DIEP 2013
Comments
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Nihahi - I really appreciated your trust in us when you were posting re: your insomnia - it also helped me because I wouldn't have learned about all the other drug options available. Also, it helps to keep it real here. This is a rough SX and it helps to be able to have *cyber shoulders* to lean on.
I found for the shower a lanyard or a piece of ribbon tied around my neck with the drains tied to that really helped.
Re: constipation. It took four days for a BM and even on the drugs in the hospital I was miserable. I wasn't prepared and it took a lot of arm twisting to get them to give me something in the hospital. I guess they thought I would take care of it at home. I am glad you ladies are on top of it. Also, after the SX, if I eat too much because of the tightness of my tummy it hurts like the dickens, so I have to make sure everything is moving.
Have a good day lovely ladies! -
Faith -- I came home with the post mastectomy bra and the hospital gave me an extra one. I wore a sweatpants set with a zip up hoodie along with a $5 v neck tee shirt I got from old navy that was fairly easy to put on cuz it was so huge. My PS didnt use any compression garments or anything.
I also bought some button up shirts that were several sizes larger in Targets clearance aisle for $5. They're butt ugly but served its purpose
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I went into a store that sold post mastectomy bras pre surgery and asked about drain holders but didn't like any of them nor did I want to spend $50 for something for two weeks. I was lucky that I ended up not buying anything and the gave me these "pockets" that stuck to my bra. They were selling them for like $5-$10 or so but I can't seem to find a picture online to show you.
I second the opinion to check with your insurance. Mines covers 4 post mastectomy bras per year.
Regarding constipation-- I guessed I lucked out because on Day 3 after surgery I had BM but my hubby still gave me ducolax since I was taking oral painkillers. I took Ducolax for about 3 more days "just in case". -
While the camisoles, etc are, I'm sure a convenience, they aren't necessary. Get some large safety pins. There are loops at the top of the drains that you can use to pin them to your whatever. My doc put me in a belt with Velcro and 4 pockets. I stopped wearing it at about 12 days, but was already pinning on occasion. After the breast drains were pulled, I used a small handbag with a cross body strap for the hip drains.
I second visits to Target for big shirts. In their pj dept they had wonderful jackets with lots of fullness. I would wear the jacket over a largish white shirt and looked pulled together. -
Hi, gals! I've been keeping up with the thread but only on my phone, which isn't the greatest for replying. Sorry it's been so long, though!
I'm about 4.5 weeks out and overall, at least during the day, doing well. I'm at work about 5 hours a day now and that seems just about right. I can do most things around the house, etc. though still need to watch lifting. The swelling has subsided a lot and I'm able to wear some of my other pants now (not just the yoja and pj pants I've been living in since the hospital!), so I guess I didn't loose my waist after all. Being able to wear some of my "normal" clothes helps a lot esp with work, of course, though I have snuck in black yoga pants on some days -- very professional!
With most of the steri-strips off now and the swelling down, I am getting a better look at the girls. They're a bit more garish-looking than just post-surgery, oddly enough -- somehow even those thin steri-strips acted as a kind of mini-mini-bra, by hiding the scars and making it hard to see the flaps in full. Because I had delayed recon and because my noobs are very small, the flaps and scars are quite prominent. I don't mind the Frankenboob look so much, it'll just take some getting used to and of course their appearance will still change some.
One question for those who've been through it: did the flap section of your new breast have a different shade of skin color than the rest of the breast? Esp on my left, the flap is much different -- sort of yellowish, but not in a bruising sort of way; it's like the flap skin itself is "taking" that way (it's not just the color my tummy is/was). I'm trying not to panic (could something bad be happening to the flap??), so would love to hear your thoughts.
Sleeping at night is my other thing, and specifically getting comfortable with my back. Despite PT and trying all sorts of positions and pillows, I'm having trouble. I was prescribed Flexeril (a muscle relaxant) and have tried it the past two nights and last night it did seem to help some (I at least slept for about 4 hours straight), but I also moved back out to the sofa, which is firmer and seems to work better. Without it I was waking up every 30-40 minutes, squirming and aching. Yuck. Oddly, my back doesn't usually hurt at all during the day, just after lying down.
Re drains: I found a couple of zip-up fleece jackets that worked great, as they had big inside pockets I could slip the drains into and they were just super soft, comfy and loose. Those probably aren't much of a solution in warmer climes, though!
Thanks to all of you for being here and sharing.
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Seagan--the noobs are very small--did you ask for them to be that way?
