Oh Mel, Ignore my message about the walking, just read this. I went home on Day 5 after bilateral TRAM. I could sleep in bed but was in a banana position. I was propped up under my upper back/head with lots of pillows and then had my feet raised on pillows. Hence the banana position :) I joked with my husband that we were breeding pillows. I kept sending him out to buy more. This is a great position to get the pressure off your tummy. Your back will be killing you, mine was. Is there anyway you can get your hands on a medical sheepskin? I didn't and really wish I had as the ladies on here who have used them found them fantastic. As for walking it is a bit of a bent over soft shoe shuffle. I found if I folded towels up and held them against my tummy I could shuffle along a bit better. I too had an abdo binder, but some surgeons don't use them. A great pair of support knickers will become your best friend. Each day you will gradually be able to stand up a little bit more, but watch you don't strain your tummy too much.
To get in and our of bed ( and I remember messaging @LouiseTurner in the middle of the night saying I can't get in and out of bed, bless her and BCNA. If in bed just gently roll on your side whilst holding something(a towel) over your tummy then gently put your legs down as you slowly sit up. Your hubby or someone else needs to help in the beginning. To get in its the reverse. Sit on the bed and gently lift your legs up onto the bed and then with all pillows precariously in place gently lie back. Again lots of help and pillows needed. I gradually weaned myself off the pillows and would then have them propped under my back so I kind of slowly was learning to sleep on my side again, but that took a while. A couple more days and things will be looking up.
In regards to pain, I remember you said they were getting on top of it in hospital, is there anything at all stronger than Panadol/neurofen you can take? If you know what the drug is then maybe a GP could help. If not what about Panadol osteo? They are stronger, but you can't take as often. As with anything on here, check with a Dr, physio etc to be sure.
If things are really bad then maybe a trip to emergency? Cosmetic surgery!!! WTF reconstruction is part of your treatment and recovery plan, that makes me so mad.
Hang in there girlfriend, each day does get better. I actually did better at home but found the bed easier once I had my family of pillows around me,
Great Big HUGE cyber hugs.
Paula xxxxx
