Next question - on waking

Hi @Sunshine0206  - just warning that this is the open section of the BCNA online which means that anyone could potentially get access to this. However, if you would like to share photos, this can be done in the closed and private space of the Breast Reconstruction Group (just to protect your privacy). :) x

No worries - as I said earlier my concern was and still is about being anxious about what may or may not happen!  

I must admit the drain thing made me feel a little sick at first, or was it the anesthetic gas which as it turned out I am allergic to? I had a single mastectomy and had one drain. It was an overnight stay for me and I had self dissolving stitches and a broad tape over those. 
I finally got the drain out after a week or two and I had to go back to surgery for an axillary clearance and got a drain for that too. Still an over night stay but no gas this time so no night of hurling my insides up into a bag. Again self dissolving stitches and some tape.
The biggest thing - painkillers. Make sure you get them from the hospital before you leave. Targin was a good one for me on the second op. On the first one I tried to tough it out with panadol and nurofen. Big mistake.

Hi @iserbrown - I had both a left vertical skin sparing mastectomy (with insertion of an aeroform expander) and then, 12 months later, a DIEP Reconstruction :)

What I forgot to add was I was absolutely thrilled to wake to a cleavage from the first fill of the expander.  Hope that's how you feel!

My comment is based on concern for you as some advice coming through is from Diep flap surgery not mastectomy with expanders. Totally different procedures. 
Catheter is dependent on how your body reacts. 
Drains, everyone is different, some are a few days some are much longer!
Hopefully this information helps you however, my concern was and still is, you're putting yourself in an anxious state of expectation and if your drains and bandages or lack thereof could do your head in thinking you've been ripped off after your fact finding information. The team looking after you will be able to answer your questions.
Take care

Thanks again @nikkid @Sister @kmakm @Zoffiel @primek with my clipped wings I’ll ask you any more questions in private messages. Really appreciate the support at this scary time. Have a great day  :)

@Eastmum I do the same.  I think it's the librarian coming out in me.  I like to go into anything knowing what to expect and then I can let it go.  Or at the very least, be prepared for anything different and be able to ask the questions.

@Eastmum I'm with you about the questions. Some things it never occurs to me to ask about, yet others, seemingly trivial, worry at me. I'm always asking questions. Curiosity! But also yes, how I settle my mind (and nerves) too. I'm a planner (pragmatism) and feel better when I have one. And I can't have one if I don't have the info!

Totally understand - I needed to know everything....it helped me gain a sense of control. We are all different. I liked my surgeons drawing pictures and giving me names and labels for everything.

Funny though, by the time it came to my final procedure...I just let go. Just wanted it over and done with.

We are all different but in that difference and adversity is a wonderful rich tapestry of gorgeousness xxx