My boobs have been a pain in the neck all my life. Way too big, and when I was pregnant and nursing, they were unbelievable. I had a reduction in my twenties, but they "grew" back. Now they're trying to kill me. I asked the plastic surgeon to create small ones. Do you think you'll eventually be happy with the size of yours?
And what kind of word do you do? I've asked for six weeks off before going back full-time, and I work at a desk all day. Is that enough time?
Sorry you're having a difficult time of it at night! Hopefully the Flexeril and sofa sleeping will help. It's hard to be cheerful and resilient on no sleep.
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About antibiotics and probiotics... A few years ago, my doctor put me on an antibiotic to tackle broncitis and wanted me on it for three weeks... well this caused me to get antibiotic induced colitis... Yuck. So when the doctors in NOLA told me I'd be on antibiotics for the duration of my drains (and I had GAP flap so thats a long time), I asked them for a probiotic to avoid the colitis. They don't normally administer this in the hosiptal, but if you ask they will. I took the antibiotic and probiotic in the morning, and the antibiotic 2 more times during the day. And it worked fine. I stopped the probiotic after the antibiotic was done, but resumed when I had a bloat thing goning on... Now I just take it cause its good for me. I have taken many brands, but Align is supposed to be the best. Its certainly the most expensive.
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Selizabeth - the noobs are small b/c that's all the tummy fat I had. I would have been a better candidate for GAP or TUG flap, but couldn't find a well-regarded PS in this area who did those and we couldn't swing going somewhere like NOLA.
They're smaller than I originally was though not terribly so (I was a small B and these are small A's, I'd say). I can't tell yet if I'll stick with this size and be done, I like to think so but just don't know yet. My PS says we could put small implants in later but I'm not sure. I've wanted to avoid implants from the beginning. And having had radiation on one side complicates things. I'd hate to run into issues after all this, and I like the idea of them being all "me." But I'd also like to be my old size.
Re work: I too have a desk job, mostly writing, editing and web stuff. I think 6 weeks should be good as a time to go back. I plan to be full-time by that point, or close. My biggest recommendations with a desk job: have a good chair (back support) and get up, move and walk every 30 minutes or so, at least. Gradually increasing my hours has also been good. Hope that helps! -
Seagan - I have been in a recliner up until some days ago (I am almost 8 weeks post-op). If I lie down flat on my back my foobs really hurt when I get up. I've been trying to lie on my side with pillow wedged between them to help support, along with wearing a bra 24/7. Do what you are comfortable with - it is only for a season!
Constipation (since, ahem, I have had a problem with it). I found that if you take 1,000 mg of Vitamin C everything will move on through. If that doesn't work, take 1,000 mg increments more - you can't OD and your body flushes it out. Also, 500 mg of Magnesium before you go to bed, not only will it produce results for you in the a.m., but you will sleep better.
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You ladies are awesome....I'm putting that out there front and centre!!!!!!!!!
I'm the same as many of you, have no interest in spending $$ for a "pocketed" garment I will (please dear lord) get very little use of. I have bought some uber cheap tank tops that I can step into and pull up, and won't mind poking them full of pin holes either. I bought them larger than I usually wear, to accomodate swelling and bent posture. My PS says wear nothing for at least 2 weeks, but I just can't wrap my head around bare boobs and front closure tops!! Especially while home and trying to build up the walking mileage! Don't really want to be known as the "3rd floor flasher" in our condo! I cheered when I discovered I have a zip front top that I often wear, actually has INSIDE pockets! Perfect! Who Knew!!! I am going to be two different varieties of "new boobs", so have been puzzled on how to manage the new cousins, but expect to be small also, which I will be fine with, so maybe it won't be quite as much of a concern.
Seagan, I have read on other threads about the difference in skin colour in the flap. I think that although the main supporting blood vessels are sorted out during surgery, that it may take awhile for the small little capillaries to start doing their job again. Good question, though, I'd love to hear what your ps has to say about it.
Judy....you're soon going to be on the "other side".... we'll all be thinking of you and sending hugs and support.
No one seems to object, and some have said they would appreciate having ongoing updates to the surgery list, so I'll send a PM to Bleugirl and see if she responds. I really hope she is doing ok, and has decided to just move on, I think some ladies do and I respect that, but I, for one, really appreciate the support and perspective of ladies who have been down the same road.
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forgot to add...Seagan, I don't want to be a "shit stirrer", but as someone who knows FAR TOO WELL!!!!!! Implants are not a forever thing......they can migrate, they can deflate, they can harden......just saying!!!! I know some women are over the moon happy with theirs.....I cannot get rid of the alien soon enough! I'll take small over: possible repeated surgeries, unknown "life span", capsular contracture pain ANYDAY!!!!!!
