Cancer Research UK main site

Diep flap construction still to do..

Bels74
Offline

Good evening ladies, 

I have been referred to the Plastics at my hospital to start the procedure for the above. I've been told to drop my BMI to 30 and below as the op is long and complex. Sadly after my cancer, I was on steroids for 2 years as I also got encephalitis so I put on a lot of weight. I am now battling to loose my last 10 kilograms which seems impossible!!! I just wanted to ask if anyone could tell me how they recovered after this op? Does everything work  again after it and I'm so silly but do they put the catheter in once they've put me to sleep? You'd think that would be the least of my issues after having had cancer?? Also was your consultant adamant about having a bmi  under 30 which I totally get? It's just like one battle after another and I'm having a feeling sorry for myself day. Thank you ladies and do stay well. 

  • Hello Bels74

    I'm sorry to hear about all that you've been through. I'm sure that we have some ladies here on the forum who have had a DIEP reconstruction and hopefully they will reply to share their experiences with you. You can also use the forum search function to look for other posts where DIEP is mentioned. 

    I'm not sure what you mean about everything working again after your surgery but I can offer you some reassurance that the catheter will most likely be put in place whilst you're still asleep in surgery. We do have some more information about the surgery on our website here. 

    I really hope that you're able to lose the last KGs to get your BMI to a place where the Surgeon is happy to go ahead.

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thank you so much Jenn. I'm grateful for your reply. What I meant was that I had fears that due to having a Diep flap reconstruction, I was worried about having post surgery bladder issues. I will carry on searching for previous posts as I find the comments, suggestions and words of comfort on this site most reassuring. Sometimes it just helps to know that you're not alone. Thank you. 

  • Offline in reply to Bels74

    Hi Bels74, I had a Diep flap reconstruction in August 2010. I experienced no post op bladder problems.The catheter was put in when in operation so try not to worry about that. Although it was over 10 years ago now I do remember requesting a pre med before the operation to relax me. The care I received from the NHS was unbelievable and I cannot thank them enough. Good luck preparing for it. Stay safe.

  • Offline in reply to Eirlys

    Thank you Eirlys for your reassurance. I feel so much better. I'm so glad that 10 years on you're doing well. I too hope that I'll be saying the same thing too. I've just come in from a run. Stay well and I totally agree, the NHS is unbelievable and I would not be here without their amazing care! Thank you for your reply xxx

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.