lat flap

I am scheduled for a lat flap in May. I had a bilateral done in April of 06, with immediate expander reconstruction. Due to previous radiation damage from my first go around with BC in July 02 the reconstruction did not take on the right side. I am just wondering if anyone could share their lat flap experience with me. Thanks

[jillknits]

I had a lat flap on Feb. 5th at the same time as the mastectomy.  I was in the hospital 3 days and was never in uncontrolled pain.  My recovery has been normal/as expected but my biggest complaint is neuropathic pain in the breast, underarm, and back.  This pain is not to be confused with typical surgical pain.  It is burning (like a sunburn), prickling, tingling and shooting pain that gets worse with movement.  My PS said it was normal and due to the severing of nerves in the area and could last for weeks or months and I think it is probably normal regardless of what type of breast surgery/reconstruction you have.  The entire area is also very tight but daily exercise has helped.  I chose the lat flap because I had heard too many horror stories about the difficult recovery from TRAM and I didn't like the finished look of the expander surgery.  The lat flap looked more natural to me.  I was pleased with the minimal scaring - the only scaring on the breast is around the areola where he patched in the tissue from my back and I don't think it will be noticeable after tatooing.  (compare it to taking a lid off a cookie jar!)   I was able to drive after two weeks and take short outings outside the house (took my drains and went out to eat!)  I'm now 3 weeks out from surgery and able to do (very) light housework and manage independently.  Write again if you have specific questions.