I had breast reduction surgery a little more than two months ago. Since I'd had surgery before, I thought I was more prepared for this experience than I really was. This was definitely major surgery for me. Here are a few things I figured out on recovery road.
1) Take at least five weeks off of work. My reduction was about 4 or 5 cup sizes. I went back to work too soon and had to take another week off.
2) I think it would be good for breast reduction patients to have the option to spend a night or two in the hospital. I would’ve appreciated the help re-wrapping myself after the first shower.
3) Recovering from this surgery taught me that extreme pain causes me to lose my appetite. I recommend stocking up on Boost, soup, crackers, milk, bottled water, and ginger ale.
4) As for medicines, the prescribed nausea medicine worked well for me. For pain, Tylenol was best, since I could take it with milk. Benadryl gave me relief from the itching.
5) I recommend having a good and comfortable recliner. That was my bed for at least four weeks.
Be prepared for pains moving throughout your body, especially up and down your legs. Compression wear that covers the whole leg should help with that. It's best not to sleep in the compression wear. Also, as Nurse Anna told me, be sure to move around a little extra. For example, every time you get up to go to the bathroom or to the kitchen, walk around about 5-10 extra minutes. This will really help you in the long run.
Blessings to you on your surgery!