advice if you are going to have recon
have just had my double tug (thighs) reconstruction. although I thought I had a tummy for diep the consultant said I was too thin- just lazy muscles. tug was only option avoiding implants (which I didn't want). result is two small breasts, which I am happy with.
If anyone is going for this option i would recommend button through nighties for hospital to make inspection easier ( you wont find pj's easy over leg drains) i split my nighties and put poppers up the front, they worked perfectly!
also discuss shaving or hair removal before op, I didn't and the worst part so far has been dressing changes round the top of my thighs.
karen.
Comments
Hi Karen
Thanks for taking the time to update. It sounds sore! But I know that this will pass and hope the painkillers are helping. Can I ask how long the recovery time is likely to be, and in terms of your legs are you happy enough with how they have turned out? I appreciate it might be early to tell in terms of scarring. Are you able to walk/move around ok?
Best wishes for a speedy recovery x
almost 3 weeks since op. new breasts need revision to improve shape, but I knew that would probably be the case going in. very happy with new size, lookig forward to buying pretty , small bras which do not leave my ribs feeling bruised.
legs are more of an issue. I am sure they will improve but it's taking time. the dressings are off the scars where the flaps were taken but the skin is VERY tight - cant reach my feet properly to wash them or pull socks on. walking is sore and I feel I am moving like an old lady. it improves a bit each day. what I didnt expect was the leakage! where the drains came out of my thighs I have holes which leak lph fluid. I am sitting on absobant bed pads and towels and changing the dressings 2 or 3 times a day, but no infection and not painful, just inconvenient!
Thanks for the update Karen. Still very early days of course, I think the reality is for any of these reconstruction ops which are using muscle there will be a significant recovery time and there's a fair amount of trauma to whatever part of the body is used. Look after yourself, hope the swelling, pain and leakage eases soon. Hopefully the boobs will be worth it 
yay!! I have stopped leaking. now I can go for short walks which I am sure will aid my recovery and stretch my tight legs a bit! next appointment in 2 weeks to discuss revision surgery.
karen
Oh ouch, Karen!
Thank you for updating us, and do rest yourself at your Mam's (it's great to have her to fuss over you at a time like this!).
With my most sincere best wishes for a good and prompt recovery,
Catherine