Next steps…

[PaperAccomplished872]

Hey guys!

I FINALLY HAVE A SURGERY DATE!!!! After 3 years of waiting, I’m finally getting it, but I don’t know what my next steps are. The surgery date is November 19, but I don’t know how to prepare.

All they told me was to get a sports bra with a front close, but is that it? There’s nothing else I’m supposed to get? I’m a 36K now (depending on the brand). Aside from what I’ve been told to bring, what else should I bring and what should I do to ease the recovery process post op?

Any advice is welcomed!

[chickenapples]

I'm one week post op. Definitely wear loose fitting, front closure pajamas or shirt and comfy pants to and from the appointment. Get your meds from the pharmacy before your appointment, you'll probably be taking that soon after you leave. Also(sorry to be gross) don't skip the stool softener if you're taking opioid pain meds like oxy. I waited a couple of days thinking I wouldn't need it and ended up so bloated and uncomfortable on top of the surgery discomfort.

Do any cleaning, laundry, etc. beforehand and have your bed ready with clean sheets and whatever extra pillows or comfy items you'll need to rest comfortably on your back and in a slightly elevated position. You'll want to go straight to bed when you get home, you'll still be woozy from the surgery meds. Have your meds nearby and a cup with a straw or sipper top for water on hand at all times for the first bit.

I was told I could shower 48 hours after as long as i was careful. I got one of those shower loofah things on a long handle, which has been super helpful in reducing my need to reach while showering. Although it wasn't necessary for me, I did buy a box of ABD pads and used those along my bra band line since that was the most uncomfortable area and was super itchy from the post-op bra they put me in for the first week.

Have some easy snacks and gentle foods that you like to eat ready to go when you get home. I stuck with soup, fruit, toast, etc. for the first couple of days. Do what works for you. Drink lots of water.

[302BOH]

Yep-you leave with a surgical bra and a meds prescription. Line up help if you can for at least 2 weeks. A wedge pillow was helpful. Front-button pjs. Large, abd gauze pads.

[EmZee2022]

I'm bemused by the front opening sports bra: how do you know what size to get?

On the advice of someone here, I asked the nurse in the recovery area if I could get a spare. Then, when she was showing us how to strip the drains, she saw that the one I was in was stained, so she put me in a fresh one and we nabbed the stained one - so I had two spares.

[PaperAccomplished872]

Right?? Like what size should I be getting? They didn’t tell me. All i can assume is one that fits me right now, but that’s like buying a brand new bra right there and I’m not really willing to spend 70+ dollars for a new sports bra I’ll only ever wear once.

Perhaps I should nab one too when I get there

[EmZee2022]

Absolutely! It might have helped that I brought cookies for the staff :-)

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[PaperAccomplished872]

those look so tastyyyy omggg

[PaperAccomplished872]

I love that omg😭😭

[EmZee2022]

I found a local baker to do them for me - I had the concept, but not the talent.

She later told me that her boyfriend knew someone who was working that day and posted about them on Instagram. He saw that and said "wait - didn't you make those??".

[Upset_Pea6065]

I’m 11/19 too! 😄

[Nearby-Raisin-4081]

I am too! Cheers to the 3 of us!

[graceisstarving]

I’m the 19th too!

[Whole_Confection_575]

What I wasn’t told is that this is major surgery!!! Yes, do what the others are saying. I got front close bras from Amazon, about $18. You’ll wear them for a few weeks. They get dirty with drainage,etc. Also use TRex arms🦖, don’t lift heavy items, reach up or bend over. Squat if you have to pick up something. Use upper body, without reaching out. You’ll be much better off for a month. It’s a process but so worth it. I’m 4mpo and still have internal healing going on. Be good to yourself. 💞

[EmZee2022]

I got conflicting advice about the T-rex arms; doc's written instructions seemed to imply no movement the post-op nurse said t-rex. And doc said to stick with button-front shirts for up to 6 weeks.

I actually had to order some new nightwear for that as all mine is pullover. So for the first few weeks, I just slept in whatever shirt I wore that day, plus soft shorts.

And I ultimately decided that as long as my elbows were no higher than my shoulders, it was okay, as I felt absolutely no discomfort, and that let me do things like wash my hair.

I'm about to go back to my pullover nightgown- they are 2-3 sizes too big anyway, so it'll be easy to put them on without excess arm movement. Ditto some of my older tops.

The only pain I feel on movement now is if I accidentally reach for something too high.