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I'm hoping to be on the "other side" by this time next week. Really hoping the weather will cooperate. Suppose to fly out tomorrow and they are predicting snow for here. Which it not a lot but for here I'm afraid it would cause a cancellation. I've contact the center in NOLA and they said it wouldn't be a problem they would rearrange my appointments for Monday. Anytime else we would have good weather and the threat of snow is over with by this date but I plan something this major and I have to worry with the weather.
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Hang in there, Judy....If you are meant to fly out tomorrow, I believe it will happen for you. Amazing isn't it, how many "things" seem to try to get in the way of something so "big"! I'll keep my fingers, toes, etc. crossed for you! ((((((X))))))
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Nihahi, I know you are anxious to "build up the walking mileage", but believe me you won't be doing much for the first 14 days or 2 weeks. You will be in the hospital for part of the time (for me 4 nights), then you will settle in at home and take lots of meds, strip drains, nap. I took slow walks at about the 6th day for about a mile (with stops for rest and breakfast). If your doc doesn't want you to wear anything for 2 weeks, it probably won't even cause a problem.
So glad you will be contacting bleugirl to see if she is okay.
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Marty...I wish I could wrap you up and tuck you under my pillow....you are such a comfort! You are like my security blanket!!!! I keep trying to balance what I think I should be able to do (since I am pretty active and fit now), with how much I want to be a "good patient", with the reality of past surgery extreme fatigue and nausea for days, with what you ladies really know to be the real "reality". My capsular issues have been nothing as severe as you had, but I'm so fed up with the pain, pressure and constant "zings" that in my mind I'll jump off the OR table and start doing the happy dance!!!!! Not true, I know, just wishing.
I haven't had a response from Bleugirl, but don't expect it to be quick if she isn't active on the threads anymore. I hope she is well. Others too, that have struggled, then dropped off, like Keznick......hope they are healing and happy.
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Nihahi-- if MartyJ was up for grabs, I think you would have some competition for her (heh). I had a thyroidectomy last fall, and the nausea and fatigue was crazy, so I thought it'd be the same this time around and was scared. I mentioned that experience to the docs this time (and my hubby really nagged the docs too) and other than having a patch put behind my ear to help with nausea, not sure what they did, but it was a completely different experience (for the better). Hopefully it will be just as positive for you! Thank you for contacting Bleugirl for us.
Judy-- hopefully you are having a smooth traveling experience today! -
Good luck Judy! My surgery is next Monday so it sounds like we will be recovery buddies.
My bag is packed and the house is 85% ready my boys start baseball the week Im in the hospital so that's bothering me a bit and makes it tough to plan ahead since the coaches havent given a definite start date. It just seems like that's turning into a big busy week for them which also bothers me .
Trying very hard to stay positive! -
Nihahi, I'm a bike rider anyway, but my PS stressed how important it would be to go into surgery as fit as I could be. So I'm pushing myself and working hard on hills. I hate the thought that I'll build up aerobic capacity to a wonderful degree and then...lie in the recliner sucking down popscicles and pain pills. So I'm with you. I plan to not push past what my PS says is OK, but walks around the neighborhood, whenever I'll be able, sound very healing.
MartyJ, you have such great advice. Very practical and well-thought-out! I've already upped my protein intake and bought some probiotics yesterday.
Judy, how are things looking for NOLA?
Cuetang, glad your recovery for the DIEP was more comfortable than the thyroidectomy. I can't imagine having nausea/vomiting issues with the incision in my neck. Did you feel like your head was going to fall off every time you barfed? Good times...
Faith, I'm hoping to have my house clean and ready to go before my surgery April 15, but I'm working full time and only have two weekends to scrub. This must be some kind of weird nesting instinct.
Have a great Monday, everyone! Let the week begin!
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Faith - call those darn coaches and explain that you will be having major surgery. You need a commitment on times so that you can plan. A week out is not too much to ask. Make the coaches part of your support team. They might even help with transportation. You will need every bit of help you can get and your boys deserve to have their lives go on without overtaxing you (if that made sense).
Cuetang - I didn't have a thyroidectomy, but I have come out of surgery twice with the iv in my neck (bad veins on the only arm that can be used). The first time was with my 2nd mastectomy and I threw up all night. The second time was after my Stage 1 repair 2 days after the initial surgery. This time they were so much better at controling the nausea and other issues now.
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We made it to nola, ate and now watching duck dynasty at the hotel. Trip down went great.
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Judy-- great to hear that you made it!
