Shopping/packing/to-do list for surgery + recovery....

Tiffin - Assuming you mean bilateral mastectomy? (BMX) Sorry I didn't buy a wedge. I just had a lot of pillows that I propped on both sides of me so I couldn't turn by mistake.
Interesting I was always a side or stomach sleeper. 9 years down the road of course I don't sleep on my stomach, but I'm now comfortable sleeping on either side and often wake up sleeping on my back - which I never did before BC

Tiffin - there really are some great hints in the header of this thread & previous posts.

I didn't have loose button up shirts so I bought a couple of inexpensive men's 2nds at places like TJ Max. You definitely won't want to lift your arms above shoulder height for awhile. So move things you need on top shelves down lower. And if you buy big quantities - like a gallon of milk - you may want to split into two container so it's not too heavy.

My doc let me shower as long as I covered the incisions & the drain holes. I used Glad Press N' Seal. I wrapped it around my chest and nothing ever got wet. (tip from a friend with a broken leg). I did use a shower chair and a hand held shower for the first couple of times.

Tiffin - I came home in a surgery bra and they gave me an extra one. I used light day panty liners over the incisions (they stick to the inside of the bra) so I didn't have to tape anything.

bumping

Bumping for Living

And along with the chemo tips - bumping this surgery "to do" tip list to keep it active.

You're welcome. So much good info on the BCO boards.

TIme to bump again. Great information

Bumping for newbies

looking for some advice... Buying some zip front bras, and don’t know what size to get. I’m having a double mastectomy with expanders. Should I go up a cup size? I assume there will be swelling?? Or get one the size I should be, and one bigger??

bumping per request

I would pack for a stay in case there are any complications. They wanted to send me home after one night but I stayed two since I have never seen blood pressure numbers so high and felt awful. They prescribed opiods for pain meds which I am allergic to

KMouse, I agree that being prepared for possibly staying overnight is a good idea. I had some bleeding that looked suspicious, so was taken back to surgery around midnight the night of my surgery. That's unlikely, but best to prepare your mind for the possibility. I would say leave that stuff in your vehicle, but not sure they could get it to you if needed?

Having said that, I packed as little as possible for the hospital itself. Did not want to keep up with it. You just don't need that much stuff because by the time you are feeling well enough to use it, they will send you home. Do have a pillow to use with the seatbelt going home, but it can be left in the car.

At home, the things I used the most (that I did not have before) were hand-held shower, shower stool and a mesh “Fanny pack" for my drains in the shower. You can find it on Amazon. I also used waitress aprons (amazon) to hold the drains and my glasses, phone, etc.at home. Having the drains and bulbs in the pockets kept them still (you don't want those drains to move because it hurts), and it was easier for me than buying something with pockets big enough for 4 drain bulbs. I had drains for several weeks because of my 2nd surgery (see my signature below) and the aprons really helped.

February so time to bump again. Great info

I'm a planner too and had purchased two zip front sports bras in preparation for a central lumpectomy. I had a mastectomy with tissue expander placement instead and was surprised when my BS said no bras. The hospital gave me one Velcro front camisole with pockets for drains. On day two at home I started searching for soft zip or snap or Velcro front closure tank tops or camisoles so I could have multiple options and was surprised to not find great options. The style I got from the hospital costs around $60 and the fabric isn't really the softest. I finally found a snap front tank that I've ordered a couple of and am waiting for. I expect I'll wear them for a while under other button or zip up tops and jackets while I have the TE. I wish I'd known beforehand of this need and had them already. I plan to pin my remaining drain until it's removed. They're pricier than I wanted but look to be just what I was looking for. Never thought something so simple would be hard to find