DIEP 2014

just thought I would introduce myself,  I am scheduled for bilateral DIEP October 20 2014  in Seattle.

I had my bilateral mastectomies in july of 2013.  I did a lot of research, and met with PS at least 4 times to decide best option of reconstruction for me and arrived at decision for DIEP back in March, but scheduled surgery for October, not wanting to limit my summer activities with recovering from surgery again.  so now surgery is less than 1 month away and is becoming more of a reality.  I feel good about the decision, and hope that all goes well. I have some back issues and hope the DIEP goes well without them needing to take any of my abdominal muscles as I did not want to lose any core strength.  wondering what recovery has been like for others regarding recovering from abdominal aspect of DIEP surgery.  also thanks to the person who did the summary of recovery issues, and will be prepared for 3-4 wk slump. 

Kb33, I know it's no comfort to you, but 3 weeks seems to be a time when many of us have had down days. I'm not sure what it is about that particular time period. For me, I think I was just so darn tired of being tired. The care it takes to properly recover from DIEP is exhausting. You do more because you are sick of doing so little and that makes you hurt more and feel like doing less. You need to treat yourself somehow. You have come a long way! You will get through this week. 

Do you still have your incentive spirometer? I didn't realize I wasn't breathing deeply enough until the stabbing pains came. Give it a try.

I have two pair of Soma jammies and have worn them through surgeries and raging cellulitis hospitalizations.  They're soft, beautiful, make me feel pretty, and wash very well.  I haven't yet run into a stain that won't come out.  If you can, splurge a little on comfort and beauty.  Get a pedicure, too.  It helps.

Jersey glad stage 2 went well. 

I had mine on aug 27. Coming out of anaesthesia also was unusually rough for me too. I did not have more pain day 2. I overdid it though. Needed more time with legs up resting. Tylenol was my friend.

Recovery went very well for me. The bruising looked worse than I felt. Compression with spanx really felt good. My thighs felt heavy amd boggy without. Stopped spanx at 2.5weeks. Started back rollerblading shortly after.

Hope your recovery goes well!

Thanks for the tips on what to wear post surgery ladies, it makes such a difference to get this information so far in advance.  

As far as pain pills definitely have a discussion with your Doc.  I don't do well with pain meds either, they typically nauseate me.  When I had my mastectomy we discovered that the hydrocodone worked better for me as opposed to the oxycodone; even though my surgeon explained they are essentially the same thing she recognizes that everyone tolerates them differently.  Also, I started with half a pill and that worked so I stayed on that track, it managed my pain well and didn't cause nausea so I know what I can tolerate.  Hopefully this all holds true for the DIEP surgery.

Kb33 - sorry to hear you are struggling, I hope that turns around quickly.  Keep us posted.

decided to chalk yesterday up to just a bad day :-).  Back at work today and got the 5 mile walk in and chest pain is gone.  I think my body is just reminding me I am working it.   Rather be sore from a hard workout then just a normal day... But greatful I am up and moving... And doing. Or all activities even if I am stiff, sore and slow... Lol. One of my 11 year old twins told me today... I still do more than other moms on the block even though I look like the bride of Frankenstein.  I had to laugh, kids are so darn honest.   Hahaha

tlbrady - How long did you wait for stage 2 surgery? My DIEP was Sept 4 of this year. I would love to have the 2nd surgery before end of year because of insurance but not sure how long doctor wants to wait. And how long before you could wear a bra? 

Jerseymom, I have a question.  The fat that they liposuctioned from your side boob, they were able to use that to fill in the other boob?  I was hoping they could do that.  I have a similar issue with too much in one spot and I was hoping they could move it to another spot on the other side.

Norita, I know there is a Soma store in the outlet mall near my house, and they do have stores in some malls, and then there is always on line.  So glad your test results were clean!!!

thank you tlbradyful for sharing your good recovery from stage 2. I am feeling better today but as you said, the lipo area is sore.

Lipgloss, try not to panic.  I know that's easier said than done.  Hopefully, the PS will call you back soon and help you relax. 

Jerseymom, thanks.  I hope they can do the same thing with me.  Nice to see you back.  Yes, lipo makes you so sore, but it passes fairly quickly.

Let your surgeon know about your pain since as the saying goes "that is why they are making the big bucks".  I am not sure where in the chest your pain is but you could have any number of things going on.  It isn't unusual, KB to have down days after all you have been through, you will feel better in time.  We all have had our days, that is for sure.

I had pain with breathing in deeply and my lungs were not fully expanding since I was short waisted and so much swelling in my tummy.  They even did a CT scan to make sure it wasn't anything and basically what I had done was started breathing too shallowly without realizing it so had to use that incentive spirometer and increase my activity to open things up better, then the pain went away.

Hoping you have a better day tomorrow.  !! Hang in there!

I'm still recovering from my hysterectomy, it's been two weeks. I feel like I still need more rest, but it's so hard when those around you are harassing you to get back to work. 

My DH got sick the day we came home from the hospital and he just was feeling better a couple of days ago. So it was miserable around here. He was in a bad mood feeling unwell, I needed help, so you can see where this is going. He even went to the ER and all tests were negative so it must just be a bad virus. I can't help but be pissed off that the one time I was going to need him and he gets sick, perfect timing. I know it's not his fault he got sick, but I feel pretty shafted in the care department.

And now of course he expects me to get back to doing everything just as before, but my body isn't allowing too much right now. Oh well...

Janet, I like your 3:3:3 recovery table.. its like OK, I can do that.

LipGloss...I want one of those ...no not really..I had 4 kids, but I wish my daughter would get a move one..I have 3 granddaughters but I want another grandbaby. A boy would be nice..we have nothing but girls..and we all know how they can be..

and you are right about this year being sucky and the end of last year and the beginning of next year..I just can not wait until ALL of this crap is over..

and Sarah...your husband has alot of nerve being sick at the same time..  j/k..  I am sure he didn't like it either...Hopefully your all doing better..