DIEP flap reconstruction - free range chick asking

@"Barbara M" Hi! I had a single Diep Flap REconstruction in February this year as did @Nikkid you can find stories together with photos in the Breast Reconstruction Group. It is a Private Group here is the link
http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

You have to request to join, then you access the stories/photos

Hugs Melinda xo

I am having a double Deip reconstruction with Dr Fred Clarke in November.  Can someone please let me know where I can see some photos on this type of reconstruction?

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! 

Thanks for the input - I am still trying to figure out how this site works...tech is not my strong point ;-)

Thinking of you @primek! I know how stressful the lead up is and also the relief when it's done. Take care Nikki  <3

I'm 3 days away from my changeover for impmant reconstruction. Happy so far.

Hi @"Free Range Chick" I am currently Day3 post DIEP Flap reconstruction...,I am posting a daily diary in the breast recon group and have been supported by the wonderful women there.

3 days post surgery I actually feel fantastic! X

Hey @"Free Range Chick" If You wanted to post in the choosing breast reconstruction group just look for groups at the top right of this page then click on it.  Then click on choosing breast reconstruction.  When you get into the site there is an announcement at the top of the page with lots of photo stories.  Just click on it and look for DIEP and TRAM surgeries and open any of those.  In regards to finding a surgeon check this link from Reclaim your Curves. I have heard excellent things about Dr Fred Clarke.  However have no personal experience with either of those surgeons as I am in Queensland. I have had a bilateral TRAM flap which is similar to DIEP but they also took some of my tummy muscle.  Not all surgeons are trained to do DIEP so it's a great question to ask, also not everyone is a suitable candidate. 
Good luck
Paula xxx 

Hi FreeRangeChick, 
Im just 12 months following a DIEP flap reconstruction. I have an appointment next Tuesday to discuss the next step, my tweaking operation, where they'll tidy up areas so they look more normal, and give me a new nipple.
I have found it a challenge and lots of hard work in the recovery process, however one of the best decisions that I have ever made in the moving on process.
I was in hospital for 7 days, the operation took 8 hours and I awoke with a drip, a catheter and 3 drain tubes ( 1 for the new breast and 1 each side of the lower tummy wound ) Nursing staff checked me half hourly for circulation in my new breast and other checks while they were there for the first 2 days. Breast drain came out day 3 and I was allowed out of bed that day. Tummy drains and dressings down on day 5, and I went home day 7. I was encouraged to walk, and that helped heaps.
Once I was home, I was told to not lift or drive for 6 weeks, and had to wear a tummy girdle for about 6 weeks, this helps to reduce any seroma under the tummy wound.
Just keep working on remaining fit by walking and be gentle on yourself. It's a huge thing to do, but in my opinion, worth the effort.
I wish you all the very best, and send you a huge cuddle, Trace xxxx