Double mastectomy- do I need this pillow?

I survived my ride home without it so no you don't need it...it does look comfortable however but unnecessary IMO

Amy

Hi christmas718:

I'd say you can skip it. The main issue in the car is the seatbelt over the chest area. You can roll up a soft, polartec or fleece jacket or baby blanked or equivalent, and adjust it as needed (more or less bulk under the belt). I didn't really like anything pressing on me at first. As a passenger, you could even just hold the belt an inch or two away from your chest.

Once at home (with less pain medication in your system), if you find you have discomfort under your arms from the sentinel node biopsy, then any soft bed pillows or smaller throw pillows work well to support your elbows and help keep your arms away from your body when seated.

Best wishes for your surgery and recovery, and the best possible pathology results.

BarredOwl

I honestly don't think you will get a lot of use from that. The one pillow I highly recommend is a micro bead cylindrical pillow. I got one for LX and have used it every night especially after MX. You can so easily adjust where you want added support and it is so squishy soft. You can use it under your seatbelt chest strap but I find it very usefull as a side sleeper.

I tried to avoid buying any specialized pillows that I probably wouldn't ever use again. And to me, the picture of the woman sleeping with that pillow looks downright painful to me! I couldn't stand any extra pressure on my chest after my BMX. I just used small pillows under my arms, but I almost wish I'd gotten the squishy pillows slv58 mentioned above!

However, the one "special" pillow I've recently come to love is a low memory foam wedge pillow for my bed. 2 months out from surgery and finally out of the recliner, I still find sleeping in a bed uncomfortable but this has helped so much. I can sleep on my side more easily, it's easier to get up and out of bed, and the angle just feels better. For the first time since my surgery, I've been waking up without pain! This is the one I got: (Linenspa Wedge Pillow with Removable Velour Cover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JPISACC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nb7Zxb66M0CRY), but there are plenty of options online. I'd just wait to see how you feel after surgery and if you think it's necessary.

Good luck with your surgery!

I didn't use any special pillows for that. I just used one of the spare throw pillows from the couch and it worked fine.

I used a wedge pillow since I couldn't sleep on my sides for about 3 weeks per PS orders. It really helped with my comfort level and sleep. Not sure if that's what you're referring to, but I'll share the info anyway.

https://www.google.com/search?q=wedge+pillow&ie=ut...

I would wait. I was given one in the hospital, they are made by local volunteers. A very nice surprise.

I used a very soft pillow. I take this my hospital. I suggest you take a soft pillow. 

my DH and I made pillows for the hospital and infusion center. And donated them. They are shaped like a half moon and they hug your body. I had terrible nerve pain and could not lower my arm at all. Someone I knew gave me her pillows when I was diagnosed. You have trouble leaning against your own arm Because of nerves going crazy. These pillows I slept with to help me be able to lower my arm. Just like someone here said, the hospitals usually have everything. Just ask the social worker at the hospitals! I'm going to check and see if I have anymore left. Much love ~M~

If you find that your hospital doesn't have the pillows I'll take a pic of one and post it later. We will make you two and send them to you. Mine were heaven. I don't think I could have gone anywhere without them. I also took them with me in the car. So PM me if you're interested and or if your hospital doesn't have them donated.!!