Post DIEP surgery exercises??

[Caroline118]

Hello everyone, I was discharged yesterday after a delayed DIEP flap reconstruction and was given the Breast Cancer Care leaflet with 8 arm exercises. They are the same ones I had to do after the mastectomy 2 years ago. I haven't been given any information or advise about tummy exercises. I'm hunched over with the hip to hip wound - should I be doing anything to try and straighten up?!? I was told that I should aim to be stranding straight by the end of 2 weeks. Am I supposed to lie flat in my bed at night? I'm feeling a bit confused with what positions are not recommended due to stress on the wounds, and which exercises to do now.

Googling the situation, Guys hospital have a diep leaflet which says to do pelvic exercises. I'm thinking I might have been missed out by the physio before being discharged.

Would be grateful for any advice from anyone who has been through this!

Thank you

[Lainey66]

Wishing you all the best in your recovery. I can't advise as I chose no reconstruction. However, following other abdominal surgery I have had in the past, I have taken it very easy as you do not want to rupture anything. I used to try to slowly straighten that little bit more every day. I found that by the end of the first week, once the muscles had started to 'get back into place' and knitting together, I was straighter, albeit walking carefully. By the end of the second week, I didn't feel like I had surgery at all. The operations were an appendectomy and then I had a cessarian section with my third child. Hubby has also, very recently undergone surgery to his abdominal wall. He has returned to work today, (a week early) as he was bored after the second week.... Men do not make very good patients I have found lol... Try to avoid anything heavier than a filled kettle for the next few weeks too. Once again, I wish you an utterly speedy recovery. Remember, where the abdomen in concerned go gently. Lainey66 xxxx

[Linkj]

Dear Caroline I had a delayed DIEP 5 weeks ago and my abdominal wound has broken down badly. The surgeon said I should have walked bent like an old lady for 2 weeks post op, pity no one told me that! She also said I must lie on back with 2 pillows under my knees all night for 6 weeks. Please take it very slowly and wishing you a great recovery xx

[Caroline118 in reply to Linkj]

Thanks for taking time to reply. Sorry you have had that experience, I think the pre surgery info is great and very specific but the post surgery info seems patchy (maybe worse if discharged at a weekend?) and so we do what we think best. But of course we don’t know! I was told I should be standing straight by 2 weeks but not how to actually get straight or whether it would come naturally by “pottering” or if I needed to exercise like as we are told for arms. I shall defo keep bent in bed at night instead of trying to stretch out. It seems less is more in this case! Good luck with your recovery too xx

[Jt72]

Hi Caroline I am 4weeks post Masectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction. I wasn't given any information about stomach excercises just supportive pants and no lifting or stretching. I've been lying flat within a week,no-one told me not to. I'm just listening to my body and taking day by day. Hope you recover well and get advice from BCN nurses. X

[Caroline118 in reply to Jt72]

H Jt72, I am hoping that you can reassure me a bit more. I’ll call the Bcn tomorrow but I a a bit anxious about how hard the new breast is. The base(new skin) is pink and soft, but the upper area above the scar is still bruised dark purple and feels solid and lumpy. I’m wondering about necrosis 😬

[Jt72 in reply to Caroline118]

Hi Caroline my breast has been really hard. The BCN and plastic surgeon said massage it 2/3 times s day. I originally used vaseline but now going into my 6th week use any moisturizer. Another cream BCN recommended was Arnica. Talk to BCN or consultant I know that are various and individual recommendations. Take care xx

[Caroline118]

Thanks for taking time to reply and your advice. To be fair to hospital, I was told to try a bit more each day and the info says exercises could have pulling sensation but should not be painful. Maybe I’m overthinking it and should just go day by day. Difficult to relax after all we have been through! Good luck with your continued recovery x

[lashinator]

It's also a protective instinct to stay hunched. Try to stand straighter a little more each day. Don't do too much- slower is better. Try sleeping in a recliner. It keeps your "bend" and it's easier to get out of the chair as opposed to the bed.

As far as exercise goes, you need to listen to your body and how you're healing. Minimal on everything to start, then build slowly.

The light at the end of the tunnel - the end results are amazing!

[Caroline118 in reply to lashinator]

That’s great to hear - can’t wait to be straight! Thank you x

[Sami01]

Hello Caroline118,

I had a DIEP 5 months ago, I was told after 6 weeks to start slowly walk with my back straight, sleep on ur back for 6 weeks at least.

I wasn't given or told about post surgery exercises when I was discharged from the hospital, but to rest plenty not to move around unless I had to. Example go bathroom, and even then walk slowly and 1 step at a time going up and down the stairs.

I agree with Lainey66, Linkj, Jt72 and Lashinator as they've said everything thing else. If your still not sure Like Jt72 said contact ur BCN.

Good luck with your recovery 😊😎

Do keep us posted.

Sami 😊

[Caroline118]

Thank you Sami, it’s so useful to hear other people’s experience. I had clinic today and they are very happy with my progress. They said again not to do any specific abdo exercises but to just aim for 2 weeks being straight. I have to continue sleeping flat on my back with pillows under knees until next clinic 4weeks away, by which time I expect to standing straight.

I had terrible cording after the mx in 2017 so was desperate to avoid that and ensuing painful physio, but the extra flesh/fat on the new boob seems to help achieve more of a stretch for the arm exercises. All going well so far. As you suggest, I’m going steadily but slowly ☀️💪😁

[Debster2016 in reply to Caroline118]

Hi Caroline this thread has been so helpful to me as I am currently considering a delayed diet flap recon, thank you for that.

May I however ask about your cording? I too suffered post mx in December 2016. My hospital refused me physio therapy. I’ve always been angry about that.

Would you mind sharing the exercises and timescales given by your physio to deal with this? And do you still suffer with any cording?

Thank heavens for this forum! It is just so invaluable for us all. A perfect platform for exchanging our experiences as well as terrific support.

Best wishes to you Debbie xxx

[waveylines]

Oh Caroline thats really poor that you had so little advice. There is no set time to stand straight. I was able to do so pretty much as soon as I got out of bed but the nurse was very surprised I could!! The thing to do is to straighten within your comfort range......slowly you will gradually straighten up. It shouldnt hurt!

I did not sleep flat in bed for some time. I used a wedge with lots of pillows around me, oncluding one under my knees -takesthe stress of your tummy. You may need some help getting in and out of bed for a few days. My toilet was quite high so I was ok getting on/off the toilet.

Do take your pain killers as instructed. Dont be tempted to go without even if you have no pain. You need to move little and often...just around the house. But lots of rest too!!!! Youve had major surgery.

I cant rememebr the exercises I had but am pretty sure the tummy ones came later on not straight after surgery. Yes some of the exercises are just like your masectomy ones....its all abiut keeping the area mobile and reducing scar tissue build up. Be gentle on yourself though!! If your worried ring the number you have been given the ward staff should be able to advise you.

Its a lot to take in. Have you some support at home?

[Caroline118 in reply to waveylines]

Hi, yes thank you, I have to remind myself (and my young boys) that I have had major surgery so that I can excuse myself from housework!!! I’m definitely in the mend. With nerve damage from mx and subsequent loss of feeling, it’s difficult to tell if there is pain when stretching. Scar tissue build up is a concern because the lumpy hard area under arm is preventing me from stretching. Anyway, it’s early days and I’m sure the surgeon could cut that out in future... thanks for reassurance x

[waveylines]

I know what you mean re loss if feelin but in this occassion its blessing disguise! 😊😊

Glad your taking it easy.....let others pamper you. You deserve it!!

Have you got someone to help you out with your little sons? Not easy I know.

Hope you feel better soon. Hugs xxx