Soreness after surgery with reconstruction :(

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EdT58
EdT58 Member Posts: 4
edited June 2019 in Breast Reconstruction

Had double mastectomy with reconstruction past Wed May 22nd. Dealing with pain, 4 drains and headaches from meds. It's challenging for sure. Husband and family oh so supportive and helpful. Anyone have ideas to get through first week a bit better or until drains removed?? Ha

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  • DebP59
    DebP59 Member Posts: 5
    edited May 2019

    Oh Honey I feel your pain. Keep drains In front of you, this way you don’t catch them indoors and drawers! I use small pillows or rolled up towels to put under back area behind drains so you can somewhat lean back. Have someone sew a few for you. I’m talking 8x10. Have them make a longer one to wear under seatbelt to protect chest. I use to walk around at night( couldn’t sleep), with my arms like chicken wings. I also slept at times with two big pillows in front of me, leaning into them. That basically qualifies as sitting up. But leaning forward to the pressure off my chest. Walk a bit to keep moving, but do not over do it. I lost two of the four drains after a week. But need the other two a bit more. It’s worth it, you do t want a seroma. Eat small meals to ward off sickness . Keep going, be strong. I will pray for you. Life gets better without the drains

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  • Scrafgal
    Scrafgal Member Posts: 631
    edited May 2019

    Been there!

    I used a product called post surgical Pink Pockets...they stick on the inside of your tops ccx and hold drains out if the way and sight of visitors

    You can buy them ml online...

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  • OnTarget
    OnTarget Member Posts: 447
    edited May 2019

    Walmart sells little travel pillows sort of like DepP was mentioning that are about $4 each. I used them behind my back, under my arm, under my head, etc. Very helpful!

    I was pretty uncomfortable with burning, shooting pains at times on the first few days, but it got better really quickly! I slept a lot. I have 3 hangout spots: bed with a wedge and lots of pillows, a lift chair with pillows, and a couch with a wedge and lot of pillows. I like having different positions during the day to sit in.

    I'm 10 days out and doing great now!

    I wish you the best!

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  • cwins1218
    cwins1218 Member Posts: 37
    edited June 2019

    Hi OnTarget,

    I had my BMX with diep flap reconstruction on June 3rd. I'm also experiencing that weird headache from the meds..I thought I was imagining it. Thank you for sharing and I hope recovery is getting better each day

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  • EdT58
    EdT58 Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2019

    Thank you all for ideas and well wishes! I wish and pray the same for you all! ❤

    To date, all drains are out after 3 weeks! Feeling so much better. Soreness is still an issue but manageable and feeling stronger everyday. How I wish I could sleep in my bed next to my hubby though, tried the other night and just couldn't get comfy. Got up cried a bit and became one with the recliner again! Oh well, all great things in time! 👍


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  • JackieJJ
    JackieJJ Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2019

    Hi EDT58

    had my op same day as yourself - final drains out last week. Still sore especially if try sleeping on side (sleep better but regret soreness when wake up) but barely taking any meds now. Bra on 24/7 with additional padding in between to try and keep things comfortable. Tired very quickly.

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  • EdT58
    EdT58 Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2019

    Hang in there...I know about the fatique, I try to do something light and before you know it I want to take a nap! And yes the bra thingie is constricting but yet gives comfort all at the same time...crazy! Heres to good days ahead!

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