For those of you who are interested and possibly considering this procedure, I will give you a blow-by-blow of my experience.
It's a week and a day since the tram flap and I'm feeling better every day. I don't really look like I'm hunched over, but my back tells me I am. I can't stand for very long and when I do, I need to have something to hold on to.
Of course, the first couple of days in the hospital were difficult. Very painful getting out of bed. I had a catheter in for the first day and didn't get out of bed. The second day, after the cath was removed, I sat in a chair all day. When my husband visited in the evening, I walked down the hallway. That was tough! The worst pain was gas pains and I couldn't get any relief. Finally, Sat. nite into Sunday, I could pass some gas and feel better. I didn't have a BM until I was home. The surgeon let me take my own herbal remedy (it's the only thing that works for me). I came home Sunday afternoon.
I was able to care for myself during the day, so my MIL didn't come over. My DH helps me shower. We have a shower chair from when my FIL was ill.
The worst part now is dealing with the drains. I have 3 - 1 in the breast and 2 in the abdomen. I'll probably get the breast one out on Monday. It's not draining much at all. The abdomen ones finally started lessening yesterday, but they could stay in 2 weeks or more, according to my surgeon.
I am taking Vicodin, but I think I'll start weaning off of it. I'm also on an anti-biotic. So far, no signs of infection.
One thing I was very surprised about is the bruising, or lack of bruising. I thought I would look like I got beaten up, but I don't. I know I made the right decision to go ahead with this. Originally, I was not even considering any kind of reconstruction. Just goes to show, you never know for sure.......