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My Top Surgery Essentials
24
items A few things I found helpful while recovering from Top Surgery. Some aided in the healing process, most helped me get and stay comfortable.
Sections
4
Pillows!
Hydrate
Keeping Clean
Comfort and Care
Pillows!
Honestly pillows are everything in recovery. The cozier you are, the more likely you are to stay put so you can heal.
Protégé Microfiber Neck Pillow, Black
If you plan on staying in bed rather than a recliner, this would be very helpful with keeping you elaborated.
4PCS Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set for Sleeping, Post Surgery Foam Pillow for Body, Back and Leg Pain Relief, Triangle Adjustable Support Pillow - Acid Reflux Sleeping Pillows Navy - Walmart.com
This will be so incredibly helpful in keeping you from rollin g onto your side or stomach during recovery. It's also just comfy!
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (49.2" x 28.3") - Full Body Maternity Support Pillow for Total Body Pain Relief, Grey
Get at least one spare pillow case for your pregnancy pillow. You will sweat. It will stink. Please change it and wash it. You will thank me.
U-shaped Pregnancy Pillow Cover, U-Shape Full Body Pillow Cover -Removable Jersey Cotton Cover - Pregnancy Pillow Cover for Sleeping - No Pillows(Grey)
Most people live in the mastectomy pillow for at least a few days. I wore mine any time I was in a vehicle for 2 months.
Post Mastectomy Pillow - Recovery After Breast Cancer Surgery, Breast Augmentation - Lightweight Post Surgery Pillow with 4 Built-in Pockets to Support Healing - Breast Cancer Gifts for Women
Hydrate
I know stainless steel is wonderful, but it's going to feel so heavy after surgery. Get the plastic one to use until your strength returns.
BAKER DEPOT 32oz Motivational Water Bottle with Time Marker, BPA Free Tritan, Blue Purple
I wish I had gotten a water bladder instead of the water bottle. Or in addition to it!
Lightweight 2 Liter Water Bladder Active Running and Hiking Backpack, Rainbow
I got less colorful ones, but you should have as much fun as you can. I used these with my disposable coffee cups to drink my coffee and hot cocoa.
If your coffee lids have the sippy slit, just pinch the end of the straw to make it fit.
Disposable Colorful Drinking Straws, 100PCS 7 Colors Flexible Straws,13inch Extra Long Straws Party Decorations
You only drink 8 or 12 oz at a time? Great! You're less likely to spill if you use a bigger cup.
You have mugs at home? Those things are heavy in the first bit of healing. Get the cute disposable cups. And use the flexible disposable straws!
Great Value 16 oz Insulated Hot Cups with Lids, 20 Count
Keeping Clean
You can't move your arms up to wash your hair properly for a bit. This is so helpful.
Batiste Fragrance Free Light Dry Shampoo, Absorbs Oil & Grease, 3.81 oz
You may or may not be cleared to shower for a bit. And even if you are cleared for showers, you might not have the energy. Get one of these wet, scrub your body, towel off. No rinse needed.
Scrubzz Rinse Free Bath Sponge, No Rinse Bath Wipes - 25 Count - 1 Pack
You're not going to be able to reach to clean yourself properly on the toilet. There are fancier bidet models, but this one is inexpensive and has served me well.
Fylivore Handheld Bidet Sprayer for Toilet-Adjustable Water Pressure Control with Hose Brushed Nickel Toilet
Comfort and Care
Keep those scars protected from the sun and don't let them get too dry.
4 Rolls Silicone Scar Tape for Scar Treatment
I took this regularly and barely bruised. It might have been this. It might have been luck. It might have been genetics.
Boiron Arnica Montana 30C Bonus Pack, Homeopathic Medicine for Pain Relief, Muscle Pain & Stiffness, Swelling from Injuries, Bruises, 240 Pellets
Reaching is not happening for a bit. Having one of these is essential. Having an extra for when you're more mobile is GREAT.
33” Grabber Reacher Pickup Tool with 360°Rotating Jaw & Magnets
Button up flannels are comfy and practical. Get a few.
Mens Flannel Hoodie Shirts Casual Long Sleeve
Keep one next to every spot you sit or lay down. You will get itchy.
5Pcs Portable Telescopic Back Scratcher Stainless Steel Bear Claw Rubber Handle
You want to be able to charge your phone AND reach your phone without moving much.
USB Type C Charger Cable 15ft
To hold all your necessities. Several small pockets for various medications, supplements, scar tape, etc, And a big center pocket for snacks!
Mesh Shower Caddy Portable Tote Bag
You're not going anywhere for a few days after surgery. Get yourself a cushy comfy robe to live in.
Long Soft Plush Full Length HoodedRobe for Men with Hood & Pockets
A waist belt pocket to hold your drains and one that hangs around your neck for while you shower.
2Pcs Mastectomy Drain Holders
There will be gas. You will need help.
Equate Extra Strength Gas Relief Simethicone 125 mg Softgels, 72 Count, Compare to Gas-X® Extra Strength Active Ingredient
Take the stool softeners. TAKE the stool softeners. TAKE THE STOOL SOFTENERS.
Equate Stool Softener Laxative Softgels for Constipation, 100 mg, 140 Count, Compare to Colace® Regular Strength Stool Softener Active Ingredient
My surgeon provided me with this post surgical binder. Check with your surgeon to see if you need to purchase your binder or if it will be provided by them.
Compression Vest Post Surgery | Compression Garment