Recovery from Breast Reconstruction: A bit like the Winter Doldrums?

Does recovery from breast reconstruction seem a bit like making it through the winter doldrums? Sometimes, yes, it does. The recovery period, for any breast reconstruction takes a bit of time. However, if you have had any type of autologous (using your own tissue) breast reconstruction you will be recovering for a few weeks. Long, cold, snowy, winter days when you can’t get out of the house reminds me of my own recovery from DIEP flap surgery.

Fatigue and Recovery from Breast Reconstruction

You will be fatigued for a few weeks after surgery. Your body is working overtime to rid itself of the effects of anesthesia. You are also in healing mode so it will take a lot out of you when you are released from hospital. I often tell women I knew when I was getting back to normal when suddenly one day, I no longer needed my daily nap. The bear has to crawl in the cave during the winter. You have to crawl into bed midday to make it to the end of the day. Allow yourself to store up your energy just like the winter bear!

Moving Slowly During Recovery

Your body needs to readjust the daily activity you were used to before you had breast reconstruction. The bear was out foraging for food and going about his daily activity before resting during the winter. When winter comes and the doldrums creep in, we tend to be less active. I was one of those gals who went to the gym four to five times a week before my DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The benefits definitely paid off during recovery. But then you go into slow mode, just like the old winter bear in the cave again. Your activity level slows down considerably. Walk slowly but keep moving! Each day increase the length of time and distance you walk. Just like the bear coming out of the cave, start stretching and standing up slowly so you don’t hurt the hip to hip incision on you lower tummy.

Put items you use most often at arm’s length. Think about your clothing in your closet. Is it easy to push and get off of those hangers? Don’t put it too high. You don’t want to stretch your arms and compromise the newly reconstructed breasts. What about your food source? Is it within your reach? No bending, twisting, and lifting of those kitchen items please! Ask someone to help you cook and keep you fed with a healthy diet. Remember, the old bear stocked up on things to keep him warm all winter. It’s time for you to do that, too, while you recover from your breast reconstruction surgery, slowly.

When Boredom Sets in During Recovery from Breast Reconstruction

Now the winter doldrums are really setting in. You’re ready for the sun to shine so you can emerge from your cave. You are starting to feel a lot better. You’re getting your energy back. You want to burst out of the cave. Not so fast! Give yourself time to hibernate and recover. Sometimes our minds heal quicker from breast reconstruction than our bodies. We feel so good we have been through this amazing surgery to rebuild our breasts. Breast cancer is in the rear-view mirror. You’re ready to discover the new you. Give yourself the time you need for full recovery.

When you are going stir crazy, try something new and different. How about a new book? The internet is full of fun YouTube videos you can watch to learn something new. Face time with friends afar so they can see you and how you are doing. Listen to an audio book on a topic you’ve never explored before. Hand write a note to a good friend or family. When was the last time you did that? Try it instead of texting. I used to get hand-written notes during my recovery. I still have them and treasure them to this day. It is a reminder of those who were thinking of me but couldn’t be there during my recovery.

Try writing in a daily journal to track your feelings and progress. Draw little sketches on the side to note how you were feeling on any given day. It will give you an opportunity to look back on your progress, add some notes, and reflect on the changes you have been through.

The sun will shine. The old winter bear emerges to see thesun again after a long winter. You will too! It takes patience. The period of recovery, just like the winter doldrums, only lasts a short time. How did you cope during recovery when you were bored and healing? I’d love to hear your ideas. Happy healing!

Disclaimer

References made to my surgical group, surgeon and healthcare team are made because they are aligned with my values and met my criterion after I did research of their practices and success rates. Any other healthcare provider that displays the same skill, compassion education and outreach to patients will be given consideration and recognition on this website.  The information contained on this website is not a substitute for or should be construed as medical advice. Please consult a licensed physician for medical advice.