Exercises after mastectomy and reconstruction
Moderator moved post created by @Tigertan_09 from Activity section to 'Newly Diagnosed': June 29 Hi about to go in for surgery, mastectomy followed by implant reconstruction. What are the be...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Tigertan_09, Welcome to the group - I hope we can help you as you face your surgery & recovery & treatments, as we 'get it' cos we've 'been there and done that' xx
Mez has given you some great links to check out .... but also check out this post, as it covers a lot of stuff on what to take with you to surgery, as well as 'tick sheets' for you to self monitor your recovery (take the sheets with you when you meet up with your team.) There is lots of other stuff you can check out as you go along .... even funny stuff - we all need a laugh now & then!! If you live in rural areas, there is assistance on fuel costs & accomodation costs too. ;)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest
Re exercises after your surgery - everyone is different & of course it depends on your 'recovery' time .... sometimes you are told not to drive for a while too - so ask about that, as not everyone has family close by to do the driving for them ... Part of my 'preparation' was to chat with a Lymphedema specialist as well, who gave me specific exercises to do to prevent Lymphedema (swelling due to fluid retention.)
Most exercises are done slowly & for short times at the start, totally depending on your own recovery - sometimes arm movement can be affected by the surgery (so no heavy lifting or reaching for things out of cupboards that are above your shoulder height ...). In the old days, they'd say 'no pain, no gain' ..... but not so these days. Pain is nature's way of telling you to stop doing whatever it was that caused the pain ... so never overdo it. Definitely keep fit in the lead up to your surgery & that will also hold you in good stead xx
take care & all the best
Mez has given you some great links to check out .... but also check out this post, as it covers a lot of stuff on what to take with you to surgery, as well as 'tick sheets' for you to self monitor your recovery (take the sheets with you when you meet up with your team.) There is lots of other stuff you can check out as you go along .... even funny stuff - we all need a laugh now & then!! If you live in rural areas, there is assistance on fuel costs & accomodation costs too. ;)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest
Re exercises after your surgery - everyone is different & of course it depends on your 'recovery' time .... sometimes you are told not to drive for a while too - so ask about that, as not everyone has family close by to do the driving for them ... Part of my 'preparation' was to chat with a Lymphedema specialist as well, who gave me specific exercises to do to prevent Lymphedema (swelling due to fluid retention.)
Most exercises are done slowly & for short times at the start, totally depending on your own recovery - sometimes arm movement can be affected by the surgery (so no heavy lifting or reaching for things out of cupboards that are above your shoulder height ...). In the old days, they'd say 'no pain, no gain' ..... but not so these days. Pain is nature's way of telling you to stop doing whatever it was that caused the pain ... so never overdo it. Definitely keep fit in the lead up to your surgery & that will also hold you in good stead xx
take care & all the best