SGAP helpful hints.

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Sacnaillady
Sacnaillady Member Posts: 59
edited September 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

hi everyone!

I'm having a sGAP flap done  Oct. 13th. I was wondering if anyone had any helpful hints or advise for making surgery, hospital stay, drive home(2 1/2 hours to home) and recovery more comfortable. Is there anything you did or used that was indispensable? I'm just wondering about the logistics of sleeping and sitting. Any advise is helpful and appreciated. 

Thank you,

Linda

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  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited August 2014

    I just had SGAP on August 12.The one thing I have been so glad I bought is a foam matttress pad.It is not the egg crate type,the indentations are different.Bought it cheap from Walmart,but it is great for my butt incisions and drains.Lots of pillows to prop up in bed and for the ride home.Some use a recliner for the first few days.Some use ear plugs and sleep masks in hospital but I didn't need them.Others will chime in with ideas for you.Good littleuck!

  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited August 2014

    Lots of pillows to form a "nest"  in your bed. Maybe a bedside step stool, a lanyard to hold your drains while showering. An eye mask for the hospital, they check on you every hour the first 24 hrs and that means they turn on the lights. With the eye mask and drugs I was able to semi sleep during checks. Facial cleansing cloths and lip balm for hospita/ discharge. A notebook to write down questions/ instructions . I used thick Kotex type pads over my butt incisions which worked great :)  I was kind of a freak about germs so I always had gloves and sanitizer near by. If your hair is long a leave in conditioner makes it easy for someone else to comb out your hair . Again, pillows. You will be able to be out and about a little within the first week after discharge, I took a pillow with me to all the restaurants! One for my butt and another to protect my chest.  The best thing  I did beforehand was lots of squats and listened to a surgical healing meditation cd. You really don't need much, lots of sleep. Good luck on your upcoming surgery. 

  • Sacnaillady
    Sacnaillady Member Posts: 59
    edited August 2014

    thank you! Great info. Keep 'em coming!

  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited August 2014

    One super important thing,go into surgery well rested and well nourished.I was severely sleep deprived before surgery and was not where I was able to eat the healthy way I do at home(stayed with relatives for three days and it was a nightmare).I know my recovery has been set back because of it.And if your doctor does not prescribe Miralax...get some!It will help the constipation which is a given with the pain meds.Oh,I found loose button front dresses much more comfortable than baggy pants,no need to pull them up over the drains.

  • Sacnaillady
    Sacnaillady Member Posts: 59
    edited September 2014

    button front dress! Great idea! Are you able to wear panties? Should I get some large granny panties? Or no panties? Also, for sitting, just regular soft pillow or special type pillows like a doughnut. Should I buy a cami that holds drains or not bother and just use the lanyard? Sorry, lots of questions. 

  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited September 2014

    I have not worn panties,I just felt like they pushed on the drain tubes.But I know for some women,it feels better with panties.I was given camis at the hospital,my breast drains were pulled the day I was released.The ones I have are very light and have velcro up the front.I am in a soft surgical bra too.I use the lanyard in the shower.I am still trying to find the perfect pillow for sitting...my drains come out of the sides of my hips...i can feel them in the small of my back and down into my cheeks.....not sure if that is really where they are thouugh!Sounds like you will be driving home after? Have a bunch of soft pillows for the back seat,you will need to stop every hour and walk a bit and it will feel good to be able to lay down.

  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited September 2014

    I  wore grannies ,it would hold the Kotex pad in place . I really didn't have any pain from sgap, just discomfort at drain sites . Pads are good for this also. I also bought inexpensive "house coats" yep, just like my mom used to wear, they zipped up and were good for hanging around the house. I did like the soft Cami that they give you at hospital, ask your doc if they will be provided. I liked the Velcro one, soft and easy on off., and presentable enough to wear in public.  I  just used a big (diaper sized) safety pin for drains and lanyard in shower . I just used regular pillows, lots of them .  

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