Double mastectomy - anyone not driving by 6 weeks post op?

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JennieKeaton
JennieKeaton Member Posts: 80
edited November 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi All -

I'm three weeks post op, and gradually getting better. Besides the challenges posed by the lifting restriction, my biggest concern is driving. I am nowhere near feeling well enough to do this, and I return to work on December 10th. Trying to see if I feel there is any chance I won't be ready to drive by then. I know everyone is unique, but I'm wondering how likely it is I won't be driving by then. I had a double mastectomy, lat flap on left side, and tissue expanders in both sides.

For those of you who have been through this, was anyone NOT driving by week 6?

Thanks!

Jennie

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  • Mammabear
    Mammabear Member Posts: 18
    edited November 2018

    I just started driving at 3 weeks, but couldn’t use the handbrake or do tough parking moves - needed a passenger to help me.

    Recovery was rapid after three weeks and iwas feeling much stronger and able to drive on my own by 6 weeks.

    I did not have a lat flap, so not sure how that will impact, but I had double mastectomy and implant under the pecs. I still don’t have full strength back in the pecs (after 18 months). I may never be able to do push ups again!

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  • DATNY
    DATNY Member Posts: 358
    edited November 2018

    I did. I was driving in less than 3 weeks, with one of the drains still in place (which came out at the three weeks mark). But I am flat.

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  • JennieKeaton
    JennieKeaton Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2018

    Thanks Mammabear! It's good to hear things moved quickly after three weeks. I'm finding myself impatient and need things to move along!

    Other than not being able to do a push up, what other weakness do you find?

    Jennie

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  • bella2013
    bella2013 Member Posts: 489
    edited November 2018

    I had BMX with DIEP Flap. I was driving at 5 weeks

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  • CaliKelly
    CaliKelly Member Posts: 474
    edited November 2018

    I had only one side lat flap, but agree after 3 weeks rhe range of motion and strength improves. Did you get exercises to do yet? I could drive 2 weeks but not good comparison, since I had uni.

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  • JennieKeaton
    JennieKeaton Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2018

    Hi CaliKelly - no exercises yet. My incisions are healed, and my energy/strength is slowly returning. The back continues to be the issue. Today, for example, it is real pain again. Tight, knotted up, angry. I tried to go for a walk, and I got four houses before I just was too tight and sore.

    I am at the four week mark next Wednesday and see my PS on Tuesday. I'm going to ask her for referral (or at least OK) for PT. I just simply think I need professional help for my back. I don't see any real progress in this area.

    And until the back progresses, I won't be driving. I could very much drive in all other aspects right now, but the back is prohibiting it.

    My six week mark is the day after my first chemo, so I'm thinking I'll start PT seven weeks post op. Hope it doesn't set me back too much waiting that long. Right now it feels like it will be weeks more before I'm driving (or longer). Hope not, but......

    Either way, it's what it is......

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  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited November 2018

    JennieK-

    I just recently insisted on PT with a PT experienced and experienced with post BMX reconstruction issues.

    Best thing I’ve done in recent memory. And did so after my recent exchange surgery complete with a hematoma!

    You are so not too late. I was shocked how much PT guy helped me only after one session. I look forward to my twice a week sessions.

    I believe if PS submits under reconstruction, do not quote me on this, it has to be covered.

    Get the care you need, because it makes a huge difference.

    Good luck to you!!

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  • CaliKelly
    CaliKelly Member Posts: 474
    edited November 2018

    It will definitely help and should be covered! And you need a specialist.Do it!Glad you're feeling better in other ways, but that back problem has to be addressed😚💖

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited November 2018

    I agree! PT helped me tremendously to unlock my shoulder on the cancer side. I really don't understand why it isn't part of the standard treatment protocol. You have to push for it.

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