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Open Abdominal Surgery? Here’s the Recovery Must Haves 🩻
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items Back in early June I had a Left Renal Vein Transposition Surgery to uncompress the vein due to Nutcracker Syndrome.
Unfortunately after the initial surgery, I had some complications that required me to be admitted and go through an emergency surger...
Sections
4
Post-Op Self Care
Post-Op Helpful Items
Immediate Post-Surgery Comfy Clothes
Clothes to Wear During Recovery
Post-Op Self Care
Making sure you keep up with a generalized self care routine can be so hard post-surgery. So here are some of the items I use and recommend.
For that post-op hospital stay, this Aquaphor Lip Repair will keep your lips soft and smooth despite the dry hospital air.
Lip Repair | Aquaphor
If you haven’t tried the Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick, where have you been? If you have sensory issues, you may just love this product if you need something to help dry skin. The mess free applicator means you’ll never have to touch the product with t...
Healing Balm Stick | Aquaphor
The only choice for the perfect colored lip balm. It is perfectly moisturizing, pigmented, and scented with a color for everyone.
Balm Dotcom | Glossier
Need a good cleansing shampoo after not being able to wash your hair for days? This Raw Sugar deep cleansing shampoo will leave your scalp feeling so fresh and clean after surgery.
The Deep Cleanse Shampoo | Raw Sugar
When my MCAS is acting up the CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo works wonders to clean my hair without me reacting to it. It makes my hair feel so clean and with a soft scent that has my hair smelling clean too.
Gentle Hydrating Shampoo | CeraVe
Obviously I’m pairing the CeraVe Gentle Cleansing Shampoo with the matching Conditioner!
Gentle Hydrating Conditioner | CeraVe
These Cetaphil Cleansing Cloths are not only amazing for removing makeup, but also cleaning your face when you are low on energy.
Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths | Cetaphil
Washing your face can be such a struggle post-surgery and these Olay Face Wipes are a game changer. They are water activated and since they are both a cloth and soap in one, it is super easy to scrub your face then use a wet wash cloth to wipe off th...
Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths Tub Refill | Olay
Once I am using a face wash that are not the Olay face wipes, this Bubble brand face wash is my go-to product to keep my face clean.
Fresh Start Gel Cleanser | Bubble
After surgery I always feel gross after not being able to shower for a few days and then having iodine all over you. I love this Method body wash so much as it leaves you super fresh and smelling good.
Simply Nourish Body Wash | Method
I know a nice shower or bath always does me good and this EOS Vanilla Cashmere Body Wash is the perfect addition to have you smelling delicious.
Vanilla Cashmere Body Wash | EOS
And if you are using the EOS Vanilla Cashmere Body Wash you might as well get the 24 Hour Lotion to pair with it as well.
Vanilla Cashmere Body Lotion | EOS
And if you didn’t already guess, I obviously recommend the matching Cheirosa 59 Hair & Body Perfume Mist to keep you smelling your best no matter what.
Cheirosa 59 Hair & Body Perfume Mist | Sol De Janeiro
If you have longer hair and like to put it up in braids, these hair ties are the perfect solution to tie it off as they are reusable and don’t snag your hair.
Braid Ends Mini Hair Bands | Gimme Beauty
Headbands are a must especially for those days when your hair is in need of a good wash day and your bangs are beyond repair.
Non-Slip Cotton Headbands | Tobeffect
I also personally love to put my hair in either a loose ponytail or bun and these waffle knit scrunchies from Scunchi are my favorites to use.
Super Comfy Waffle Knit Scrunchie | Scunci
The UNbrush is the only brush I’ll use, especially when I’m spending long days in bed with my hair up in a bun or braid. It removes tangles and knots in your hair with ease and without pulling on your scalp.
Pastel Periwinkle Detangling Hair Brush | UNbrush
Post-Op Helpful Items
These are the helpful items I personally use during my recovery process that make my life so much easier.
After my last surgery, the PT working with me in the hospital suggested I get a rollator for long distances. I’m no stranger to mobility aids, but rollators are a new one for me. I got this super pretty pink one (because who said mobility aids can’t ...
Step 'N Rest Aluminum Rolling Walker Pink | Carex
I also recently switched from using a cane to one forearm crutch, when needed, due to the wrist problems I have now from hEDS.
Adult Forearm Crutches, Ref. 495 | Walk Easy
If you are someone who prefers a cane over forearm crutches though, the BigAlex canes are my favorite ones to use as they are easily portable, foldable, and have a nice base.
Folding Walking Cane | BigAlex
A good eye mask can help so much when you’re in the hospital recovering with nurses and techs coming in and out all day and night. I bought this exact eye mask to sleep with a few years ago and it is one of the best purchases I have made.
Luxury Breathable Sleep Mask | MZOO
A good pair of earbuds are always good to have on hand and I love these from Sony.
Wired In Ear Headphones | Sony
While I have personally not tried this specific heating pad brand it looks to be exactly the same as the other brand I have tried and the pink hearts are just so cute.
Pink Heart Heating Pad | ZXU
Okay hear me out, when in hospital sometimes you want a simple little comfort with you and Squishmallows can be just that. I personally use mine all the time to help prop my arms up when holding my phone, rest my arms on when I have IV’s and infusion...
