Does Recovery After a DIEP Flap Procedure Get Easier?

Yes, it does get easier but will take time. A lot of the women I spoke with at my surgeon’s office started to feel better and able to do more around the 3 week mark. I felt better around then also, but ended up getting some sort of viral illness that slowed my recovery down a bit. I was able to go back to work full time after 7 weeks. The important things for me were making sure I got up and moved every couple of hours and ate plenty of protein. My surgeon also stressed the importance of easing back into exercise since this surgery and recovery deconditions you.

The first week after DIEP flap surgery is typically one of the most challenging parts of recovery, and many patients experience exactly what you're describing. Recovery does gradually get easier as your body heals, though everyone's timeline is different. Consider connecting with others in this community who have been through similar experiences - their insights about what helped them through those early weeks could be really valuable for your journey.