DIEP 2011

Hi Ladies, Yep that is true about the coffee.  As a matter of fact it is no caffeen for 6 weeks after the surgery. It does have to do with the blood vessels getting constriction from the caffeine And the fear all of you are feeling is very normal but just keep going forward.  You all have a difficult surgery coming up but it is manageable.  I remember the day after my surgery and I asked myself what did I get myself into.  But I believe I used some very explicit language.  But know to ask for nausea medication ahead of time if you know the anesthesia gives you nausea.  That really helped me alot.  Remember that the pain pump is your best friend while you are in the hospital.  At least it was mine.  Good luck to all of you.

Thanks for the warning pupfoster1!  My ps warned me at my appt last week, and I have started making half-caff.  BUT I'm drinking twice as much of it this weekend!!!

 Gonna have to work on that this week...

Marxi and Blondie45 ~ yes all I can think about is surgery.  I'm sleeping okay but I wake up a little queasy and first thing I think of when I awaken is surgery.  I think I have been dreaming about surgery for over a month, every night.  And reading more about it, or looking at pictures/youtube etc usually ensures it gets worse.  

I can't wait until it's over.  Planning to maybe take a day off this week from work to pick up the house.  DH& kids were going to really pitch in, but I haven't really seen it yet... we'll see!

Thanks Scubacat, I've got my granny's old walker just waitin' for me! 

 VMarie:   glad you are all set, I have a few tests ekg/blood typeing tommorow  -20% is a pretty penny but you are right we are fortunate to have this option.

About the coffee: I  thought that after the critical first 3-4 days flap success is pretty much set.

Did not know about no caffeine after surgery - guess it makes sense to avoid contricting new blood vessels

I wonder if I will feel the same compromised situation in the chest arms that I had after bi lat mastectomy? or maybe the ab healing will be much more prevelent.

I don;t know if I can give up coffee, I love my coffee in the morning.  I will if I have to, but man that is going to be very hard for me. 

that sounds perfectly logical.... wahooooo, thanks vmarie I don't know why I didn't think of that.

Don't want to bum anyone out, but I still had the rebound headaches around day 3 even w/the pain pump.  But every person's body handles things differently, so you all may be just fine!  Just thought I'd throw it out there so you might think about it.  I'm 4 weeks out now and healing well but really missing sleeping on my sides.  I end up on our family room couch most nights because it seems the only way I can sleep comfortably on my back.  Oh well, this too shall pass!

Love,

Sharon

Hi Hester!  Small world huh?  I really love Dr. M, but had BIG issues w/my BS whom I won't mention by name here, but was out of Johns Hopkins too.  Thanks for telling me you started sleeping on your sides.  I started around week 4 alternating between sides and back.  It's still a bit uncomfortable on the sides, but at least I feel like I can stay in my own bed at night as opposed to ending up on the couch in the family room:).

As far as the support thing, I was wondering too about when to go get fitted for a new bra.  I know it's too soon for me, but gives me something to look forward to I suppose.

Take care,

Sharon

I am 4.5 weeks after DIEP and still wearing my spanx-type underwear during the day, plus my "support bras". I am now leaving them both off at night and have just over the last 2-3 days started sleeping on my sides, but using a pillow for back support behind me. I started wearing them as soon as all drains were out, so at about 12 days out. Until then I wore the hospital binder. Yesterday I actually wore some jeans for a few hours, but found them uncomfortable after 3-4hrs and had to get them off. I can wear my work pants as more comfortable than jeans and most of my pants are now too big! Yeh.

My thoughts are with the ladies who have their DIEP surgery this week. I wish you a speedy recovery and sending all my positive thoughts your way. Good luck.

yes, i had a seroma with my second mastectomy and had to go to a private massage therapist a number of times to direct the fluid back into the lymphatic system ... was not pleasant...

Hi ladies - I am scheduled to have my surgery on May 4th and have a family wedding scheduled for Memorial Weekend.  Do you ladies think I will be feeling up to attending?  I know we all heal differently, but overall - I'm hoping someone can offer some advice. 

Hi All,

I am scheduled for DIEP on April 4th with Dr. Robinson in Charlotte. I am uber-excited and nearly as scared!

So.. I am thinking of getting consults with Chang (Baltimore), Massey (Charleston), Allen (NYC) and NOLA... I live in NJ and can drive to 2 and would need to fly to 2... any input on proximity since these are all qualified DIEp doctors? AND I may not be able to do DIEP, may need to do some other micro-flap... not enough belly fat.

Thanks vmarie. Just wondering if I should have my breast surgeon remove it before surgery in April. I go to see my oncologist March 30th and my breast surgeon wants my oncologist to confirm that it is ok to remove it. My Ps said that it would be fine,but I don't want it in while having DIEP surgery. If my oncologist approves it I will try to have it taken out before DIEP and maybe have a couple of weeks to recover.