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Recovery Must-Haves: The Ultimate Comfort & Healing Checklist
Purple Star emoji 24 items
By
Jen Holmes profile picture
Jen Holmes
These items were my post-op essentials after my breast reduction, childbirth and hysterectomy.
Sections
5
 
Post-Op Positioning
 
Personal Care & Must Buy Gadgets
 
Digestion & Pain Management Support
 
Zero-Effort Recovery Wardrobe
 
Sleep essentials

Post-Op Positioning

 
Jen Holmes profile picture
Extra support in bed and on the couch is a must
Sasttie Reading Pillows for Sitting in Bed
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Jen Holmes profile picture
A friend loaned me this and it was super helpful! I'm now thinking of getting one since it made using my laptop on the couch so easy.
PYURIFAI Crochet Lap Support Pillow Detachable Back
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Jen Holmes profile picture
If you are going to be sitting a lot in the weeks following surgery, I would highly recommend a good donut pillow
Donut Pillow Seat Cushion - Cooling Gel Memory Foam
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Personal Care & Must Buy Gadgets

 
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Game changer for the first week
Frida Mom 8pc Postpartum Underwear
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Jen Holmes profile picture
This tool was SO helpful. Buy two if you have small children because it will go missing. LOL
FGRHY Telescopic Grabber Reacher Tool, 5-Level
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Jen Holmes profile picture
A heating pad is very helpful for cramping and dull abdomen pain.
Pure Enrichment PureRelief with 4 Heat Settings and 2hr Auto Shut-off Deluxe Heating Pad - 12" x 24"
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Jen Holmes profile picture
I kept a small pill case by my bed and another by my spot on the couch so I didn't have to get up every time I was due for pain meds.
Nipichsha Pill Box, Small Pill Case
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Jen Holmes profile picture
This dry shampoo helped me feel fresh! It is refillable, travel size and non-aerosol.
I DEW CARE Tap Secret Dry Shampoo Powder
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Jen Holmes profile picture
I started putting Aquaphor on my incision spots once the glue started dissolving to help with the itching and scarring.
Aquaphor Body Healing Ointment Jar - 2.8oz
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Jen Holmes profile picture
This was so helpful the first week and a half after surgery.
NYOrtho Post Surgery Abdominal Binder 45-60" Waist
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Digestion & Pain Management Support

 
Jen Holmes profile picture
No one warned me about the weeks of gas! My family nor I could've have survived without Gas-Ex
Gas-X Extra Strength Softgel for Gas Relief - 72ct
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Jen Holmes profile picture
You will need to rotate acetaminophen and ibuprofen in the first few weeks so make sure to stock up!
Acetaminophen Rapid Release Tablets - 225ct - up&up™: 500mg
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Jen Holmes profile picture
You will need to rotate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen for the first few weeks so make sure to stock up!
Ibuprofen Mini Gelcaps (NSAID) - 160ct - up&up™
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Jen Holmes profile picture
The last thing you want after surgery is to be constipated. I highly recommend taking Colace as soon as you get home from surgery and for a few days after for guaranteed BMs.
Colace Regular Strength Stool Softener 30ct
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Jen Holmes profile picture
A friend suggested taking a small dose of MiraLAX a few days leading up to surgery. This move made sure my bowels were working properly after surgery.
MiraLAX, Nonstimulant Laxative Powder, Gentle Constipation Relief, No Harsh Side Effects - Unflavored - 14 Servings
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Zero-Effort Recovery Wardrobe

 
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Comfy with just the right support
Molasus Women's Cotton High Waisted Underwear
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Jen Holmes profile picture
The hot flashes were alive and well after surgery so having a few of these sets on hand made sleeping much more bearable.
Moonlight Eco Short Pajamas
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Jen Holmes profile picture
These sleepsets made the nightsweats less terrible while recovering.
Moonlight Eco Easy Rib Short Pajamas (Women)
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Jen Holmes profile picture
I lived in these during 24-7 during recovery
Soma Banded Ankle Pajama Pant
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Jen Holmes profile picture
Cozy, oversized socks were key until I could bend down on my own. My son would put them on me or I would use the grabber tool.
Women's Marled 2pk Cozy Low Cut Socks - Auden™
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Oversized, cozy socks were key when I couldn't bend over on my own. My 7 yo son would put them on for me or I would use the grabber tool if my husband wasn't around
Women's Solid 2pk Cozy Crew Socks - Auden™
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Sleep essentials

 
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I don't sleep without the Nodpod and gift it to everyone I know!
Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask | Light Blocking
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Jen Holmes profile picture
I need a cozy blanket to sleep. This throw is so soft and has a little weight to it which is nice.
Cozychic Throw Blanket
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Jen Holmes profile picture
Since my husband is a snorer, I do not sleep without these.
Flents Protechs Quiet Time Foam Ear Plugs, 50 Pair
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