Recovery Time? - BMX With Immediate Recon

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Mystique
Mystique Member Posts: 7
edited July 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello all,

Next month I am scheduling for my BMX with immediate reconstruction. I currently work full time with a desk job (IT Analyst).

My chemo ended early due to complications but since I am triple positive, just continuing with the hormone therapy. I stopped chemo one month ago so I have some recovery cushion before surgery.

What kind of recovery time (specifically off work) am I looking at? I am 35 and in excellent health otherwise. I have heard 6-8 weeks but have also heard women going back to work much sooner. (Granting no complications of course.) I obviously want to heal but my recovery time is out of pocket so I am anxious to get back in my new normal after its all over!

Thank you!

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  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited July 2016

    My wife had a BMX with immediate reconstruction.

    6 weeks post up she drove a school bus-lots of arm movement and no pain meds/muscle relaxers allowed.

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  • Hopefloatsinyyc
    Hopefloatsinyyc Member Posts: 211
    edited July 2016


    I had a BMX with immediate to implant reconstruction just under 2 weeks ago. I went home from hospital the next morning and was walking just fine even the evening of surgery. I stayed on top of my pain by using mostly Advil by day 3 and was back working full time hours (home office but high stress director position and simply ran conference calls and worked from laptop on the couch) by the following Monday (4 days post-op). I get tired quicker, and take breaks when needed but hasn't been bad at all. Been driving for almost a week now.(got approval from PS prior)

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  • Mystique
    Mystique Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2016

    Thank you both for your replies, very helpful! I know the kicker for me will be being able to drive into work (45 minute drive). I appreciate the feedback!

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  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited July 2016

    My advice: take as much time as you can financially. I took 6 weeks and appreciated the time, even though I am sure I could have headed back to my desk job sooner. Healing is both physical and psychological. Plus, this is major surgery. And the stress of work is no joke (at least for me!). I'm 50 so certainly don't bounce back as quickly as those younger, but I really did appreciate being able to take my time. Are you going into TEs or literally right to implants? The TEs are uncomfortable and an adjustment. Anyway, my best advice is to NOT push yourself if you can help it. Unfortunately, much of this decision often comes down to finances and the type of short term disability you may or may not have. Hopefully you've got options!

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  • VegGal
    VegGal Member Posts: 507
    edited July 2016

    The driving will be the killer. The first few times I did a sizable drive I was in utter agony the day after. It caused a burning, spasmodic pain. As others said, take your time. Recovering well is a good goal to have.

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  • Mystique
    Mystique Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2016

    Thank you so much for the feedback! I am not doing TE's, going right to implants.

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  • Kessa619
    Kessa619 Member Posts: 80
    edited July 2016

    I had BMX with immediate implants in January. It is much easier to drive when you get your surgical drains out. That happened for me on day 10 or so after surgery. After that, I was back to my regular activities. Although I had to wait six weeks to exercise. Wishing you a speedy and uneventful recovery

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