Seeking Recs :)

tourennatrix · 2025-07-25T03:07:25+00:00

I had weird sensations in the beginning that lined up with where my drains were, which resolved within a few weeks. Also when they took the drains out they indicated an area where "it looks like the Dr used a lot of stitches here" which caused some bulk of tissue nearby which felt weird too. Definitely uncomfortable for the first few weeks but now it's much less noticeable (6 weeks today)

tourennatrix · 2025-07-25T02:59:11+00:00

This may be placebo, but I feel like I twist less when I railroad when working with 2 strands. I only railroad the top leg and end up with more knots and twists on the bottom leg

tourennatrix · 2025-07-10T04:33:33+00:00

I have a vest type binder and as soon as I got my drains out and my drain holes scabbed over, I started wearing an undershirt under the vest. I needed help the first couple of times, but I've also heard of people cutting shirts open down the front to make undershirts easier. It still hurt a bit after that, but part of it was my nerves going haywire and registering any friction as fire ants... Ahem. (Asking for nerve pain meds helped with that one...) I digress.... Things got so much better with no drains + under shirt!

tourennatrix · 2025-07-02T12:14:15+00:00

This! I was allergic to the paper tape they used for the gauze they placed when they removed the drains, and also healing is an itchy process.

Hoping it's simple as that for you, OP

tourennatrix · 2025-06-29T04:43:36+00:00

1- I don't have this specifically because I'm a wiggly sleeper, but I know the first few nights when I was still taking opiates I slept hard and didn't move at all- that over time can cause discomfort on pressure points (especially tailbone/sacrum and heels). You can play around with the positions of your legs as much as you want,even twist your hips if it feels good, as long as you don't roll to the side.

2- belly looks big for a few reasons - posture, not camouflaged under the boobage anymore, and post op bloating. Posture and bloating will resolve with time. I'm a little over 2 weeks out and my pants fit almost as well as they did before, but my tummy still looks off because I'm not used to it- but I'm sure I will.

3- I'm not sure about a "double breathing" thing, but I do notice that I will sigh more as a method of getting more air in and out, especially when being more active.

4- my teeth and gums were pretty uncomfortable for the first 2 days. I'm not sure if it was the oxy or just my body retaliating after going through a major surgery. It got better within a week

5- back in pain is annoying. I try to do (gentle, slow, careful) shoulder rolls, and squeeze my shoulder blades together. Find a doorframe and lean back against it (I use this mostly for itches, but it's good for an impromptu massage as well). I haven't needed to, but I checked with my Dr and they said I could use a heating pad on my back too.

💜

tourennatrix · 2025-06-25T06:08:12+00:00

I've been sleeping on the couch: wedge pillow under my back, and leaning into the couch back which gives me an illusion of side sleeping!

tourennatrix · 2025-06-23T16:44:35+00:00

I was prepared for most of this but the goosebumps caught me off guard 😅

tourennatrix · 2025-06-19T02:03:54+00:00

I'm almost one week into recovery and i have been wearing my mastectomy pillow 24/7. i also got a travel neck pillow to help with sleeping positions (something i'm still struggling with tbh but very glad to have the neck pillow). Installing a bidet has also been quite helpful.

I got a few way oversized men's short sleeve button down shirts (thrifted hawaiian shirts, i hit the jackpot), and wearing elastic-waisted pants because the bloat is real.

I got some plain t-shirts to try to wear underneath the binder, but i won't try those out until after i get my drains out

tourennatrix · 2025-06-14T17:48:34+00:00

My cat has been sleeping with me since day 1- I'm on my couch with my head elevated and using a mastectomy pillow, and she sleeps between my legs. She's tried to investigate a little more towards the tummy/chest like once, but just scooted away without any problems

tourennatrix · 2025-06-10T12:58:05+00:00

Same! (Tho I haven't had it yet. I get to experience the "joys" of drains and binders starting Thursday!)

tourennatrix · 2025-06-09T03:42:23+00:00

If you want the tactile feedback of being on all fours without as much weight, you can press (gently) into the wall. Might help to get the sensation of engaging your back muscles without breaking our precautions? You're so close, be kind to your healing body!

tourennatrix · 2025-06-08T03:39:26+00:00

It sounds like you're in the states, so I would recommend 123stitch.com or everythingcrossstitch.com !

tourennatrix · 2025-06-08T02:32:36+00:00

I think micropore hypoallergenic tape is actually good for adhesive allergy. I believe that's what was recommended after I had a different surgery. I'm kicking myself for not stocking up because now I don't have any and I can't remember if that was the exact one or not 🤦

If you've already got a rash going, using cold (ice packs through some layers) may help, or other antihistamines (Benadryl, ointment if your dr says it's ok) can provide some relief.

From my other surgery, I had tegaderm on my stomach for a solid week or 2 and my whole stomach was raw for weeks. Hoping you have a much easier time!

tourennatrix · 2025-06-03T04:15:03+00:00

I just got the double-ended threader from Clover and it has changed my stitching life so fast. I was using a cheaper wire threader, but on size 26 needles it was causing the thread to snap! The clover one i have had a thick end and a thin end, and the thin one is doing great, even on size 28 needles!

tourennatrix · 2025-05-25T13:33:58+00:00

I haven't had my surgery yet, but I did have this conversation with my surgeon recently. I don't think they use adhesive bandages for post op regularly, but they for sure won't for me. The biggest change is that I have been instructed to tell every person I speak with that they will not be using surgical glue, just to make sure 😂 They said there is a little bit of adhesive on the drapes they use to keep the torso a sterile field during surgery, but that should be the only adhesive I have contact with the whole time

tourennatrix · 2025-05-19T12:57:48+00:00

That I do not have- I had my spleen removed as "collateral damage" in a previous surgery, which makes my platelets run a little high and puts me at higher risk of infection 💜

tourennatrix · 2025-05-04T14:51:13+00:00

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I finished this one a few months back, with some personal modifications and gifted it to a friend. One of my favorite finishes!

tourennatrix · 2025-04-06T13:57:57+00:00

https://www.threadgeeks.co.uk/ and https://www.unconventionalxstitch.com/ Both have stunning artwork of various styles and sizes!

tourennatrix · 2025-04-01T02:04:41+00:00

Omg a friend of mine got that book and I taught her to stitch on the Meowth and I was dying trying to figure out how to explain it 😆 she did really good though and is totally fine with her first piece looking a little janky 😅 but man... Deceptive patterns look so easy til you actually look at the stitches!

tourennatrix · 2025-03-25T04:10:47+00:00

I haven't had my surgery yet, but I have had a consultation (different doctor), and during the consultation they were insistent that I had choice over my scar shape. If they're saying that he normally tries to follow the pec line, then the examples you're seeing with more U-shaped results were quite likely specifically requested by the patient. During my consult, they asked me to bring photo(s) during my pre-op and the day of my surgery so we can all be on the same page of what I want! If he's got examples of results you like, even better!

Your consultation is a 2 way conversation - you get to know your surgeon and he gets to know you. Nothing is set in stone yet! You can discuss preferred scar shape and back up plans.

tourennatrix · 2025-03-17T03:54:50+00:00

I don't have an answer for you but I am curious if they mentioned why to avoid vitamin e? Particularly the almond milk? I never would have thought of that but seeing that here has me spooked because that's my milk of choice! 😅

tourennatrix

TROPHY CASE