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Bardoe's avatar
Bardoe
Member
14 years ago

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 once i get home.  I do live alone, so I would like to hear about your experience with day to day tasks and how to make it super easy, well comfortable at least?

ps i have a cleaner, so dont need to worry about that and i live in the suburbs so not too far from places.

some questions,

how soon could you drive?

could you get into a car or travel without issues

sleeping? can you sleep on your side?

is bending off limits?

thanks !

Bardoe

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  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Ladies, I have just recently completed bilateral reconstruction using implants, and am very happy with the results. It is a much easier operation than the DIEP, and as I was small busted and had no radiation therapy,I was a good candidate for this surgery. I had a complication at 20 days, when a huge haematoma spontaneously developed. I needed surgery to remove this clot, ( all 800mls ) and then a drain for a week. This all healed with no issues, and it is now 7 weeks since my exchange surgery. I have 2 new boobs that are a size 14B, and I am very happy. Good luck with your research. Love Chris xx
  • JustWill's avatar
    JustWill
    Member
    14 years ago

    In terms of lopsidedness that is definately a consideration.  If you spoke to the plastic surgeon you would probably find that they offer you a lift on the other side at the same time.  I was offered it but didn't take it.

  • JustWill's avatar
    JustWill
    Member
    14 years ago

    In terms of lopsidedness that is definately a consideration.  If you spoke to the plastic surgeon you would probably find that they offer you a lift on the other side at the same time.  I was offered it but didn't take it.

  • JustWill's avatar
    JustWill
    Member
    14 years ago

    In terms of lopsidedness that is definately a consideration.  If you spoke to the plastic surgeon you would probably find that they offer you a lift on the other side at the same time.  I was offered it but didn't take it.

  • Sue_F's avatar
    Sue_F
    Member
    14 years ago
    Thanks Justine, I noticed you are in your early 40's and not having reconstruction was not an option, and I certainly understand your feelings there. I am in my early 60's so a slightly different scenario. Still not sure I want to go through more surgery and also concerned that I would be a little uneven with one new perkier breast ! Best wishes to you and your future health. Sue
  • JustWill's avatar
    JustWill
    Member
    14 years ago

    I had a left side mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time.  I also had a full axillary dissection - this is the removal of the entire pad that all the lymph nodes are in.

    The surgery was about 6-7 hours.  The first few days are pretty tough mostly due to lack of sleep.  You have your own nurse and she is in every 30 mins for the first 24 hours.  They constantly check your new boob to make sure it has blood flow and a good temperature.  Next day day every 1 hour.  Then there is the parade of surgeons and whoever else. By day 3, I was soooo tired and just over it all. 

    I had no complications and things improved every day.  Before you know it, the drains are out and you are shuffling up and down the hallway!

    It is a big surgery and certainly not to be taken lightly but I don't regret it for a minute.  I am relatively young (early 40s) and NOT having a reconstruction was never really something I considered.

    Happy to answer any questions you have

    Justine

  • JustWill's avatar
    JustWill
    Member
    14 years ago

    I had a left side mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time.  I also had a full axillary dissection - this is the removal of the entire pad that all the lymph nodes are in.

    The surgery was about 6-7 hours.  The first few days are pretty tough mostly due to lack of sleep.  You have your own nurse and she is in every 30 mins for the first 24 hours.  They constantly check your new boob to make sure it has blood flow and a good temperature.  Next day day every 1 hour.  Then there is the parade of surgeons and whoever else. By day 3, I was soooo tired and just over it all. 

    I had no complications and things improved every day.  Before you know it, the drains are out and you are shuffling up and down the hallway!

    It is a big surgery and certainly not to be taken lightly but I don't regret it for a minute.  I am relatively young (early 40s) and NOT having a reconstruction was never really something I considered.

    Happy to answer any questions you have

    Justine

  • Sue_F's avatar
    Sue_F
    Member
    14 years ago
    I am interested to hear a few details on reconstruction. I had a mastectomy 3 months ago and now trying to decide whether to have reconstruction or not. I am quite comfortable with the prosthesis and after having a week in hospital with a return to theatre eight hours after my op with a haematoma I don't feel like rushing back. I am just looking at my options. Best wishes to all the special ladies here. Sue
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    14 years ago

    I am just wondering if you had 1 or 2 boobs reconstructed.How long did the operation take?Doing my research at this stage.Thanks for sharing.

                           Tonya xx

  • JustWill's avatar
    JustWill
    Member
    14 years ago

    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