Release from hospital after DIEP flap surgery Phase 1
Release from hospital after DIEP flap surgery begins your individual part and responsibility of healing and recovery. You have been in hospital for a few days, usually four to five, depending on your individual recuperation after surgery. You have been tended to 24/7 either by your doctor, a physician’s assistant, the nursing staff, specialist or other staff assistants. It’s time to go home or as I like to refer to it since I was an out of town patient, back to your place of healing. What do you need to know?
Your catheter has been removed and you have been to the bathroom by yourself by now. You are free of the IV’s that have been part of you since you got out of surgery. The entire process of being released from hospital is an event in and of itself. You don’t want to feel weak or hungry as you begin this procedure. It is important that you try to eat a meal before you leave. I know I thought about the entire process with a bit of worry in the 24 hours leading up to my release. But, I also knew I was very ready to leave the hospital, as scary as it sometimes felt to be away from the 24/7 support you were getting.
Your First Shower
You will likely begin with that wonderful shower before you leave. A patient care assistant (PCA) will help bathe you since you will still have drains at the breast sites as well as on each side of your abdominal site. Remember, you are not allowed to lift your arms above your head so assistance with your showers the first time and the week following your release is crucial. You will likely sit on a shower chair as she gently washes your body with an antibacterial cleanser. The experience was almost spa-like for me as I felt the water running over my body for the first time since my surgery. This may wear you out upon completion but the benefits far outweigh the exhaustion. Just having my hair clean and not sticking to my head was bonus enough for me.
The Role of Your Caregiver
The staff will begin prepping you to go home. First and foremost, have someone with you to listen to all the directions. One thing that I highly recommend immediately after you shower and before you get dressed is to take a picture of your body with your phone or camera (breasts, abdominal sites, drain sites). The reason is this; it will serve as a baseline to let you know if there are changes that are remarkable enough to call the nurse about in the weeks after your discharge. I kept these pictures and still have them as a reminder of how well my body healed after surgery. It is remarkable to look back at the progress and healing that occurs. Also have the nursing staff allow your caregiver and you to practice putting you abdominal binder and bra on properly. Although it may seem easy and intuitive, there is a way to put them on properly and with the correct amount of snugness to help with the healing.
Record Sheets, Logs and Lanyards
Be sure to know exactly how to monitor, clean and record the output of your drains. You will be instructed to do this twice daily when you leave hospital until the output is low enough for the drains to be removed. Have the drain output record sheet with you and enough copies to take home so that you can record the measured output. If you are not comfortable doing it, have the caretaker with you do it for practice before you leave. An interesting tip: If you did not bring a lanyard to attach your drains to while showering, have your nurse give you the hose used for your oxygen after your surgery. A knot can be tied in the hose and you can easily safety pin those drains, hang the hose around your neck while you are showering and it is easily dry-able when your shower is done. All hospitals may not do this but it’s worth asking.
Ask for a medication log, too, if they have one, although it is easily remedied by a simple piece of paper and writing down exactly when you take your medicine. You will likely be taking an over-the-counter stool softener twice a day, your antibiotic to decrease the chance of any infection post surgery, your pain medication and any other personal medication you may be asked to take for your individual health needs. The dosing and timing can become a bit blurred when you are tired or taking pain medication. There are even some specific apps for your phone if you are “#teckie” oriented and wish to track your medication that way.
Emergency Numbers
It is imperative that you have the phone number of the nurse to contact on the hospital floor that you have been discharged from. They have your post surgical records and know what your needs will be. Also important is the number to your plastic surgeon’s office and his/her nurse. This will be your point of contact during the week for any questions if a fever spikes, your drains become sore, red or irritated and also for any scheduled visits after surgery. Be sure to have the after-hour’s numbers for both of these contacts, both the hospital nurse as well as your plastic surgeon’s office in case of any emergency.
Good Byes and Packing Up
My nursing staff was so cordial and kind I wanted to take a few minutes to say my goodbyes. Although they see a lot of patients come and go it’s amazing how attached you might get to them in the few short days you are there. Have your spouse, partner or at home caregiver take a look around the room for any personal belongings. Dress appropriately for the outside. If it’s sunny, have your sunglasses to protect your eyes as you have been used to indoor light for a few days.
A Breath of Fresh Air!
You will be wheeled out to your car in a wheelchair; hospital regulations and you won’t feel like walking that far. When you get your first breath of fresh air, breathe it in deep. It was delightful to me. Have a pillow to place over your abdominal incision for the way home. Buckle in and now you’re on your own for recovery away from hospital!
