Double Tram Flap - Back to Work?
 

Hi!

I have read several posts regarding the tram flap complications, etc.

I was just wonderng, am I dreaming to think that if I have the Tram Flap done 12/15/08 that I could possibly start an internship on 1/19/09 as a NICU nurse. I of course will not be lifting heavy items as quite a few nurses do as I will be working with very little ones.

If I were to have no complications, would it be possible?

Just like everyone else, I am ready to move on. I was diagnosed during my 2nd. semester of Nursing school, had to withdraw and went back after chemo. I will be graduating in December and I really want to get started in my new career...

Thanks,
Cheryl

Hello Cheryl-

If you go to "search" in the green/yellow (gosh, what color IS that ?) on the top of the page and type in tram flap you will get some very informative posts from members that have had tram flaps.
I beleive swimangel and madubouis have had them and regularly post.
Welcome to the board ! and congrats on your upcoming graduation !

Bumping This Up
 

Hi Cheryl-

Assuming that you are in strong health when you start your surgery and assuming that you are relatively young - I think it is possible and very likely that you will be able to work at the four week mark.

It is cutting it a little close - your energy level takes awhile to "heal" once your body finishes all the healing of scars and drains out etc. It takes the body time to rebuild stamina after major surgery.

I was always up and about pretty fast and even after the worse surgery with complications I had to at least start to walk again and function. If there is a way to go back part time for a couple of weeks that would be ideal I bet.

Good luck!

Thanks Ladies, I appreciate the information.

Cheryl

Cheryl - If I remember correctly, they said I couldn't drive for 4 to 6 weeks, but I wanted to drive after 2 weeks. I won't lie to you, this is a painful surgery because they are opening you up in your mid section. Take the morphine!! I had a drip for 6 days (I also had the mastectomy at the same time, and the surgery was 14 hours long - yours should be quicker and easier). If nothing else, consider it a vacation and the morphine is your fancy umbrella drinks. Once I was out of the hospital, the pain definitely diminished. If all goes well, you should be able to go back to work, but PLEASE do not lift anything heavier than 3 - 5 pounds. I had a single tram and thought myself to be superwoman. I herniated the area within the first year of surgery. I will not admit that I may have been pulling a stump out of the backyard and carrying a little too much. I kind of just went back in to my old life without thinking. You really need to take care of yourself. I LOVE the results, so I think it was well worth it. Good luck. If you have intimate questions, please ask. I am not shy (at least not anymore).

I believe you can do it. Just make sure you have plenty of support.

Cheryl, I cannot answer your question but I wanted to compliment you on your resolve to proceed with your career plans. Nursing is a very rewarding experience and will bring you much joy.
Keep the faith.

Cheryl,
Hi !
I had DIEP so I really cant help but if you go to this site...
http://members.boardhost.com/plastic...170734234.html

and type in your query Dr Frank DellaCroce ,a Board certified microsurgeon who does breast recon,will answer.

Best wishes on a smooth surgery and swift recovery!
marcia

Hi Cheryl,

I, too, had bilateral DIEP but speaking on my experience with that extensive of a surgery...I would have been able to go back to work (without a lot of heavy lifting) by the 4 week mark. I had no complications and healed very quickly. Was walking a few miles a day within a couple weeks of the surgery and pretty much doing everything at that point. However, as Mary Ann said, pay attention to what you are doing EVEN IF YOU FEEL FINE. Heavy lifting is a no no with this type of surgery.

Good luck to you.........

Mary Jo

Cheryl, I had a double mastectomy with DIEP and was able to go back to work by 4 wks with absolutely no heavy (or even moderate) lifting.