DIEP 2015

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited January 2015

    Just bumping, but I can't really help you.

    After the first couple of days my PS wanted me just on Plain Tylenol and Ibuprofen!

    I had some really miserable days and nights especially. Around the 4 th night I was stressing about going to bed as I knew I wouldn't last the night, and they'd moved me to a shared room (bleh), and the nurse suddenly announced "well you can have something stronger if you like!"

    So they gave me two oxycodone, and I slept! But that was it. I went home next day and no prescription, so remained on Plain Tylenol, except for a few Tylenol with codeine I had at home. They helped a bit more, so I persuaded PS to prescribe me some more when I went back to get my drains pulled day 8, although since then I have actually managed with plain Tylenol! Some days recently I have not taken anything, and I was three weeks yesterday.

    My PS didn't seem to expect me to have significant pain after about the first day!!! What is he like??!!??!!!???


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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited January 2015

    OK.

    Now I want to start moving my arms more! I was instructed not to raise them above my head for three weeks, and now I can't move the bloody things!

    SO tight under my arms, and I'm surprised how high the incisions are into my axillae!

    I know the exercises, and I'm seeing a PT next week at the lymphedema clinic.

    I'm just having a whinge! ;p

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  • norita19
    norita19 Member Posts: 49
    edited January 2015

    Ovienna,

    Ibuprofen is much more effective then tylenol as a pain reliever. RX strength is 800mg every 6 hours.

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  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 191
    edited January 2015

    My next question is do you have drain tubes/bulbs in your stomach?

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited January 2015

    Yes. I think one normally gets at least four drains, that is one under each armpit, and one in each groin .... so you could say "lower abdomen".

    When they come out depends on how much they're draining of course, but I had one axillary one pulled on day 5, and came home with three, which were removed on day 8 post op.

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  • jmb5
    jmb5 Member Posts: 532
    edited January 2015

    Dlia, I had 4 drains... one near each breast and one on each side of the groin area (for the tummy drainage). All four of mine were removed at my check up on day 10. Some women have them longer. I had to empty the drains 3 times a day and measure and keep track of the fluid.

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited January 2015

    Hi all - I'm still in Roper Hospital. My PS did my uni-DIEP a little differently. Since mine was to correct extensive necrosis (basically, a failed flap in slo-mo due to poor vessels in the SGAP), the PS decided at the last minute to only take one flap and leave the other just in case. Since my new flat is surviving (yay!), the other flap was taken off today and my belly was evened up. I'm feeling much more comfortable now. The pathology came back clear. After 2.5 years of waiting to deal with this, I am feeling extremely relieved! I think my results will look very balanced too! Yay!

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited January 2015

    LAstar, so happy for your successful flap surgery. I am smiling for you. My prayers for good healing this time.

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited January 2015

    Hi All

    New to this thread and actually haven't been on BCO really in a while. I'm 3 years out from my MX and really just started seriously looking at options and shopping surgeons. I was really going to go the implant route but the two I met so far are really trying to steer me to the DIEP route. I have the perfect figure for it LOL. Nice poochy tummy. I'm seeing a PS at the UHN in March and am interested in for sure listening to what they think is the best option for me It's a big surgery and recovery and oh so scarey. I have a big problem right now in that I smoke. While I have really cut down, I know I have to quit once and for all if I want the surgery. Hopefully I can give them up for good. I'll be following all of you brave ladies now!

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited January 2015

    Hooray! LAstar!!

    Welcome Myleftboob!! Sympathies re the smoking issue. Never having even tried smoking, myself, I can't say I really relate, but I do understand how hard it can be to quit! Since this surgery is so much about the blood supply, I suppose it is a given that you not be smoking, so if you can manage it for the surgery you can hopefully give it up for good!

    I'm only three weeks out, and just starting to feel a little more myself, but even though it's been a tough go, and my foobs aren't perfect I am LOVING them already! :)

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  • Sue007
    Sue007 Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2015

    Hi Everyone,


    Has anyone that has had a DIEP Flap HAD Previous abdominal surgery or C-Sections? Were there any complication like abdominal wall bulges or hernia? I have had 2 c-section and an a abdominal hysterectomy but the surgeon said that isn't a concern as he will only take the fat. Thanks in advance. for any feedback. sue

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited January 2015

    Myleftboob, this seems like a great way to quit smoking. You can't cheat or you will have to postpone surgery. You wouldn't want to go through all of this and have a failed flap. Hit the 6-weeks mark then schedule it! I quit 20 years ago and am so glad I did. Those spring flowers will smell extra sweet this year!

