Hi Sam

totally get your fear!! I am 2 weeks post op DIEP sentinel node biopsy and mastopexy.  It definitely wasn't as bad as I had built it up to be if that helps.  There are lots of practical things to consider firstly I bought loads of front button pyjamas and couldn't wear any of them as the waist band was on the drain site.  Definitely recommend long cotton loose nightshirts.  Second microfibre pants instead of cotton as they don't stick to your wound.  Podcasts are good to pass the time in hospital so bring headphones and earplugs/eye mask.  Prune juice was recommended to me to avoid constipation which worked a treat in conjunction with allbran!! Also consider buying a load of soft knitted tracksuit bottoms with little no waistband as your abdomen will be swollen and it is very hard to find comfy clothes.  Keep positive keep taking regular analgesia and get moving as quickly as possible I am now doing short walks outside and it definitely helps to clear the head and sleep at night.  Good luck it will be over soon and then you can concentrate on you!! If you want to ask anything else fire away - sending you lots of positive vibes for a straightforward recovery 

take care 

Mandy

Hi Sam - I'll second what Mandy says - not as bad as you think it's going to be... I found the worst bit being the complexity of getting in and out of bed with the drains (I had them on both sides but I would think it's still the same problem whether one side or both)... things to take - Indispensable for me - a 3 metre phone charger cable, a couple of carabiner clips, and a couple of bag-clips (the ones like big bulldog clips) to keep things at hand, and attach them to the bed/ bedsheets/ me... and then in hospital they gave me a carrier bag for my drains and it was the best gift ever. You can buy a special bag for drains that hangs round your neck but I found a carrier bag worked fine. I also had a padded thing that went on the car seatbelt for coming home... you could just use a pillow but I found it gave me peace of mind and helped make it easier when I started driving again. I'd also agree with Mandy - I took pjs/ tracksuit etc. in and never wore any of it -- just needed clothes to go home in... but I did take a super lightweight cotton dressing gown (3/4 length) and wore it over my hospital gown almost all the time... it meant I could easily get out of bed and had hands free to carry the drains rather than holding the back of the gown together. Good luck - there is hope on the other side xxx

Sorry Sam, I missed this one, I've just given a summary on another thread by [@Denbabe1]‍ - feel free to read if it helps. I confess to not being very good at attaching links or cutting and pasting on this site. 
virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

Ps Sam, what I didn't mention on the other thread was that I had my lymph removal at the same time too. Benefit for me was that they removed them via the breast opening and so I didn't get her another wound and drain under my arm and no pain external stitches there. Downside is that I forget as there are no stitches there and have probably overused it. Two months post op tomorrow and I'm still completely numb in armpit and too afraid to shave and get shooting nerves re-igniting pains up the middle of my right arm, some of which is still completely numb and some which is starting to wake up. Hope that helps (although I know different hospitals and surgeons do things differently). 
Hugs Mickey xx ️

Hi Mandy

Thank you for posting such in-depth information. It is what I need to hear it as made my fears ease a bit.

Take care and wishing you a problem free recovery.

Denise

Hi Mickey

This information is great.

Thank you 

Denise

Hi Denise, I'm just glad if it's helpful. Just hollow if you think of anything else specific you want to know.  Love and best wishes and be great to know how you get on - Mickey xx ️

Hi Mickey

I will definitely keep you updated. Got my appointment with the plastic surgeons on Wednesday will be having a CT Angiogram. Hopefully all will go well and I will Get my date for surgery. Will post a update once I know.

Thanks again it is such a relief to chat to someone who is going through the same situation as you. My family are great but they do not understand completely what my anxiety. So thank you again.

virtual hugs 

Denise

Hi Mickey

sorry I should have asked how is your recovery going ? Are you able to do much yet ? Also how long was you paid up for ? 

Hope your recovery is going well

virtual hugs

Denise

Sorry Mickey i meant to say laid up for.