Hi Free Range Chick,
I'm 45 and am nearly 6 weeks post R Breast mastectomy and DIEP FLAP reconstruction, similar to melclarity I was terrified of the idea of this surgery, I also sought counselling which did help. The first few days post surgery I was full of regret, mostly due to pain, exhaustion and nausea - pain meds made me sick :( BUT then on day 3 I turned a corner and each day slowly improved. My foob as I like to call it is truly amazing, even though it has no nipple it is a remarkably good match to the other. I'm very happy my surgeon talked me into having this surgery.
The recovery is slow and I encourage you to seek your own care post surgery. I've found acupuncture and osteopathy very helpful. Also don't be afraid to call your plastic surgeons office to ask questions. You're not really given a lot of guidance in terms of the recovery of the stomach area, and I found it difficult to know what was normal or something to worry about...
Also I purchased a triangular wedge pillow from one of those old people shops, it cost $200 but was well worth it as it has allowed me to sleep at home. Additionally I hired a high backed chair with arms rests for $15 / week, this was also very helpful as we did not have any appropriate supportive seats at home. Sorry I'm also in Melbourne so can't help.
Good luck!
