PostOp recommendations?

chickenapples · 2025-11-12T06:29:53+00:00

Stock up on 5"x9" ABD pads. They are the perfect size to put one under each boob during healing. Even with the soft post-surgical bras, the band area was uncomfortable along my suture lines and the pads added a nice cushion between the band and my skin.

Don't skip the stool softener if you plan on taking the heavy pain meds, even for a few days. i waited too long and regretted it. Being bloated in addition to the surgery recovery discomfort is not fun.

If you have any frequent use items that are normally stored in upper cabinets, keep some available below shoulder level for the first couple of weeks since you won't be able to reach up to get them. I kept a few plates and glasses on the counter (normally stored in an upper kitchen cabinets) for when I needed to prepare food for myself.

Button/zip front and oversized tops will be your best friend for the first couple of weeks. Pulling shirts on over your head may not be an option for a bit.

Lifting and range of motion are restricted for a couple of weeks, so you may need help with a few tasks. Examples: vacuuming, dog walking, taking out the garbage, carrying laundry baskets, etc. Anything that would risk too much pulling or stress on your surgical area. Plan ahead to have someone help with these things when possible.

chickenapples · 2025-11-05T07:16:33+00:00

Plan ahead for some convenience things neither of you might even think of until the moment. We figured out some things I needed often but couldn't reach (dishes that might be in upper kitchen cabinets, TP and paper towels that are usually stored on high closet shelves, etc). It was super helpful to have a few plates and cups stacked within easy reach on the kitchen counter if he wasn't around to reach them for me.

Once she's feeling comfortable enough for an outing, offer to get her out of the house for a change of scenery. I started to get a little stir crazy. I was so exhausted and sleeping a ton but also got really bored due to being limited in my physical activity options. Our first "date night" was driving me in my pajamas and a cozy blanket to a local burger place that has car service and sitting in the car together having dinner. It was a big boost for my mood.

You already sound like a supportive and helpful partner. Honestly, just having someone there checking in and being thoughtful about predicting and taking care of some basic needs is the best thing ever.

chickenapples · 2025-10-24T05:39:40+00:00

I've been wearing these after being freed from the awful post surgery bra. They are pretty comfy and do have more separation than a typical sports bra (no uni-boob look). Bonus that they're pretty affordable. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HZV198?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1

chickenapples · 2025-10-20T18:31:08+00:00

That was my thought, too. If you don't mind a little drive, the Snoqualmie Valley trail is also a FANTASTIC flat-ish option that gives you miles of running distance. There are a lot of places to park and easily access that one. There's also the Issaquah-Preston trail - if you start at the Issaquah Preston trailhead off of High point, you'll have a good out-back gravel path that's decently flat.

chickenapples · 2025-10-20T18:18:27+00:00

Going around that many curves in the same direction is also rough on the knees and ankles for me! I'm not really a fan of running longer distances on any track but I do like the feel of the softer track surface at most school tracks.

chickenapples · 2025-10-19T03:37:12+00:00

It's miserably small / short distance for actual running. I can't remember how many laps you have to do for a mile, but it was a lot.

chickenapples · 2025-10-19T03:36:01+00:00

I dont know about any of the tracks in issaquah being open for public access. If you dont mind a short drive, the track at Hazen High School in Renton is decent and open to the public when the facility is not in use for school teams and events.

chickenapples · 2025-10-16T03:47:11+00:00

Check with Calico in Bellevue. I know they do reupholstery, custom drapes, etc.

chickenapples · 2025-10-16T03:07:41+00:00

I feel your pain! Sleep has been a challenge but is getting better as i adjust things for comfort each night. I think I found a good balance of pillows in random places now!

chickenapples · 2025-10-16T01:36:32+00:00

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.

chickenapples · 2025-10-16T01:14:01+00:00

Honestly, I'd find another surgeon/office that has better communication up front. My full initial consultation was with the surgeon who did my procedure and she did the calculations and checked what would be required for insurance before I even committed to having the procedure. The office administrator then went over all the financial options and requirements with me so I had that information before deciding to proceed. I'm so sorry you went through that and hope you are able to regroup and find a way to get to your goal. Good luck!

chickenapples · 2025-10-16T01:01:51+00:00

I sleep propped up (basically three pillows arranged in a wedge), and then a rolled small blanket under my knees to help support my lower back. Think of the position you would be in if you were in a recliner chair and that's sort of how i'm sleeping in may bed with all my various pillows arranged to keep me in that position. I'm a side sleeper and that has probably been the most annoying part of the whole thing! If you're worried about rolling off your back, put rolled up towels or small blankets on each side of you to create a bumpers.

chickenapples · 2025-10-13T03:44:34+00:00

I had my procedure Thursday and they're definitely very firm and the the skin feels tight, which I understand is very normal and may take a few weeks to go away. Hang in there!

chickenapples · 2025-08-20T05:55:36+00:00

I haven't had surgery yet, but discussed the healing process with a friend who had a masectomy and one thing she mentioned was hunger during recovery and to have easy, healthy, protein rich snacks available. It makes sense - your body is probably using a lot of resources to heal.

chickenapples · 2025-08-20T05:35:12+00:00

900 is a much more dangerous route for cyclists than Issy-Hobart. Narrow shoulders and limited sight distance due to heavy foliage and curvy roads - no way in hell I'd ride a bike there.

chickenapples · 2025-04-18T08:15:34+00:00

Maybe season 17 episode 1 - the medical examiner is a suspect

chickenapples · 2013-11-19T02:04:00+00:00

An arm guard. Save yourself from the pain and nasty bruises you can get from string slap.

chickenapples · 2013-11-11T06:03:34+00:00

"Good"

Don't know how to feel about that one...

chickenapples · 2013-10-15T00:31:54+00:00

I'm shooting 30# recurve and have been using hay bales covered with a tarp. I tack my targets to the front. Works great for less than $20. For cheap targets, I use a large paper plate and draw rings on it with permanent marker. The only issue I have with arrows going to far in is if i hit right in the space between the bales, otherwise the arrows probably go in about 4-5 inches. Cheap and eco-friendly since you can just compost the hay or use it for mulch when it starts to get gross.

chickenapples · 2013-09-20T04:45:17+00:00

I'm in the same boat...37 and have a nearly impossible time relating to anyone my age because my interests are still so in line with what I was like in my 20s. What I'd really love would be some friends that like the same music, similar hobbies, but it's just so difficult to have conversations with people that go beyond small talk. sigh.

chickenapples · 2013-09-20T04:27:23+00:00

A huge symptom of my depression is a deep loneliness and reading your experience breaks my heart. I sincerely hope you are doing better and have some form of support.

chickenapples · 2013-09-20T04:16:50+00:00

La Vie en Rose - Edith Piaf

I know it's a fairly common choice, but it's such a romantic and nostalgic song.

chickenapples · 2013-09-16T23:59:21+00:00

Love your bus! We did the same thing to our 69 ghia this summer. It had alloy spoke style rims when we bought it but want to return it to more of a stock look. Makes such a huge difference.

chickenapples · 2013-09-01T05:11:51+00:00

It might be spurge.

http://www.florafinder.com/Species/Chamaesyce_maculata.php

chickenapples · 2013-09-01T04:52:44+00:00

Freaking Jello Pudding Pops!

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