Hi @Twiggyjumps, I am almost 4 years from my bilateral TRAM. The tummy numbness is something the drs don’t really speak much about. I still have quite a large, maybe the size of a saucer numb area. I think it is something you get used too. I have never felt the need for protection as such, but I did wear an abdominal binder for 6 weeks post op. Not all surgeons use them. I felt quite lost without it when it was gone and so switched to big girl support undies. Maybe if you try something like that for a while and see how you go.
Paula xx