed) on February 23rd, next yr and have a couple of questions to 'those in the know' 😊

Firstly, I believe we are checked half hourly, to hourly in the beginning, immediately following the surgery. Does this ALWAYS wake you up, or is it something you can actually doze through? I ask as I can get awfully crabby when not allowed to sleep. Those poor nurses .. 😂

Also, is my understanding correct that I will be unable to eat or drink anything for 48 hrs following surgery? I realise this is a much longer surgery than my dbl mastectomies but I woke up from that absolutely ravenous, and begging for a cuppa tea (yeah, I'm a Brit 😊)

With no sleep & no tea and cake, I fear for my sanity, and the well being of the nursing staff!

Joking aside, I am getting seriously jumpy about this op.. Even though its still some way off, I know how fast time flies. I probably will have a gazillion more questions before the time comes, so thank the stars for the ladies on here!

Thankyou in advance

X

wambles

Bump

lovetosail

Hi Wambles,

I had my DIEP in 2010, but I'll offer a few words -

You'll probably wake up when they check the flap, at least I did. And for me, no food of course on day of surgery, and none the entire next day. Hardly any water either. That was tough. But it's all do able, and I hope your recovery is as easy as mine was.

Best of luck!

Janetanned

My DIEP was 4 years ago this month. I remember being so medicated that I really didn't mind being 'checked'. I went right back to sleep. I don't remember hunger being an issue (and I can get 'hungry'!). I think I was so knocked out with pain meds, I didn't care about anything those first few days. It is all a blur now.

It was so worth it though!

wambles

Thankyou lovetosail & Janetanned for your replies 😊

Guess I will be fine with the no food, but minimal water.. Not so sure! I know how thirsty anaesthesia makes me. Guessing the reason for this is because of the risk of being taken back into theatre soon after due to flaps not 'taking'..

Sigh,

Hope those meds knock me bandy!!

x

Evegibb

hi there,

I had my DEIP three weeks ago. It was tough the first few days but gets easier day by day. I hated not being able to drink after surgery but being on pain meds seem to make the first few days a bit foggy. My DEIP recovery has been much easier than I expected! And I am happy with the results. There is a forum on here called DEIP2014. There are lots of experienced woman on there to share with and ask questions😀 Good luck !

cloudynight

I was so high after the surgery that I didn't mind the checks. I did eat a TON of ice, though, all my nurse would give me. The first couple of days were very, uh, soft-focus for me. I do remember being giddy about eating cherry Jell-O 24 hours after the surgery.