I had the LD flap reconstruction in Jan of 2010, I too have the feeling of tightness all around, the best way to describe it is it feels like a straight jacket. I went to physical therapy for quite a while and it helped a lot with the tightness and my arm reach, It is the back scars that I have the most issue with, they are always tight. I do lift weights, and I have gone back to Yoga. I rode my stationary bike 2 weeks after surgery, and have not stopped since. I feel the yoga does help when I go. I notice when I have my period my back seems to bother me more. At first you really don't feel anything bc of the numbness and then little by little when feelings come back you feel different sensations. My dr. is a perfectionist.. My breasts do look beautiful. I had to go with the LD flap bc I had had radiation on my left breast and I would not have been able to support an implant without it, my skin was too thin. The expanders are annoying but once they swap them out for implants it makes a world of difference. The drains for me were the worst, I had a total of 8 drains that came out slowly, I had them for 6 weeks. I wish you all the best.

I had the flap reconstruction. No real issues with physical ability to note. I have some residual upper arm weakness from the lymphnode surgery, but not from the flap. I will tell you that when I cough it affects that breast since the innervation for that muscle is from the rib. Not troublesome, but just weird. I had my surgery almost 4 years ago, now don't even really notice.

I had the diep flap in Nov. 2010. I don't know of any long term effects from diep flap other than I have breasts that are beautiful and normal looking. They're soft and they jiggle like the real thing. I swear no one would know I have had a bilateral mastectomy. My husband loves them and said they look like did when I was in my late teens/early 20s. The nipples are perfect too. I am very pleased.

I borrowed a recliner from my neighbor. I hate recliners and didn't want to buy one. My surgeon said I had to sleep in a recliner to prevent the tummy tuck incision from ripping open. Because of swelling, I couldn't wear my regular slacks for at least 6 weeks. This was a surprise to me. I sent my husband out to find me something to wear . . . big mistake. Finally, I ordered online from LLBean. I also found a shower chair came in very handy for a few weeks. For the first few showers at home, my husband had to assist me. Even after I could shower alone, I would tire quickly and I loved having the chair in the shower.

Had the expanders placed at 1st surgery,infection caused them to be taken out. Lymph fluid saturated,poured out and broke open 2nd surgery.Have healed for 2 months and awaiting the back flap surgery in Jan.