Faith-- it's time to be "selfish" and bug those coaches. It's not everyday you'll be doing DIEP surgery!
Sbelizabeth-- I totally know about the need to have everything cleaned. I splurged and got housecleaning service before my surgery. That way I focused on getting the surgery stuff together.
MartyJ-- it sucks to have bad veins doesn't it? I have the exact same issue, but I've never heard that they could put an IV in your neck! Good to know, but OUCH on having to throw up with that in. I agree they are so much better at controlling things now.
As for the thyroidectomy, without too much TMI, lets just say my wound split open on one side at home from all barfing. That's why I was so happy with how this hospital handled the drugs on this round. Apparently when I came around (hubby was ready for a repeat of last time), my first words to my family (which I remember none of) was: "the damn PS made a ridiculous mess drawing all over my tummy and boobs". -
I didn't know anything about ps drawing on me or not. Maybe I will ask about it next time. House cleaning is not my long suit, so I did other things to keep busy pre-op
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Judy.....so glad you made it to NOLA safe and sound. Must have been so much easier once you realized you were going to get there as planned. What is your actual surgery date?
Seagan...you sound like you're doing great with the hours of work you can manage. Are you bagged when you get home though?
Tammy....I think most ps do some "reference/landmark lines with magic markers preanesthesia...Odd that yours didn't, but just goes to show the is more than one way to do this stuff. Mine is going to mark me up once I get into the actual OR.
Faith...I agree. You don't have to go into detail, by I'd sure be letting those coaches know you need info fast!!
Got out for a great (but chilly) long walk today and enjoyed the rest of the day. Took one of the new sleep pills tonight....nothing happening.....uhoh,...not again! Wish me luck!
ps....I have also sent a message to the moderators about getting the access to update the surgery lists on a go forward basis.
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My surgery date is tomorrow the 26th. I have appointments all day today. Just glad everything so far is going as planned.
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Judy, we'll all be in your pocket today and tomorrow!
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Yup, in your pockets, Judy. It'll go wonderfully, be tough at first, but worth it, RIGHT!!!!!
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Thanks ladies for responding. Unfortunately it's our crappy New England weather thats preventing the definite schedule so there isn't too much they can do I'm just crossing my fingers and praying that the season is delayed until my first week home.
Cuetang thank goodness it isn't everyday huh !
I'm going to apologize in advance for notoffering iindividual responses. This time next week I will be in surgery and my mind is even more jumbled than usual
just know that I'm reading posts and thinking of all of you and appreciating all of the support. -
Faith - don't worry about us. We are here for you. Try to get some peace this week, a little rest and a lot of water and protein. All will be well. We will look forward to hearing from you after.
Judy - try to enjoy NOLA a tiny bit as you go from appointment to appointment. You should be having beautiful weather and the Garden District will be lovely! Sleep well tomorrow. We'll talk when you get to the other side.
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faith....individual messages......so not the point of this whole thing, we are "one". Fine to do if you feel like it, doesn't mean we love to hear from you any less if you don't. So easy for us all to identify with the "jumble brain", hope you find some time this coming week to catch your breath and find somethings to have a smile about.
Cannot believe the weather your area has had this winter. I have family in the Massachusetts, New Hampshire areas that just can't seem to pack away the snow shovel! I understand how the schedule might not be available yet, but surely those coaches could assure you that they will find ways for your kids to get to the practices and games when you're not available! Don't they have a team list yet.....parents they could contact.....my kids were in sports for years...these things can be sorted out rather easily, by others!
I keep waiting for the "cleaning--nesting" thing to hit me.....I'm sooooo not someone who makes housework a priority, it should be really a new experience if it "hits". I'd rather be outside than do anything else!!!!!!!!!
Finally did get some sleep last night, thank god, so I guess the pill did kick in. I have also ordered some relaxation-meditation-healing cd's which I hope get here ASAP.
No response yet from Bleugirl, but I have also been in contact with the moderators, so there may be another way to keep a updated list going without stepping on Bleugirl's thing.
Another sunny day here, I can see the sun shining on the mountains....means good things for us all!!!!
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Just checked the moderator's "suggestion" for the list. It would be basically just buried in with the usual messages, which isn't very efficient or informative in my mind. Guess the only thing to do is to wait for Bleugirl.
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Don't bother with individual messages Faith, we as a collective will appreciate hearing your updates as you see fit to provide them.
. Just a bit of snow here in the DC area today, but nothing too bad, but I can't wait for darn spring to come!
Nihahi-- glad to see you be able to get some zzzs!
Judy-- we will all be with ya!
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