My Surgery Tips!

When I found out I was going to need a bilateral mastectomy, I began searching the internet for the do's and don'ts when having this surgery.  I prefer to learn from others who have been through life's situations, but what I found was a lot of confusing information and some of it didn't make any sense.  So because of that, I am going to share my experiences and the things I found to help aid in my healing and resting. 

What you need before surgery:

• Button-down PJ's - I found THE softest ones I could find at Wal-Mart and I got 2 sets.  I would suggest a bathrobe or housecoat if you will be staying in the hospital overnight.  This will help keep your behind covered until your doctor says you can get dressed. Wear your PJ's home! This is NOT the time to hit the runway.
• New socks and slippers with gripper bottoms - you don't want to walk barefoot on the hospital floor
• If you have long hair, you will want hairties to put your hair up or a headband to keep your hair out of your face. I chose to put my hair in two braids before surgery that way I wouldn't be laying on a ponytail and because they would stay in place better.  You can NOT lift your arms to do your hair so this is an important decision to make!
• Cute but comfortable underwear! You will be limited on movement, so you will want some that easily slide on and off.  But make them cute so you feel good :)
• Music!  Make a playlist on your phone or music device to listen to as you are resting.  I found this to be  most healing.  Of course, I had some great worship songs on mine. (you can find the list on my blog under "Happy Tunesday"   Find soft easy listening songs.  This is NOT the time to listen to your workout rock-on list.  You want music that is soothing.
• Take a notepad to write down your thoughts. I think it is important to write down how you feel at that moment, so as you heal you can go back and see how far your healing journey has gone!
• This is optional- but I took my essential oils to the hospital.  I took my immune boosting blend and my special blend.  The immune boosting blend was to protect me against "germs" that may be floating in the hospital.  the last thing I wanted was to come out of surgery and get sick while I was trying to heal.  So I had my husband put it on my feet 3 times a day while I was in the hospital.  I also continued to do that at home for the first 6 weeks.  I made it through the awful flu season without getting sick.  And I went out in public quite a bit! My special blend was purely for aromatherapy and happiness!
• Breast Surgery recovery pillow!  This is a MUST!! I can't explain enough how much this helps with your healing and with preventing edema. The hardest thing to do is find a comfortable place for your arms to "hang" to rest.  The pillow supports your arms and protects your chest.  I used this while sleeping, knitting and any time I was in the car to protect me from the seat belt! You can buy it here!
• Don't buy a wedge pillow, but a couple of different pillows with different firmness.
• Be ready to sit in a recliner for the best comfort!
• Have a lap blanket for the hospital and at home.  I hope to offer some in my store soon!
• Have snack foods ready for medicine time.  I found that the pain meds kept me from being hungry but you have to take something with it, so cheese cubes and crackers were a favorite for me.  Also, have some good fruit on hand to, to help keep you regular.  Apples, bananas and other fiber fruits are best. 
• Get a cup to measure your water intake.  Those meds are going to clog you up, so have plenty of water each day.
• Have a way to display your cards, flowers and gifts.  I found being able to see them easily was a great encouragement and helped in my healing process.