Mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction

Hi @Bb1andBb2, it is still really early days (though it probably doesn't feel like it!) in terms of your recovery after your DIEP and although mine was now 5yrs ago I do remember that my tummy was extremely tight and hard for quite a number of weeks but our bodies are incredible and they do adjust.

As @CatRM said, it's important to find a good exercise physio who can help you with appropriate exercises that will help to rebuild your strength. After 2 years as a lopsided person and then going through the DIEP recon my core had gone completely AWOL. The exercises my physio gave me really helped to rediscover that part of me. I'm not as fit and active as you obviously are so I'm sure that given the right supports you will be back doing what you love soon. In the meantime, be gentle with yourself, your body has been through a lot and it just needs time to heal. Best wishes, Jane xx  

You'll get there @Bb1andBb2. Think about how much your skin stretches during pregnancy. It just takes time. Speak to your GP about getting a care plan for some subsidised exercise physiologist consultations.

BC really schools you in patience. It's coming up on a year since my DIEP. It's still taut but I'm fully flexible, did a rigorous three month gym programme, and I'm so used to how my belly feels that I barely notice it any more. Hang in there, and be gentle with your expectations of yourself! K xox

I'm sure others will pop in. If you join the reconstruction group you will find a number of ladies who have had similar procedures.

Going on my tissue expansers which were terribly tight...around 6 weeks it suddenly felt okay...both myscke and skin had stretched.

Hiya @Bb1andBb2  so sorry to hear it's so distressing for you :( I had the same opp as you, but it was 10 weeks ago today. I took a photo of all the drawing they did on my body before the op and looking back at it now, I can't believe the amount of tummy skin they took (my belly button was relocated about 2.5 inches upwards!!!!). I am utterly blown away that I can stand up straight, and that I can sleep flat too (even on my tummy this week!). I have no idea how, but somehow my skin has stretched to allow this. I was also super active pre-op, I was at crossfit 5 times a week and was quite flexible. I am not back at crossfit yet, and I'm not convinced that my core will ever be the same, but my exercise Physio says I will get back there! My stomach still feels very strange - to touch it's so firm. Because our nerves were stretched and our tummy fat is gone, everything feels very different to what it used to. I'm still getting used go this. Ask around for an exercise Physio as they will be able to encourage you and get you back on track! It's very important to work on your core, as inactivity will cause your muscles to tighten over time - but only do this work under the watchful eye of a professional! xx

I will tag a couple here who may give some reassurance next time they are on line
@nikkid
@melclarity