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  • five_cents
    five_cents Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2015

    Yikes! I just said yes to a cancellation date my surgeon had and am scheduled for surgery on Monday. I had a tentative date of March 30 and had been planning for that but it's all bumped up now! I just had my ct on Monday, don't even have the full report from that yet. Pre op clinic appointment tomorrow. Any words of advice for preparing? Right now I've got lists and lists of things like laundry, vacuuming, return the library books...oh, and get my work ready for an extended leave. My poor boss, we had a near perfect plan for March coverage but I don't think the timing is the same for Monday!


    I've been lurking but am about to go back and read more closely. Can hardly believe it

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited January 2015

    Welcome to 2015 Flappers thread five_cents!

    I've put your name on the timeline. If you wish to add any more detail just let me know.

    Wow that is short notice! It's scurry hurry time for you over the next few days then! At least you don't have too much time to worry about it!

    Good luck for Monday. Look forward to a nice long nap!! xx

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  • Sassy01
    Sassy01 Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2015

    Sue007,

    I had two C-sections, hysterectomy, and gallbladder removal! I had no issues with my DIEP flap surgery at all because of it. My surgeon brought my abdominal incision down to my C-section line so it's nce and clean. None of my scars are on the new girls. They were either removed or are still on the abdomen.

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited January 2015

    Anybody ever hear of someone having implants post MX and then getting capsular contracture and then opting for removal of implants and getting DIEP?

    Been in pain for a bit now on the right side. Feels tight and the muscle is sore. Think I might have CC but not sure. I have saline filled silicone implants. I think 900cc now.

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  • Sue007
    Sue007 Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2015

    Dear Sassy,

    So HAPPY to hear that, Thank you !!!!!! Glad your doing well !


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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited January 2015

    NanG,

    I don't think it is at all unusual for women to convert from implants to flap surgery, for a variety of reasons.

    But you may get a bigger response to your question if you open a new thread in the Breast Reconstruction forum, or maybe ask the same question in the DIEP 2014 thread, as that will cover more readers than the 2015 thread currently has.

    regards,

    Morwenna


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  • OVienna
    OVienna Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2015

    Norita19, thanks! Great to know that Ibuprofen more effective than Tylenol. I did not know that. I'm not allowed to take it yet -- not until week 3 post-op-- because it is blood thinning. But I see that it says on my timeline that I can start taking it then. So I will look forward to it! Also the anti-inflammation benefit has got to be good too.

    Since saying bye-bye to my drains, I seem to be managing on half pills of Oxycodone plus 2 Tylenol every six hours. I am surprised that I need this still-- I took only one Tylenol after my lumpectomy-- but I have heard so often that you heal best if you are not in pain so I am trying not to be my usual tough girl self. The most pain at this point is under my armpit and upper arm, which feel like someone has gone up and down my arm with a rusty rake. Other pain in my body is more just general discomfort. But again, much improved since I lost the drains.

    Morwenna that is amazing that you were given so little! I was on a morphine drip for the first couple of days. It helped me sleep in between the hourly checks of my flap.

    Feeling a bit better every day. Morwenna, very inspired to hear you feel so good at 3 weeks. I am at 2 weeks now. At 4 weeks my hubbie will be going on a business trip, leaving me alone with our 3-year old (yeeks!) so I am praying for a continued steady recovery!!! If I think about how much healing has happened in only 2 weeks, it seems do-able

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  • OVienna
    OVienna Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2015

    At 2 weeks, I was also allowed to say bye-bye to my binder and wear a medium- support Spanx/girdle instead, which has brought me immense happiness. Binders are in the trash now! I actually already had a body girdle from Uni Qlo and I love wearing it. Highly recommend it. Probably cheaper than Spanx too... Slightly annoying that you need to pull it down every time you need to go to the bathroom, but it is infinitely more comfortable than the binder. Does not slide up and has a nice silky feeling

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited January 2015

    Yeah, the armpit/upper arm is numb, but also (bizarrely) really hurts, like a burn sort of pain. The rusty rake describes it perfectly! I remember it from my original Mx/ANC, and it resolved over time. Now it's both sides, so worse, but presumably will resolve again!

    I just found out they took about 10 nodes from my PMx (right) side, in order to access my blood vessels, so potentially at risk for lymphedema. I already have mild LE on my left, so that wasn't the best news!

    The other, most EXCELLENT news is that all my pathology was clear, as was my CT, the day before Sx, so I am feeling at long last CANCER FREE!!!

    My tummy is generally improved. I can sneeze now with only the barest wince! I can bend over and pick things off the ground or out of a low cupboard or the dishwasher etc! All these things are improving daily!

