reconstruction - wanted tips and handy hints
Ladies, any handy information to help with my hosp stay and 6 week recovery period?
I am having a tram DIEP flap reconstruction which is quite major surgery and will be limited with what i can do ...
Forum Discussion
Hi Bardoe
I had a DIEP reconstruction almost a year ago to the day. I actually thought DIEP and TRAM were two separate things? DIEP from the tummy and TRAM from your back?
Anyway ......no driving for 6 weeks. Getting into and out of the car was not so bad but the seatbelt was a bit scary. I used a small cushion that I slipped between the belt and me. I expected to be itching to get back to driving - and independence - but I was actually a bit nervous when the time finally came.
Sleeping was definately my biggest issue. I was not allowed to sleep on either side so had to try to prop myself up with pillows and try to copy how it was in hospital
I don't recall bending being off limits though stretching/reaching was. By the time you get out of hospital - don't let them push you out until you are ready - you can pretty much do everything for yourself so you don't have to worry about someone having to be there to help you (I also live alone)
The reconstruction site was not that bad it was my tummy that was more sore. Laughing is agony in the first few days !!! And it takes a while before you are walking upright.
Overall the experience was not too bad and I am really pleased with the result :)
Justine