After surgery how much day to day help?

natstar

Hi-

Im scheduled to have double mx and diep reconstruction at end of October. My PS says I need someone with my for the first two weeks. Problem is, I don't have anyone that can be with me 24/7. I could possibly find someone to stay for a week with me tops. She says its for getting things I might need as my shoulder ROM will be restricted etc. I have a really small apt and I know I could rearrange things to have within reach. How much help did you need after your surgery?

RubySlips

Just got home today from BMX with tissue expanders yesterday. Definitely needed my husband to help hold all the tubes while I use the bathroom and to get up and down, but even by tonight I was doing most of that myself. I can't say for sure yet, but it seems like a week should be enough

NancyHB

natstar - I had UMX with immediate DIEP almost three months ago. Even with just one side, I needed help at home for at least the first week. Not only is your range of motion limited in your arms because of the breast surgery, but the abdominal incision makes standing up straight impossible for a few weeks, and also limits your ability to bend, twist, or stretch to reach things. Which translated (for me) into needing help taking a shower during that first week, too. By the end of that first week at home, though, I was starting to feel a little stronger and confident, and was able to do a lot of those things myself.

Come over and join us in the DIEP thread to learn more about our experiences; it might help you determine how much (if any) help you'll need:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics/838503?page=64#idx_1917