    I was allowed, nay encouraged, to use Advil from the start, and also take a low dose aspirin AND had lmw heparin injections in hospital as I have a high platelets condition and developed leg and lung clots during chemo, and so trying not to let that happen again!. My symptoms were quite subtle and gradual at that time, so now I find myself stressing over how breathless I am on exertion compared to normal for this post op period. Is that a pain in my calf??? Is it normal to get a bit short o breath walking at moderate pace or climbing a flight of stairs???

    My hematologist has told me I am high risk for further thromboembolism, and if I get dvt/pe again I will have to be on anticoagulants for life! So being so limited after this surgery is scaring the pants off me!

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  • DeeCee
    DeeCee Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2015
    Hello everyone. My name is DeeCee. I am getting really for a DIEP flap for both breast.
    I was diagnosed with BC stage 2/3 in he left breast but decided to have them both removed. At that point I had a silicon implants which later developed scarring in he right breast. I feel like I have breast plates on when lying down but for the most part it was bearable considering. I am now a 5 year survivor and do not want to experience the discomfort anymore. I am reaching retirement age (minimum lol ) and want to be a free of discomfort as possible. Reaching out to this group for get support and also provide support. I have my pre operative appointment and because I wll be home for 12 weeks (I am told) will walk you ( those who are considering this) the experience. If anyone can give me a heads up on what to expect that would be greatly appreciated. My motto. Keep strong and carry on.! GOD BLESS!

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited January 2015

    Welcome to 2015 Flappers DeeCee!

    I have added you to the timeline. That's funny NanG was asking, just yesterday, for someone in your very situation!

    M.

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  • LiLi-RI
    LiLi-RI Member Posts: 291
    edited January 2015

    Welcome and warm wishes to all!

    LAstar: I am so happy for you. Your journey has been difficult so you must finally feel like you are making excellent progress!

    Myleftboob: I had same issue with smoking! After my initial meeting with the PS (last May), and after explanation of the reconstruction, I was FINALLY able to quit smoking! It will be one year in May. If you wish to know how, please PM me.

    Morweena: Excellent news! So glad your healing process is underway! Please do not overdue it on the lifting!

    LiLi

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  • DeeCee
    DeeCee Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2015

    Happy to be here! Thank you ! Love to tell my story if it brings comfort to someone. Will keep you posted. My pre operative appoint is February 6th

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited January 2015

    Lili, thanks for the reminder that I am making progress! Those little triumphs get a little lost when I'm struggling to get in/out of bed! I think gaining a few degrees in my posture and finally having a bowel movement will help my attitude.

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited January 2015

    DeeCee I was just hoping and praying for someone to give me insight!!

    I am sitting on my lounger under a heating pad right now because my right implant (saline filled silicone) is reeeesealllly sore. My scar started itching and stinging, it hurts down my arm like tense...and my muscle feels so sore. It's achey and I'm worried.

    I called my PS and I actually just had my regular 6mo follow up at the Onc about 4 weeks ago. She didn't see anything but now this situation with the chest pain has come up.

    When I lay on the floor in yoga child's pose and stretch my arms forward it feels like it's stretching out what hurts.

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  • DeeCee
    DeeCee Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2015
    NanG: They say there is comfort in numbers. I have had several experiences in both breasts. I have mentioned to my doctor that I sometimes feel like something is crawling under my skin. He said it maybe the nerves regenerating. All a part of the healing process. By far my biggest problem is the tightness of the breast. This is from the addition scar tissues that developed after the implants. There is nothing that can be done but I find exercise to relieve it somewhat. I am under the thought process that if it is not broke don't fix it. But I am now at the point of doing the Diep flap at the suggestion of my surgeon. He can see and feel the tightness. It now affect the quality of life for me. I don't want anyone to hug me including my husband and this must be fixed. This is going on 4 years and I can't see myself living like this anymore. I understand my case to be in the 5% range so not many people have this problem but it can happen. It is similar to keloids around the breast I think. The extra scar tissue causes the tightness.
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  • julieho
    julieho Member Posts: 222
    edited January 2015

    I had DIEP 7 weeks ago to remove implants and scar tissue and replace them with stomach tissue. I am very happy I did this. My breast post surgically felt better immediately. My implants were very painful and even though they were very small in size they were also very lopsided. My new breast are small, by choice and because that was all the belly fat I had but they are soft, warm and move with me and my pec muscle is back behind my Breast which feels great.

    Best of luck.

    Julieho

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  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited January 2015

    Another "veteran" of implant complications here. I very much understand the pain of capsular contracture, and the un-naturalness of implants. Something that doesn't seem to come up in postings of women who are having implant issues, is the fact that once you develop capsular contracture...you are at a much higher "risk" of it happening again, so just replacing with another implant is not great option (imho). The flap breast recon gave me SUCH a better result....best choice ever, for me!!!!


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