14-Inch Safiyah Rainbow Zebra Squishmallows
You have by now probably seen or heard of The Ice Blanket from TikTok and wondered if it actually works or not. Well I’m here to tell you it 100% does work. I get hot flashes all the time as I have temperature dysregulation, which has been recently e...
The Ice Blanket | Ice Blankets
Waffle knit blankets are some of my favorites and this one is no exception, it is so soft and cozy while still being a good mid-weight that does not overheat me.
TENCEL® Lyocell Waffle Bed Blanket Green | Threshold™
Everyone needs a good pair of headphones and personally these are my absolute favorite. The noise cancellation is amazing and I love the touchpad style controls on the right ear.
WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones | Sony
My hot take is that these u-shaped body pillows aren’t just for pregnant people but are truly made for anyone! I sleep with a u-shaped pillow every single night and love the support it gives while I sleep.
U Shaped Full Body Pillow for Sleeping Support
After my last surgery the hospital gave me an abdominal binder and I have to say it has been a game changer for my recovery. I feel less nervous moving around now and find the compression comforting. Though please speak to a medical professional abou...
Premium Panel Elastic Abdominal Binder | ProCare
I am very excited to try out my Jelliebend once I am healed enough to not need the medical grade abdominal binder. I wasn’t able to try this one out prior to surgery due to my pain, but with this I am hoping it will help with everyday activities to l...
Jelliebend | Jelliebend
Staying hydrated is key after having major surgery and I absolutely love this Owala water bottle. I like that I can keep it next to me in bed without worrying about it spilling on me and it comes in so many pretty colors.
FreeSip® Water Bottle | Owala
A good pill organizer is a must after surgery and this cat one is the one I have been personally using.
Sun N Sand Multi Feline 7 Day Pill Organizer
Immediate Post-Surgery Comfy Clothes
Once the hospital gown is off, these are the clothes I am wearing for at least the first week or two.
When you are diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome and are having a Left Renal Vein Transposition, getting some fun kidney slippers never hurts!
Kidney Plush Slippers | I Heart Guts
Good pajamas to change into always makes recovery a little bit better and this pajama set from Walmart is super soft and comfortable for the post-op recovery.
Women's Cotton Blend Notch Collar Top and Shorts Pajama Set | Joyspun
Another great pair of super soft jersey pajama’s but this time from Old Navy, that are yet another perfect set to recover in.
Sunday Sleep Knit Jersey Short Set | Old Navy
I always love a comfortable pajama short and these women’s boxer pajama shorts from Walmart are a light weight, breathable cotton, that are perfect to pair with any t-shirt or sweatshirt.
Women's Woven Pajama Boxer Shorts | Joyspun
Need a good sweatshirt to keep you warm post-op? This one from Spoonie Sister Shop on Etsy is the perfect cozy sweatshirt that also raises awareness for all the abdominal compression syndromes. There are also designs for each compression syndrome in ...
Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes Awareness Sweatshirt | Spoonie Sister Shop
Who doesn’t love a good nature tee? This manatee design from Jim Morris Tees is one of my favorites and is perfect to cheer you up post-surgery.
Manatee | Jim Morris Tees
A nice robe is always perfect to have after surgery. This Croft and Barrow waffle knit robe is the perfect soft and lightweight option.
Waffle-Knit Kimono Robe | Croft & Barrow®
Good underwear after surgery is a must and this cut from Jockey is one of my favorites to wear.
Seamfree Chill Modern Brief | Jockey
The Keen Howser III Slide is the perfect slip on and off shoe for after surgery. No need to struggle getting your shoes on!
Women's Howser III Slide | Keen
Clothes to Wear During Recovery
Once I am able to start leaving the house or want to feel more put together for appointments, these are the clothes I have been reaching for. I did restructure my closet once I was out of surgery, as I realized a lot of the clothes I owned weren’t su...
These cotton jersey palazzo pants from Natural Life are the perfect stylish, feel-like pajama, pants to wear out post-surgery while you’re still healing.
Make A Move "ButterSoft" Knit Palazzo Pant | Natural Life
I love a good basic all around tank top and this one with built in padding is perfect to layer or wear by itself.
V-Neck Racer Back Tank Top | Danysu
Oversized button downs are one of my go-to tops for days when I need to run out of the house quickly. My personal favorites are the LL Bean Men’s button downs which I typically buy secondhand from Depop or EBay.
LL Bean Blue Plaid Button Down | EBay
Another perfect comfy oversized shirt to go out in post-recovery from Three Bird Nest.
Landon Oversized Top | Three Birds Nest
Need to go somewhere post-surgery where you need to dress up a little bit? This style of dress with the high waist and flowing skirt is perfect option to make sure none of your surgical incisions are being rubbed on your clothes while out.
Bailey Maxi Dress | Natural Life
The coziest waffle knit loungewear sweatshirt you will ever wear!
Waffle Lounge Long Sleeve | Comfrt
These wide leg pants from Three Bird Nest are the perfect cozy pants to go out in and pair with a multitude of different tops.
Lucky One Wide Leg Pant | Three Bird Nest
Here is another comfy bralette!
Organic Cotton Stretch Triangle Bralette | Jockey
These cotton pants are so cute and comfortable. They have an elastic and drawstring waist that pairs perfect with a t-shirt.
Purple Cruise Wide Leg Cotton Pants | The Little Bazaar