Everything You Need to be Prepared for Surgery Recovery
Top Surgery Recovery Tips and Gift Ideas
Here are some recommendations to help you get through your top surgery recovery or to put together a gift basket for a loved one. These items also won't break the bank, because you will only need them for a short time so why spend more than you need to.
Zip or Button Front Tops
You will not be able to lift your arms after your surgery, so any kind of button down or zip up shirt is essential. Bonus if it has pockets for the drains! There are a lot of options out there for surgical recovery garments, but a lot of them are expensive and look like surgical garments. This was my main reason for creating Kelly Bee Designs and why my top surgery recovery zip up hoodie is a best seller. It looks just like a regular hoodie so you can leave the house feeling normal. Plus, you can still wear it after your surgery...the pockets are useful for so many things!
Post Mastectomy Hoodie with Drain Pockets by Kelly Bee Designs
Compression Vest
Your doctor might give you a surgical wrap or vest when you leave the hospital, but you will want at least one more. You will need something that zips or buttons in the front.
Men's Compression Vest with Zipper*
Pillows and Sleeping
Full disclosure here, sleeping is not going to be fun for a little while. You will want to sleep at an incline to relieve some pressure and help with the drains. You can either pile up a whole bunch of pillows or get one of these wedge pillows to help.
Bed Wedge Pillow for Sleeping*
These chest surgery recovery pillows provide comfort and protection. Use at home or in the car. There are three pockets that can hold ice or heat packs. It will lay snug against your chest and the wings can go under your arms to provide comfortable support.
Chest Surgical Recovery Pillow*
Here are some perfectly sized hot or cold reusable ice packs to put in those pillows. Microwave or freeze.
Personal Care Products
You are not going to be able to shower for a while after surgery if you come home with surgical drains. And even if you could, you won't be able to lift your arms to wash your hair. Dry shampoo is a great option during this period, or whenever you want to extend the time between shampoos. I currently use this one by Living Proof and highly recommend it. I also listed a cheaper option, by Batiste, that has really good reviews on Amazon and comes in a variety of scents.
Try a no-rinse foam cleanser to stay fresh when you can't shower. Just soap up and wipe off. Perfect for surgical recovery.
Medline Remedy Phytoplex Hydrating No Rinse Cleansing Foam*
Other options include these no-rinse bathing wipes. They are pre-moistened wipes that you can microwave for a warm bath experience.
No Rinse Microwaveable Cleansing Wipes*
If you do get the ok to shower with your drains still in, you will need a way to keep the drains held up so that you have use of your hands. All you need is a simple lanyard like the one below. Put it around your neck and put the drains tubes in the clasp. You can put them behind your back to keep them from getting too wet.
Shower Lanyard by Kelly Bee Designs
Surgical Drain Care
Here are a few products I recommend keeping on hand to help keep your drains and surgical site clean and dry for quick healing: Alcohol Wipes, Hand Sanitizer, Gauze Pads and Medical Tape. This first aid kit has everything you need and then some.
I would love to hear about what products or things you found most helpful during your top surgery recovery. Sign up below to stay posted on new items added.