Double DIEP Flap Surgery - Post Op

Husband of Breast Cancer Warrior

Hi new to this forum. my wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2. She has just had her final round of 6 chemo treatmetns this week. Handled everything like the warrior she is. She is going into have DIEP flap surgery the beginning of next month and we have talked with the surgeon and plastic surgeons at length about what to expect and I know this surgery can be different for everyone. What they haven't given much information is what to buy post op for the home to make her the most comfortable as she can be. 

I want to make sure that she has everything she needs even if she doesn't use it. so if anyone as some suggestions or recommendations it would be extremly helpful. In this Covid world it makes things harder to get and delays are common so I want to get prepared sooner than later. 

Was looking to reach out to members of the forum on what has and hasn't been helpful post op from a double DIEP Flap Surgery. 

if this isnt the right place to post this please let me know and possibly send me in the right direction.

 

thank you 

HereWeGoAgain

Care to share a follow-up?

I'm the patient, but I'm also a PLANNER, and have been trying to get answers to questions like those posed above. A friend is going to stay with me for at least 2 weeks, and I'm trying to get everything lined up that I might need. I've even asked my surgeon if there are any medical supplies that she knows I'll need and the answer was no. I've learned from past experiences that doctors don't always think like I do...i've already ordered some button-up pajama tops, an overbed try (hosp bed table), and a few other things, but would love to hear the REALITY of what else I might need or want. Thankfully I already own an adjustable bed, which a few people have said will be a huge help.  TIA!

Elaine_wi

HereWeGoAgain said:

Care to share a follow-up?

I'm the patient, but I'm also a PLANNER, and have been trying to get answers to questions like those posed above. A friend is going to stay with me for at least 2 weeks, and I'm trying to get everything lined up that I might need. I've even asked my surgeon if there are any medical supplies that she knows I'll need and the answer was no. I've learned from past experiences that doctors don't always think like I do...i've already ordered some button-up pajama tops, an overbed try (hosp bed table), and a few other things, but would love to hear the REALITY of what else I might need or want. Thankfully I already own an adjustable bed, which a few people have said will be a huge help.  TIA!

Drains

My bilateral DIEP flap was three years ago. Button-up pajamas are great. For the six drains you will have, the best way I found to manage wearing them is to buy a string lanyard with a metal ring and attach the labels on each drain to the ring with a large safety pin. I think I bought my lanyard at a craft store. it sounds like you're well prepared with the hospital bed. I was in the hospital for four days. When I got home, I was surprised that I was able to sleep flat, but everyone has their own experience. Another thing, and this may sound funny, I brought my own jar of glycerin suppositories tucked in my hospital-stay bag. I knew from a previous hospital stay that the nurses will only give you stool softeners for constipation and they didn't help much. Your system slows down from the anesthesia and pain medication. For me, being constipated makes me feel horrible. I also bought some soapless bathing cloths and soapless shampoo but I don't think I used them because I was able to shower right away at home. I hope this helps and don't be nervous, you'll be fine!

Phoebesnow

Here we go again

i came home from the hospital 3 hours after surgery and I went outside and picked up the dog poo.  Try to stay active as you can...you will heal quicker.  

HereWeGoAgain

Elaine_wi said:

Drains

My bilateral DIEP flap was three years ago. Button-up pajamas are great. For the six drains you will have, the best way I found to manage wearing them is to buy a string lanyard with a metal ring and attach the labels on each drain to the ring with a large safety pin. I think I bought my lanyard at a craft store. it sounds like you're well prepared with the hospital bed. I was in the hospital for four days. When I got home, I was surprised that I was able to sleep flat, but everyone has their own experience. Another thing, and this may sound funny, I brought my own jar of glycerin suppositories tucked in my hospital-stay bag. I knew from a previous hospital stay that the nurses will only give you stool softeners for constipation and they didn't help much. Your system slows down from the anesthesia and pain medication. For me, being constipated makes me feel horrible. I also bought some soapless bathing cloths and soapless shampoo but I don't think I used them because I was able to shower right away at home. I hope this helps and don't be nervous, you'll be fine!

Thank you for the replies!

Just getting back to these boards...my surgery was 3 weeks ago tomorrow and I'm doing well, but I reaaaaaaaaaaally want some 'normalcy.' Finally able to get in AND out of bed on my own, so I'm not waking my partner up to get me out of bed to go to the bathroom, and now I'm focused on getting these drains out. See the doc on Wednesday, so fingers crossed! I've been going on walks almost daily and am definitely moving around a lot more--just no purposeful exercise or lifting anything over 5lbs, says the doc. More as I get through this, but if there are others reading who want to hear the good/bad/ugly, I'm happy to answer questions.

jumpingjacks

HereWeGoAgain said:

Thank you for the replies!

Just getting back to these boards...my surgery was 3 weeks ago tomorrow and I'm doing well, but I reaaaaaaaaaaally want some 'normalcy.' Finally able to get in AND out of bed on my own, so I'm not waking my partner up to get me out of bed to go to the bathroom, and now I'm focused on getting these drains out. See the doc on Wednesday, so fingers crossed! I've been going on walks almost daily and am definitely moving around a lot more--just no purposeful exercise or lifting anything over 5lbs, says the doc. More as I get through this, but if there are others reading who want to hear the good/bad/ugly, I'm happy to answer questions.

Double Diep Flap Surgery too

My surgery was 3 weeks ago and I stayed 4 days in hospital. Drains are out and surgical tape removed. I still have a lot of tightness, swelling and minor pain. Been sleeping on recliner as my bed isn't adjustable. Walks are definitely good and I've been doing light exercises and yoga. Wondering how long it will take for the swelling to come down and the tightness in my belly will ease.