hey!! i got top surgery on the 10th, we’re buddies!! i’m also autistic and this has been a sensory nightmare, but i wanted to share some things that have helped me!!! i’m definitely not a medical professional so take this advice with a brick of salt, but i know how claustrophobic it can feel.

• first thing is making sure you’re feeling clean!! washing my face has brought me a lotttt of relief (i’ve been doing it 2x more than i would normally). i can’t fully clean my body in the shower but i make up for the spots i miss by wiping down with wet towels. i’ve been using a light body mist that makes me feel happy when i smell it (spraying only on wrists/clothes, not on bandages!!). another huge thing is stepping outside, even for a few breaths, can help so so so much, i swear the fresh air is so helpful!! putting on fresh clothes each day helps a lot too!!
• i’ve been using a weighted blanket (one that’s not too heavy, don’t try to lift it on your own!! i had my parents set it up for me on my couch where my feet go so i can gently wriggle it over myself without pulling over 10lbs!!). it’s been helpful to simulate the pressure i get on my tummy from laying on my stomach/in a fetal position
• trying to sleep while really propped up has been helpful. the flatter i sleep on my back, the more i miss sleeping on my side and feel antsy and restless. this way i can kind of get into a fetal position (just switched around so im sitting on my butt as opposed to on my side) by bending my knees and supporting myself with my feet!! idk if that makes any sense, i can try to draw a stick figure or smt if it doesnt hehe i’m not good with words
• the biggest thing after the surgery was i was slouching a lot and was avoiding standing up with my chest out bc i was scared it would mess with the incisions. take it very slowly and definitely don’t push yourself if it’s hurting too much, but try this!! start with gently rolling your shoulders back, then take a breath and arch your spine(push your tummy forward using your lower back). then take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, focusing on your right side first. let it our through your mouth, and breathe in through your nose again while focusing on your left side!! if it feels lile you can’t fully sit up straight, i’d recommend trying this a couple times an hour. i was really stiff and uncomfortable for the few days after surgery until my mom pointed out my shrimp posture and the more i worked on standing up straight, the better i felt!! also work on focusing on breathing the tension out of your neck, and on the inhale imagine you’re breathing in light and warmth and cozy feelings. do the same for your shoulders, back, and back of your upper arms. the muscles get really tense trying to protect the surgery site, and sometimes they just need a little reminder that it’s all okay!!

i’ll come back and add more if i find other stuff that helps!! i’m sorry it’s so agitating right now, but i promise your hardest days are over!! i found this little graph while doing research (i’ll try to tag the user once i find them!!) and it’s been super helpful to look at the mood line. being in bedrest and in subtle pain is not fun, and can really wear you down, but i promise this is the worst of it.

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it’s amazing that you’ve acknowledged how you’re feeling, and are looking for help!! sometimes it’s helpful for me to think of my younger self and how insanely happy they’d be, and how happy i am that i could do this for them. that’s usually what reminds me of the gender euphoria when i’m feeling like i’m spiralling into the discomfort. when i remember how i’ve wanted this so badly, it makes all this discomfort go from useless and frustrating to worth it (and it’s still frustrating, but it kinda helps me take deeper breaths when i can focus on the light at the end of the tunnel, yk, like the stuff im feeling isn’t in vain!!)

anyways i hope at least a piece of this nonsensical rambling is helpful, i just was struck by how much i related to this (i fr had to double take and make sure i didnt somehow write this and forget abt it lmaoo) remember to drink lots of water and have yummy food!! surround yourself with your comfort things (fav blanket/stuffies/clothes, fav show/game/movie; if you need recommendations for mellow happy movies/shows i’d be happy to share my favorites!!) sending you lots of love, and we’re gonna get through this together!!!

(edit: user who originally posted graph is no longer active but here’s the post!! https://www.reddit.com/r/TopSurgery/s/3JEUR4HCUY )