Posted 4/7/2012 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
I didn't have a DIEP flap, but had a TRAM flap reconstruction, which is a little different. What I found to be the main problem was that I was very small, and for the amount of skin that they had to remove to reconstruct the breast, it didn't leave much to pull together for my belly. It was weeks before I could lay flat on my back, and months before I could lay on my belly and prop on my elbows. It was about two years before I became completely free of that feeling that your sister describes. But I think it really depends on how much "extra" skin you have to "share."
My plastic surgeon's nurse was diagnosed a couple of years after I was... when I went in for my two-year check-up, she complained of the same feeling and wanted to know how long it would last... she was 6 mos. post-op. I reminded her that she was the one who had told me I would be back to my old self in 6-8 weeks!
I hope your sister will ask for a referral to a good physical therapist. It never hurts to have a professional help with some stretches and myofacial release to minimize adhesions. Been there, didn't do that, and will always regret that I didn't insist they give me a referral.
Hope this helps...
BEV