NOLA in September?

maggie - after the ab incision was lowered I had tne hip drains for about 2 weeks.

I had it done it Chicago last year before my vlntx surgery.  They take 4 needles and inject them 1 at a time in each hand and foot between the thumb and forefinger and big toe /2nd toe.  Then you let the stuff circulate and get the scan.  Burns bad when it goes in but then it's over quite quickly.  

Maggie

Thanks Springtime!  I almost confused myself with the preop vs. surgery dates.  

Good advice!  I've had EMLA for some kind of dermatological procedure in the past.  None on hand, but I'll try to ask for some when I get there.  I've never had this test before.  I'm a little nervous.  (Frankly, going to be a little nervous about it all, I'm sure!)

kb - now is the time to relinquish control.  Have a good day with your kids.  If the house doesn't meet your sister's standards - let her clean.  They are her standards not yours.  Give yourself permission to rest and heal.  If you push too hard your body can't do what is best.  I think this is the most difficult lesson for all of us "a" types - to just let go and know that others will step in - doesn't mean we are any less valuable.  We are all here for you!  BTW - had implants for 27 years - so loving my DIEP!

Mary - ask your PS to call some EMLA in so you can have it with you. They will not be prepared if you are going to Touro. Also, you need to apply 1 hour before, between fingers and toes. The test was easy other than the injections. You just have to lie still. There is down time between scans. Take your iPad or some reading material. One time gives you enough time to eat in between, in the cafeteria, not outside the hospital. The gift shop was cute. I would call Touro and ask Nuclear Medicine to fax you the prep instructions. I didn't have them in advance and it would have helped.

Kb33, Marty is right. We have all been there. Do what you can; family is most important. Work will adjust to you being gone. You have to let your body heal. I know you have read some of the complications that can occur with such a big surgery. Please know that strictly following the post-op instructions can prevent some of these. It's so hard to rest! I thought I was just fine and doing very well. I stopped my pain meds because I didn't need them (or so I thought). Two days later I was in the emergency room. I didn't need the pain meds because I was not breathing deeply enough. Use that incentive spirometer for a very long time!!!

TEACHER??? IS IT LIE?

Diane - the appropriate place to post photos is on the photo sharing site.  If you go to the Breast Reconstruction subject area on BCO, there is a fixed post that explains how to get on the picture forum.  You will need more posts, though, before being admitted to the site.  It is carefully protected to guard privacy.  I am sure Dr. D will do a wonderful job for you!

feeling.... Sore, tired and bored in NOLA.  20 hours post-op.  Have been walking twice, catheter out, contacts back in and I feel ..ok.  Have not needed pain meds yet, but I think after my big two loop walk I might try some with my nap.   Feeling content and a bit happy that they were able to spare my nipple and ll 4 biopsies were negative.  Looking forward to a few days of healing and hopefully some sleep.  Thnx everyone for you thoughts.  

kb33 enjoy being bored for a few days, life will pick up very soon.

Mags I'm glad to hear you see big changes! I waited a while before sleeping on my side and I'm still worried about it. I usually still try to put pillows behind my back and lean a little off my side. Does that make sense?

Dr M said 6 weeks to side sleeping.  3 1/2 to go...but I am not anxious at all

Happy story.  Took my daughter shopping for her wedding gown yesterday as she is newly engaged.  I started to cry even before she emerged in a white dress.  Just knowing that I could have missed out on this milestone in her life had I not done my self exam that day.  After several try ons and 2 shops we found the one.  When she walked out we both burst into tears and held each other.   She cried into my shoulder and said that she was so happy that I would be there to share the special day with her.  I will always hold the memory dear to me and cannot wait to see her marry the man of her dreams in February.  I really thought that I was going to die when diagnosed and am so grateful for everyday I live and breathe.

Maggie

Thanks, MartyJ.  I'm sure he will.  Knowing I'll be having stage II at NOLA along with the encouragement and insights shared here, I feel I'm on the right road to recovery.  

Has anyone had a bellybutton revision during stage II along with abdominal scar tissue removal and an abdominal scar lowering?  I'm wondering how long the FULL recovery might take after that.  I developed a seroma in the abdominal incision following stage I and could not even put cloths on over my abdomen for 8 weeks. It took me 4 months to be able to say I felt like I could function somewhat normally.  Under uncomplicated circumstances, I'm wondering what I can expect after stage II.  

Also, I had a nipple sparing mastectomy.  But the nerves were cut and the area is just a flat, flesh colored circle.  Would anyone be willing to tell me if their nipple reconstruction/tatooing looks 'normal' if it is only on one side and if you feel like the surgery is worth it?  Can they match the original closely enough?

Thanks to all.

I just had my belly scar lowered 2 1/2 weeks ago.  For my stage 1 I had a spot that opened up on the scar due to some fluid collection.  Had to wear a wound vac and everything.  That spot is where most of the pain is but overall it has been a quick recovery for me.  my drains came out on day 12 and I am not quite 100% yet but feel better everyday.  I am back to regular activity for most of the day but by afternoon I am ready to get off my feet and relax for a bit. 

Maggie 

Hi there! I am new to this site.  I have a question... Did any of you get the periodic stabbing pains with the nerve regeneration? I had my bilateral mastectomy back in January and don't recall that happening. I had the DIEP about 5 weeks ago and have been getting the stabbing pains in the abdomen and left breast for a couple of weeks now. Everything is healthy and healing, so I'm not overly concerned, just curious....

Kim,

Just give Vickie Hart a call at the Center. I had my DIEP done with Dr. Sullivan in August. I called her because I hadn't heard from my insurance company...  She assured me that the thd request was made.  After that you should be able to contact your insurance company and get the approval nimber. Hope that helps!