Day two post op...Advice please x

Hey ladies
I had my Ba Tuesday afternoon and came home yesterday lunch time. I'm taking all the pain meds (paracetamol and codeine) and am getting on ok- the most painful bit is the flat bit between my boobs? Is that weird?
I'm also feeling really sick but haven't been sick- keep trying to eat but only having a couple of mouthfuls- is this because of the pain meds?
I'm feeling very tight 'elephant on chest' feeling. I'm guessing this is because I had unders and was very small/flat before hand!
I keep getting stuck when I sit down and can't seem to do anything!
Do any girls have any tips/ideas to help me feel a little less lousy? Not eating = no energy and obvs body needs fuel to heal- any ideas?
Thanks all x x x

Hi Hun, congratulations on your new boobies, it could be the painkillers making you feel a little bit sick, if it's not that painful could you manage on the paracetamol alone. I did this as I didn't want the horrid constipation codeine gives you. As for the pain in the middle this is normal Hun I had it there and underneath. If you keep getting stuck try to use your tummy muscles to help you up hunni and don't slouch too far back failing that ask someone for help, I still get myself abit stuck now, you are doing just fine, plenty of rest and try to eat small amounts at a time. Happy healing xxx

Hi summer and congrats x x x

Although I was ok, I've read posts from many people saying that the meds made them sick.
I had overs and my chest felt tight also, I believe all the aches and pains and sensations are generally worse with unders.
No tips for not feeling lousy but if you can not manage much food maybe you could juice some fruit/veg so your still getting some sugars and energy.

Sorry I haven't been much help but Im sure someone I'll be along soon with better advice than me. Wishing you a speedy recovery x x x

Thanks for the posts girls- will try without the codeine as you suggest mummyme would rather be a bit sore than feel so sick and hot! Great idea about the juice Lian will ask my OH to do this for me when he gets back from work. Supposed to be going back to work on Monday and kinda freaking out I'm not going to be able to! It's all at a desk but I have to go on trains and tubes to get there. Right now feels totally impossible.
One other question- is it good or harmful to walk around a bit in the garden? Only for like 5 mins but helps me cool down a little- is this ok?
Thanks again! X x

Walking around is super good! X

Though I don't know how bad your feeling so just be careful if your drowsy etc. in general it's advised to get up and walk around when your feeling up to it

Gentle exercise like walking is absolutely fine and better for you than just sitting around if you can manage it!

As for going back to work on Monday is there any way you can get an extra week off? You need to remember you have just had an operation so you shouldn't feel the need to rush back into a normal routine wherever possible... it's ok to not feel 100%!

As for pain relief etc I really recommend reusable ice/heat packs... first aid ones are great you can stick them in the freezer or microwave.

Try nibbling at foods if you can't manage a full meal, I think generally an operation can really damage your appetite initially so don't worry too much. Try getting plenty of good foods down you where possible so snack on fruits, nuts etc.

Just take your time though lovey, you will heal eventually but go at your own pace xxx

The sooner you get up and about the better you're going to feel summersunshine. The worst thing you can do is stay in bed or on the sofa. Getting yourself up and mobile really will help speed up your recovery.

The pain meds really can make you feel quite ill and if you feel you can do without them then it would be better for you to maybe just stick to just the paracetamol which will be fine and won't make you sick but will give a little pain relief. If you're in a bit of discomfort at night though don't be shy of taking the codiene if that's what's going to help you get back off to sleep. Sleep deprivation can make you feel just as sick as you're feeling now on the meds lovely, so if you feel you need the stronger meds, then do take them.

The pain you're experiencing between your boobs isn't weird at all lovely. Your boobs have just been super stretched and the skin on your sternum is now raised from your chest and it can hurt lovely. Using icepacks (a bag of frozen peas/rice/corn) rested over the tops of your boobs and sat on the sternum (the skin between your boobs) really gives you such great relief from that lovely.

The sternum doesn't stay raised. As your skin/muscles start to relax over the implant, allowing the implant to settle into the pocket, the sternum will also relax and go back to normal. It's nothing at all to be concerned about and does settle sweetheart.

As for work, if you don't feel up to going then don't go hun. Having a BA is a major operation and it does take it out of you. Some ladies are fine and back at work after a week. Others take just that little bit longer to heal and need those 2 weeks off, so you're doing fine babe and chances are the next few days now you're off the meds and getting yourself up and about you might feel well enough to go back to work, you'll be surprised what a few days of healing can do!! But if not, you come first! Not work or anything else, you have to look after you, so if you do need more time lovely, do take it. xxx

Thanks so much for the support and advice- taking it all on board and really appreciate it- will try the ice/peas tonight and have a go without the codeine- will update tomorrow.

Hey ladies- just thought I'd update you how I'm getting on as you were all so helpful And kind with your advice yesterday! I think what I have been classing as 'pain' is actually just the stretching/elephant on chest pressure. I do have other pains when I try to move etc but this is expected. So I have stopped the codeine which has made me feel better and am just having paracetamol. I went for a (very slow!) walk today which was nice and have managed to eat a little more- had a smoothie as you suggested Lian which was great. have a post op on Tuesday and the hospital said I will be able to get a letter then so I'd I don't feel up to work next week I will be able to rest instead. Just want to fast forward a couple of months! Sure all girls feel the same around about now! X x x

So pleased to hear it summer x x x

I'm still only 5 weeks so im wishing time away too! .... Really glad you feel a little easier about everything today x

Glad you are feeling a bit better xx

Hi summer, I'm still pre op so no direct experience but the coedine can make some people feel nauseous, quite spacey and can also make you constipated... (lovely!) so don't worry, normal aide effects from the drug but if you can do without it, that's great x