I think I underestimated how bad I would be feeling afterwards and once I accepted that the pain on recovery is part of it felt less stressed about it.
Things that I did not expect were-
numb and swollen lip with lack of feeling(still there nearly 3 weeks later)
inability to move almost at all for about 3 days,soreness from this
pain on breathing in due to long time in prone position
I did not have much initial pain in the breasts only the stomach scar
I did not know that I would have a belly button reconstruction too!!
Once I was able to get out of bed by myself(very ungracefully)I felt a lot better to have a tiny bit of independence back.
Now I I have some pain/tingling in the breast but the stomach has settled down a bit. I have a lot of pulling in the stomach where it is now flat and tight.
And the thing I never thought of was that I can only eat small amounts(did they sneak in a stomach staple job too?
I am longing to be able to do more than just sit and watch tv but now understand that it is a huge operation with a long recovery.
All the best for yours!
Julia
No I am sorry to say the sensation is not like before BUT better than I expected.
Specifically, I cant feel the centre area of each breast, probably about a 7-8 cm circle (breasts are a about a C). But have normal sensation between the breasts and around them. as they soften it seems to get better. But I dont expect to get it back in the centre area much more. But ill keep up the massaging in the hope that magic happens.
As for the tummy, it gets better every day. I keep massaging and the numbness seems to be shrinking. Ive been told it will get back to normal in this area, but not sure.
So no it is a bit weird, but I guess like others we will get used to not feeling our breasts and make the most of the areas we can feel! Not that there is a choice I guess.
You CAN look forward to lovely warm natural feeling (from the outside) stomach breasts though.
Dont be scared but make the most if them while youve got them.
oh and i use body butter to massage into scars and skin as it stays mouristrised 24 hrs. I made some (wanted chemical free) whipping up 1/4 coconut oil and 3/4 shea butter. I also included hemp oil for healing in one batch.
xxxlouie
Hi Julia, i understand your worry of regret, I too had this concern. To be completely honest i didnt feel great about the surgery for quite a few weeks after. Thought id never feel strong again. But after 8-10 weeks I feel pretty well back to normal, strong and positive. Definately no regrets. You will end up with lovely warm breasts that act just like breasts. I am looking forward to revision surgery to have the shape corrected and nipples, then when the scars fade I will not look back.
Trust your team, you are in good hands. You too will get past the recovery period and feel strong an natural. Time really does heal.
Take care, thinking of you and looking forward to hearing how you get on.
Louise
Hi Julia, i understand your worry of regret, I too had this concern. To be completely honest i didnt feel great about the surgery for quite a few weeks after. Thought id never feel strong again. But after 8-10 weeks I feel pretty well back to normal, strong and positive. Definately no regrets. You will end up with lovely warm breasts that act just like breasts. I am looking forward to revision surgery to have the shape corrected and nipples, then when the scars fade I will not look back.
Trust your team, you are in good hands. You too will get past the recovery period and feel strong an natural. Time really does heal.
Take care, thinking of you and looking forward to hearing how you get on.
Louise
Hi Julia
Just wanted to wish you good luck for tomorrow. I had a DIEP flap reconstruction 7 weeks ago, the tummy was super tight straight afterwards but does ease off in a few weeks. I didnt use any bra in the hospital, they checked the flat every hour for the first 48hrs so found it easy to just cover with a gown. I did take a small travel pillow in with me and my own main pillow- those hospital ones can be very crinkly!!
Good luck
Hey Jen
Welcome to this wonderful sight. I am glad you have found it and I am sure you will get lots of wonderul help from the other girls.
I can't help you in the reconstruction department as my treatment didn't go that way but I would suggest ear plugs in the hospital if you can use them. If you find you can't sleep at night due to the nurses chattering etc. then ask for a sleeping tablet. You need to rest and sleep to allow your body to heal quickly. Take very good care of yourself and enjoy the rest while you can.
Good luck for Friday, I will be thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
Lots of love, Mich xoxo
