Expanders and overly cautious PS

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blessedinthismess
blessedinthismess Member Posts: 29
edited June 2018 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello ladies! I had a BMX with immediate reconstruction on May 7th. My PS gave me a range of motion "box" the day of my surgery and has insisted I stay inside that box for six weeks. The "box" meaning that my arms can reach in front of me, never above my shoulders or below my waist or around my back. I asked him how I was supposed to take care of myself when I used the bathroom, and he was still adamant that I didn't go outside that box. No lifting more than a gallon of milk, pulling open doors, etc. All of this, I am sure, to keep the expanders from moving. While I am glad he is being cautious, I've read post after post about how others are already driving, exercising, or having PT. I am getting worried about how little my range of motion is, and how long it will take me to get it all back. I feel like my expanders are cemented in now, but I'm so paranoid that I'll do something to make them move and make things more difficult for my exchange. It doesn't seem that anyone going through reconstruction has had the same restrictions. Fortunately, I am out of work for summer vacation, so I don't have to go to work. I'm ready to enjoy summer break with my kiddos, but this "box" is making it very difficult. I know it is temporary and I'm thankful to be doing so well. I love my PS, and I'm listening to him, but is there ANYONE out there with a similar experience? I'm just curious if anyone else has had these kinds of restrictions. Blessings to all my warrior sisters! We can do this

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited June 2018

    I would let other people do the work for you. Don't lift anything and try hard to keep in the box you will be happy you did. Yes I had these restrictions and my mother yelled at me when I would reach for the tv remote or find my arms extended. She did all the cooking, cleaning amd driving along with my husband. I slept alot for over 3 weeks my body was trying to heal. You can go the bathroom, take a shower wash your hair then rest. I didn't clean dishes, cook or anything. My kids were mostly grown at the time. Six weeks passes very fast. I advise you get movies or binge watch, read amd sleep. I had single mx and DIEP.

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited June 2018

    I had restrictions like that too. Its frustrating, but well worth it to follow.

    I hope you have support.

    wallan

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited June 2018

    Yep. I did. Was told to do dino arms for the first four weeks. Had to get creative. A grabber was useful for getting clothes out of the washer. A step stool was helpful in the kitchen. I barely remember it now.

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