Lattissimus Dorsi Surgery Coming Up

I had this done jan 2012 both sides i can honestly say this was not a easy surgery for me surgery was 5 hours and they kept me 5 days I came home with 6 drains. I put all my dishes and dry foods on the counter top. Reaching up is a problem also lifting is to I put my milk in a smaller container and did not lift any thing heavy for a while I also kept stool softener on hand all the pain meds constipated me bad. My job includes lifting pulling pushing I was off work 8 weeks. My surgeon sent me to physical therapy for 6 weeks after I healed it helped get my motion back my back was very tight from them moving the muscles . Just make sure you rest and don't overdo with lifting and reaching. I wish you the best and keep us updated by the way I had to have it done because I had radiation in 09 and I kept building up with fluid for 2years the surgeon told me I needed healthy tissue to stop the fluid from building up and it worked So it was worth it I hope it works for you also .

hugs

teresa

smalldoggroomer said:

I'm not familiar with this

I'm not familiar with this procedure as I have not had recon. I want you to know that you are in my prayers and thoughts.

I was really nervous about the surgery, it seemed so invasive. Actually, it went really well, i obeyed doctors orders of resting, not overdoing, and I healed up beautifully. It took about 6 weeks before I was able to get back into the swing of things, but was out Christmas shopping with a girlfriend at that point. I had 2 drains, one around the front the other on my back. My back incision runs verticle so can be hidden by a one piece swimsuit. most are done horizontally, but I am a petite gal, and my body type suited it better. My doctor had me sleep propped up to help fluid drain, and it placed some light pressure on the surgical area which all helped in healing. I stayed on top of my pain meds, but actually didn't feel any pain or discomfort~drink lots of fluid & juices to aid in keeping things flowing....and moving things down low will help. Since I had one side done, I could still use that other side to lift things lightly. We all heal and go thru surgery differently. I wish you the very best outcome. My surgery was done in 2008.

~Melanie