DIEP 2013

Nihahi, you are so right.  This is about trust and positive outcomes.  It is very good to spread the word about great surgeons and offer info on all procedures (particularly personal experiences).  Each of us select doctors for different reasons.  If I want a facelift, I want to go to a doctor that specializes in that procedure and does several a week.  When I looked for a surgeon for DIEP, I wanted to be sure that surgeon preformed the procedure frequently.  When I began my research, I found many local doctors who advertise DIEP, SGAP, TUG on their websites along with lots of body and facial procedures. When it came down to it many only preformed the reconstructive procedure once a month or less.  The frequency of procedure is often the best method to prevent negative outcomes.

Peacelove - I would also love to know why you have an orthopod involved.  Doesn't really make sense.  Enquiring minds want to know.

Wondering if this has happened to anyone else? I went for my pre-op CT scan to view the blood vessels etc. A few days later I get a phone call explaining that the couldn't see what they needed to see so they wanted me to come in for an MRI instead.

Friday when I went for my MRI and asked the woman if she would just be taking pics of the blood vessels. She looked at me very confused and said no we are only looking at the liver and the surrounding area??? I see my PS Thursday so Im sure he will have answers and test results by then. Just wondering in the mean time.

For my doctor, it was the deciding factor whether I was a candidate. I had my initial consultation with dr. Cody from Loma Linda and he ordered the test and said we would talk about the surgery based on the viability of my vessels from the CT scan.

i don't understand the pre-op imaging either, unless there are other medical considerations.  What they did in my case is get a *sonogram* of the vessels located in the surgery area at the time of SX to identify which ones they were going to use.

Peacelovesdogs - when is your SX, I don't see you on the countdown. 

Blessings to all on this journey.

I think that is absolutely correct. He did not promise me a stacked diep based on the test but was able to do that once he got in there. Good luck Faith! I am one week out from this surgery and feel really good, this is amazing stuff and feel grateful that I was afforded the opportunity to go this route.

Bleugirl, hope your recovery is going well. When you get a chance, please add my name and date to the list. Thanks

Nihahi - April 12

I had an ultrasound and CT angiogram today to locate vessels for surgery in April. I think I like that the surgeon will have some idea what he is going to find in there prior to cutting. Also if my vessels are in any way not suitable for the surgery I think I would rather my surgeon found out now and told me now, rather than going all the way to April and waking up with reconstruction still undone and being told, "we got in there and found the vessels were not usable".

Wondering what people have gotten "clothing wise" for the early weeks post diep surgery? Does anybody use a light, support type garment for the ab incision area once the drains are out?

Marty, your postings are always so positive and informative. Just want to say Thanks. Did you use the compression garment after Stage 1? I am not planning on doing any lipo, unless the ab donor site really doesn't settle out on me, but I am going into this surgery knowing I already have a "fragile" lower back, and may end up with a muscle sparing Tram instead of a Diep. I'm thinking once the drains are out, the feeling of support (front and back) would be a good feeling, especially until I am comfortable with being "upright" again. Also, I do know that compression helps to minimize scarring.

That is wonderful news, heavenschild!

There is no feeling like being "drain-freee!"

1/24 2013 jjl

Faith - the compression garment was given to me by my PS.  You should talk with yours to see what they recommend.  Not all docs use compression.  I am glad mine did.  She issued me a Design Veronique and then I later bought a Marena to switch off.

Packing for the hospital - we all over do this one.  Actually they give you everything you need and it is much easier for you and the nurses if you stay in a hospital gown.  A light bathrobe is good to put on when you walk the halls.  A pair of flip flops or comfy slip on flat shoes, too.  There is a packing list at the top of the NOLA in September thread you might want to look over.  I really didn't need most of what was suggested, but it is well thought out and very helpful.

Food - I made lots of things that were easily kept in the freezer (my DH is great at defrost and heat).  Chili, beef stew, crab cakes, portioned hamburgers.  Since you have kids, freeze serving portions of their fav stuff so your DH can feed them easily.  I had a grocery list for him for when we got home (my surgery was not in the city in which we live and I didn't return until 10 days after surgery).  Several of my friends scheduled meal deliveries, but I had to ask them to stop as we had too much.  We are a big breakfast house, so I had canadian bacon in the freezer.  My dh picked up our grapefruit, eggs, avacado.  I really did not want to eat a lot, but wanted to be sure he did.  The antibiotics that my doc gave me tend to change the sense of taste, smell and vision (yes, weird, but they are really good).  I only wanted bland stuff that involved white products (mashed potato, white bread, pb&j) - very strange because I do not usually eat any of that.

I guess what I am saying is don't get overwhelmed by the preparations.  Whatever happens, happens.  And you will be better for it.  Preparing the house for recovery - I just did regular cleaning.  Have your DH put clean sheets on the bed the day you come home.  Made sure that the wash was done.  BTW - since most of us have some lift restrictions - I bought a bag of the detergent pods so I could be independent and do wash without having to lift a heavy container.  You can juggle this if you can juggle a family - just don't let it take over your life (mind).  Just be sure that you allow yourself the time to recover and rest.  You will be fine!

Thanks so much ladies I am visiting my PS tomorrow morning to follow up and get my CT scan and MRI results hopefully he will confirm that we are moving forward with the DIEP fingers crossed. Might sound a bit strange but Im getting used to the idea and sort of have a peaceful feeling about the surgery.