How to prepare for DIEP Flap

jlstacey

Can people chime in for those of us that will be going through DIEP Flap soon? I'm looking for input on anything we should know- getting binders, memory issues, what to bring to the hospital, whether to get a medical recliner for recovery etc. If there is already a good thread with this info, please just direct me to that. I am two months away from DIEP surgery and have decided to start planning because it will be here much sooner than I think!

What help did you ask for that you found was what you needed most, or what help do you wished you had asked for? I am married and have two kids- 10 and 11 years old. One is special is needs. The other is a handful. We have no family near us, but my husband should be able to take at least a week off, and my dad is going to come up and help. How long do you think I will need before I can be on my own?

I'm in physical therapy now for cording, tightness and to prepare my upper body for DIEP flap. I've also started working out again so I'm better shape for surgery.

SA8PG

Hi jlstacey

I am 10 days post Diep flap. That's so great that you are trying to be as prepared as possible. I will try to answer as many as your questions as I can.

1. I have 8 children all under 13 so I had friends help while I was in the hospital. Hubby rotated out with them so the load wasn't to much on anyone. Once home it's been hubby and I. I have been blessed with meals from friends & our church because to stand and cook will not be possible. Your lower back will be very achy.

2. I am using a recliner and love it. In fact I was only in the hospital bed the first day and once I took the first walk I didn't go back. It was easier for me to get up from a chair than from a bed. At home my recliner has been a God send. Again easier for me to get up.

3. I did as other ladies on here suggested, I bought comfy button down top pj's & purchased Pink Pockets on line to put my drains in (but with the Diep I just clipped the drains to my abdominal binder around the house)

4. For the shower I used the stool at the hospital but at home I used a hand held shower head.

5. I purchased the men's Hanes tshirts that my ps suggested and cut them up the middle to wear under neath my abdominal binder & bra that I woke up with.

6. I was up walking more and more everyday. Honestly what hurt the most is my lower back & my abdomen only when I got sick (once I got the right pain meds I didn't get sick anymore)

7. I have taken quite a few cat naps more than I even did with chemo. So please listen to your body and rest.

8. Keep a close eye on those drain sites and your incisions. My right hip one is infected but I think because we caught it so early I will be fine. Unlike with my expanders it took months to clear the infection because of the foreign objects.

***You are going to do great & I am so happy you started the 2016 thread. What a great resource it will be for everyone in 2016.

Many blessings & hugs

G

jlstacey

SA8PG- Thank you for your response! How much do you think your body shape changed after surgery? I lost 15 pounds during chemo and gained it all back! I've been told not to lose weight before surgery, so I'm wondering whether to buy some larger clothes or if I will be taking a smaller size on the bottom.

So, I need to get a stool for the shower? I don't have recliner, but I have thought about getting one. My house is two floors, and my bedroom and bathroom are upstairs. Will I have problems going up and down stairs?

Thanks! I hope your infection clears up quickly, and you keep feeling better and better!

exercise_guru

I am curious why the hanes tshirts under the binder? Maybe I should get some.

jbdayton

For moisture and itch control, just puts a soft cotton liner between your skin and the binder.

slv58

I got a shower stool inexpensively and was so happy to have it but only used it for a few weeks. Just didn't have the energy and really needed to sit to shampoo hair- your unable to raise your arm above shoulder height until follow up visit so sitting made showering much easier. 

I have a recliner but was not able to use it because of where the handle was- same side as surgery. To be honest I was so happy to be in my own bed and just used lots of pillows to replicate the 'V' position. I did buy a body pillow from Walmart and used that to help prop up two head pillows and then later on used it to start laying (somewhat) on my side- it helped! I used another pillow under my knees.

One thing I didn't think about was panties! All of mine sat rather uncomfortably on my incision so the moment I felt up to it I got a half dozen granny panties-high wasted soft microfibre, much more comfortable. I still wear them because they are so comfy!

You may want to bring an eye mask for sleeping- hospital rooms are always so bright. I asked hubby to get me one the second day. 

Make sure that you move drinking glasses to a low level and things in your fridge so you won't have to reach.

I got a few zip up and button up tops and a pair of high waist yoga pants, they were much more comfortable than regular sweat pants that would have sat on incision. You may not have a binder- I didn't. I didn't have to wear a brea either so you may want to check with your surgeon first. Seems they all have their own recommendations. 

Wishing you an easy surgery and quick recovery. It will be worth it!

jlstacey

I bought a wedge pillow and about 6 pillows for my bmx, so I'm set on that. I just ordered my PJs on Amazon. They are the deal of the day today, so that worked out well. I got some for my BMX but I've gained weight.

I'll get a stool and ask about the binder. My PT thought I would be in a binder after surgery. She has worked with my plastic surgeon's patients a lot.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

It's weird- I enjoyed my months of "freedom" post-BMX and chemo, but I'm ready now to just get this surgery done and move on. I'm tempted to see if I can get it moved up!