Pain 2 months + after DIEP

Jubird

I'm interested in hearing from those of you having pain and healing issues after the supposed "recovery period" of DIEP. My quotes indicate my frustration that I have somehow failed, not having gotten past so much yet at nine weeks. In fact, some things are getting worse!

I had a DIEP flap Dec 16, 2016, which required more digging through the ab muscles than usual (maybe my anatomy, maybe my previous c-section and scar tissue?). I had two separate layers of mesh used.

At this point, I have three separate spots on my abs that vary from annoying to quite painful. Saw my PS a few days ago; he said he believes I am reinjuring the abs with too much activity, and told me to rest for five days. He didn't feel any hernia. The locations seemed to him indicative of places he stressed or damaged the muscle. I was unable to fully rest, but I tried to when I could. Still feeling quite yucky.

In addition, I have another issue. One end of the belly incision hurts deep inside like heck! It is driving me out of my mind. I am on the verge of going back on pain killers...and do not want to! It's nicely healed on the outside, but even the slightest pressure against it hurts. Since it is in the area of a "dog ear", it sticks out and is constantly crushed by clothing. The pain seems to go right into my hip/pelvis, which freaks me out, as I worry it is metastasis, which is highly unlikely since my lymph nodes were clear when I had a bilateral mastectomy, and pathology showed no invasion. It still worries me, though! I had my first cancer, melanoma, at 27, and BC at 41. Not feeling lucky in the cancer department all the time!

If anyone can relate to that deep pain this late in the game, it could allay my fears. Also, anyone else with the ab healing problem?

Not feeling like I made the right choice here, which is depressing!!

Thanks,

Juli

Denise-G

Gosh, I don't consider you late in the game!! My sister had DIEP on October 27, 2016 - she has had tons of issues I won't go into, but

she still has that deep pain. She was terrified it was mets somewhere, but it is finally improving. She was just able to go back

to work this week after 4 months.

Jubird

Thanks, Denise G, that makes me feel better!!!! I appreciate you chiming in

Beckers

I had DIEP In Aug and wore abdominal binder until April. It's a painful surgery. There is something called bulges vs hernia that can cause pain. Also, mesh issue or necrosis maybe? At any rate, always good to be checked out.