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DIEP reconstruction or go Flat??

JohannaM
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Hi

I had a mastectomy in Feb 2018 and failed implant reconstruction August and Sept 2018 because of infection.

I am now fit and well and back at work and my surgeon is offering me DIEP reconstruction my only option because of skin damage.

I would like reconstruction but I am worried about infection etc as this is major surgery and will it be worth putting myself through this.

Has anyone got this done and are happy with the journey they went thorough, or if it failed and your are now flat.

I will be happy for you to friend me to talk privately if this suits anyone.

 

Thanks a mill

JohannaM

 

  • Offline

    Hi

    I was offered LD flap and Diep immediate recon and chose to have had Diep reconstruction a week ago. It was an immediate recon with a buried Diep flap. Recognise that I'm only a week on but so far so good. I've had no issues with it, got one drain in and they are hoping to remove the Doppler wire today before I'm discharged from hospital and the drain on Wednesday. I've had a few iv antibiotics as my temp kept spiking but it seems to have settled down . 
     

    Happy to answer any questions.

    wl

  • Offline in reply to Woollylamb

    Hi

    Delighted to  hear your DIEP went well  that is brilliant.  I am 60 and fit but in discomfort after previous surgery because of the infections, so I am very afraid of major stomach surgery and how it heals.  Can I ask what age you are.

    If you feel up to it I would like to hear how things are over the next few weeks . 

    Best of luck when you get home.

    All my very best wishes

    JohannaM

     

     

  • Offline in reply to JohannaM

    Hey, I'm home now, been back today to have the drains out. I'm 43, I finished chemo about 6 weeks before the op, so was quite fatigued going into it. Abdominal wound  seems fine and is healing well, they didn't really touch the muscle just took the fat so I haven't found it too difficult to be honest, under the breast is taking a little longer but all good so far.  
     

    wl

  • Offline in reply to Woollylamb

    Hi wl

    hope you are doing well, I am still undecided I am back with the Consultant on 18th November.  I am in Ireland and I know the National Health is much better as they do more operations and as they say practice makes perfect.

    I have read some posts of how some women cannot get used to the numbness of the  reconstructed breast and are not happy with it.  

    It is good to hear both sides of the story and thank you for your positive experience.

    Can I ask you are you very numb at the tummy wound and at your arm.

     

    JohannaM

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Offline in reply to JohannaM

    Hi

    i can't feel under my armpit at all which is weird and it's numb down the upper part of the back of my arm. My tummy seems to be getting less numb as time goes by.  Obviously different people are willing to put up with different things. My mum had an LD flap done 17 years ago and can't feel under her armpit, she's just learnt to live with it. 
     

    I'm having to have a skin graft under my breast to tidy it up but it's all still going well.
     

    wl

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