DIEP 2015

Consult with the PS before the mastectomy. It may change how much skin they save and wether a tissue expander is put in at the time of surgery.

Is it just me, or are any of you out there with BMX and DIEP having a hard time walking? Not walking upright, which I expected, but just walking? It's been four days and I can't get much further than about 20 feet my own (to the bathroom and back, with a walker) or without a break. The pain is waking me up every 3 hours. I'm walking about 4-5 times a day and the doctor is ordering PT. Just curious how much of what is happening is the surgery vs a Fibromyalgia flare-up. I also posted question in July 2015 Surgery Sisters

Bunnybumps, I'm sorry your experiencing difficulty walking, is it that you get short of breath or the pain? I had a collapsed lung after surgery so I got winded very quickly but seemed to get better daily with returning strength. If it's the pain, are you taking your meds to keep on top of it? It's much easier to control pain before it gets bad and you have been through major surgery.

Lawrence1955, apparently I had a small amount of muscle taken ( my surgeon said that it would depend when she got in there and if needed she would only use a very small amount) and other than the recovery time, I've found no issues at all. I wouldn't have known if not told. The first month of recovery was hardest and as soon as I could start sleeping on my side, I seemed to heal much quicker. I found it very much like the 2 C sections I had. You use your arms to push yourself up to get out of bed. Hold a pillow over abdomen and apply pressure for coughing or sneezing. It takes some time to heal but is so worth it! 

hi Meded,

Dr Lee was my surgeon for a prophylactic double mastectomy on June 8. I'm about your size as well. I went in as a 34a, and post DIEP I'm back to my same size, which is what I expected given my petite frame. I had a skin and nipple sparing mastectomy. Dr Lee is amazing; both my breast surgeon and he were able to both remove my breast tissues and reconstruct with the belly tissue using incisions no larger than a 50 cent piece under each nipple. When I first met him, he told me he was a perfectionist. He was true to his word! My surgery was 14 hours due to having smaller blood vessels, but the end result is incredible. I feel and look like me again. My surgery was at Beth Israel. I can't praise that staff enough for guiding me through this entire process.

Hi all, I have a question for you. I'm having my delayed DIEP on August 12th, my BMX was in April and will spend 3 nights in the hospital. I have DH help for 3 additional days will I about able to function for 8 hours on my own at that point or do I need to arrange for help? Also wondering if any one changed pant sizes after surgery or will my current work clothes still fit, I will admit my weight is more than it should be but not obese.

Outdoorswoman - agree that with a little planning you should be good on your own for 8 hours at that point in recovery; I was in hospital 5 days postop and then home - my husband went back to work that afternoon while I caught up on my sleep; then he returned to his regular work schedule.

Re: pants - I had some abdominal swelling - still have some but much better - I found it difficult if not impossible to close the waist on my pants without discomfort - elastic waist pants worked well for this time.

Morwenna - my surgery date for Stage 2 has been moved out to October 21st - you never know, we may end up finishing up at the same time

Saw my surgeon yesterday - no stage 2 for me! I'm going to do the 3D nipple tattooing instead, and only needed some minor fill in one foob. However, I do have a lump of fat necrosis in the corner of one foob .It's hard as a rock, and I thought it was scar tissue. Doc said she could take it out in an office procedure but it could reabsorb on its own. I'll book that for later in the year if needed - and so insurance covers it! However, no fill for me. She doesn't do that as an in-office procedure. So good news and bad news...

Outdoors - I agree with websister and slv58. You should be ok on your own. I was in for four days, then went home. Kids were in school, and of all things, I couldn't access the ice! You have to pull hard to get the ice bin out, then you have to reach up and in! A friend stopped by with food (wonderful!) and I had her fill me up a baggy and place it down low. The simple things we take for granted!

Hello I am new and was wondering if anyone could tell me how much mobility I will lose while recovering from BMX and immediate DEIP. I am expected to be in the hospital for 4 days, I will have in home help for three days after, if things are within reach and easy to lift, will I be able to use my arms and get around on my own. No bending I'm sure - but do I need more in home help..

Dismay15--I had bmx with immediate diep reconstruction on 7/17. I was in the hospital 4 nights and came home on 7/21. My husband went back to work on 7/27. I had him help me get dressed and washed up in the morning and then was on my own for the rest of the day. I still can't lift my arms or carry anything heavy. I also can't bend down. My husband makes me a salad or something for lunch that I can just take out of the frig and eat when I'm hungry. My microwave is above the stove so I can't heat anything up on my own. I keep everything else on a table by my bed--phone, laptop, snacks, bottles of water, pills, etc.... It is fine. I am still very tired and sleep a lot during the day.

I had my sister come to stay (form the UK) for the first week after I came home from hospital. She's a midwife/nurse so was really helpful with helping me recover and any medical things. Then my in-laws (also UK) came to stay for two weeks. I would say that after the first week - it was mainly help with keeping the house running and by the third week home I was feeling so much better and did more cooking but no heavy work. I feel I would have been ok at home on my own during the day after a week at home. I did remain tired though and need naps during the day and the company was great. Definitely a time to keep things simple and slow. I was allowed to shower with drains as long as I kept them away from the spray - but not to put my hands above my head for a while. So my hair had to wait but it was lovely to be able to get clean elsewhere!

I wish everyone a speedy and comfortable recovery for upcoming operations. I am so pleased with my results 4 months down the line. One thing I found useful is to have lots of pillows and also something near the bed to cling on to to get up - my stomach muscles still feel strange and my new habit is still to grab the bedside table to get upright. Not sure how long this will last. I am now back at the gym and swimming and walking as much as I can (no running due to my dodgy knee)

Sarah

Hi, I'm seeing such mixed reviews on plastic surgeons in Tampa...

I am wanting to have DIEP flap procedure.

Dr. Pedro Solero is on my insurance. Most reviews rave about him, but there are a couple that were very displeased. Anyone had this procedure done by him recently?

Thank you!

I'm scheduled for a mastectomy, other breast was removed last year, and DIEP reconstruction for both on August 20. I had my pre op with the surgeon yesterday, and was told that I would be in the ICU for a day or two post surgery and would be wearing a warming blanket for several days. I'm told that the patients complain because they are very sweaty and uncomfortable. I really don't like heat in any situation. For those of you who have had DIEP reconstruction, what is your experience with the warming blanket.

Hey Tulip!

I had the warming blanket. It's not that bad. You are going to be so tired from the surgery that you won't mind or recognize the warming blanket. Hope that this helps!