Hi Ladies,
Just a short note to thank you all for your comments and that I am finally home after having my mastectomy and reconstruction. Going to try and take it easy and use pain relief when required.
One thing: I had a tram flap reconstruction where they take the skin from your abdomen and the wound/scar is from side to the other. As I am having trouble sleeping on my back, it would be okay to sleep on my side wouldn't it?
Cheers
rachel H
Hi Rachel,
Glad to hear you're home and resting. I haven't had a tram flap yet (planning that in a year after other treatment finished), so I don't have any advice. Earlier comments on pillows sound excellent, the more the merrier.
All the best in your recovery.
Karen xx
Hi Rachael, I had similar surgery to you. I think the most important thing is not to put too much strain on your abdo wound. Pillows became my best friend. Under my head, under my legs, under my side. My husband joked the pillows were breeding!!! Rather than lying on your side try just propping pillows under one side so you are not quite on your back. You will be guided as Jane said by pain, pulling or cramping of your wound. Slowly does it. The DVD has gentle exercises which are great.
Rest up.
Paula x
Hi Rachel, glad to hear you are home and taking it easy. Mandy has some good advice about not trying to rush your recovery and using pillows to support you to try and get comfortable while you sleep. I'm a side sleeper too so found trying to sleep on my back very difficult in that first week or so after my reconstruction. I did start sleeping on my side for brief periods, using pillow support, while still in hospital and I slowly slept more and more in that position during the following few weeks at home. Any time I felt any pulling or cramping, I moved again :-)
It can sometimes feel like recovery is taking forever, but in the scheme of things it is not so long, particularly when you think about how much your body has just been through. I found doing the exercises that the physio at the hospital gave me was a good way to start rebuilding my strength and mobility and accepting whatever help was offered (meals, housework help, assistance with the kids etc) not only helped me enormously but gave others a practical way to show their love and support. Take it slowly and gently and you will get there!
Best wishes for your recovery. Let us know how you are getting on. Cheers, Jane xx
Hi Rachel, yes just get to sleep in any way you find you can. Your sleep will be disturbed for awhile, but sleep is important for healing, both physically and mentally -but in a few months (sorry but that is the truth *), you will be as good as new.
* When drs say months, or whatever I think we all secretly say to ourselves "Yeah that is for other women, but I am different - and watch me mate.. I will show you!!", however, as a survivor of 11 years i can tell you they are right HAHA!! SO be patient, take things extremely easy, but do the gentle arm exercises (do you have the BCNA Pilates DVD.. that is designed with gentle exercise/movements that can be done from day one- it is not gung-ho pilates.) You want to keep your shoulder moving, but gently!
I work for a plastic and reconstructive surgeon so see many over a long period of time and those that do best are the ones who are not silly to themselves.. not too easy for us girls though eh? We want to return to the old us, but have to accept a new normal- each day is a gift.
Use pillows to support you at night in whatever shape you can adjust to but if in doubt do ring your surgeon's rooms- you are covered for after- care dont forget and they want the very best outcome for you!
XX Mandy
