I’m working on a story featuring a character recovering from a major reconstructive surgery, such as DIEP flap breast reconstruction. For writers, how much detail about recovery, emotional challenges, and long-term adaptation feels appropriate in an interactive narrative? Have you seen games or stories handle medical recovery particularly well?
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I had DIEP FLAP reconstruction in February. Feel free to DM me with any questions! (I was in the hospital for 3 days and in bed at home for an additional 6 weeks. If you’re just looking for recovery time)
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I’ve never had that particular surgery, but I have had major reconstructive surgery to repair a destroyed joint.
I think there are emotional and recovery challenges - like you’re nervous about interacting with that part of your body for a while, afraid you’ll damage your recovery, wondering if you’re healing like you’re supposed to, etc.
There is even a social aspect where even well-meaning friends or family might unknowingly put pressure on you or be callous - like, “Oh, haven’t you gotten over that already? It feels like it’s been a while.”
In the case of a major surgery like mine, there is also a period of physical therapy to regain strength and mobility again.
I don’t know if I’d focus on the medical recovery in particular - it’s mostly waiting and living in your own head - unless it’s incorporated into the narrative as a plot point, like in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window.
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