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Amazingly Warm and Comforting Experience

UPDATED FROM Helpful4975

One Week Post-OP

Helpful4975
I forgot to add pics of some of the things I bought in preparation.
-the mastectomy drain holder was a great add. I know that I could have pinned the bulb to my bra but I noticed that it drained better when they hung lower. It also had a mesh bag to place to bulbs in while I showered so they didn't just drag.
-The u-shaped pregnancy pillow helped me stay on my back and kinda tucked in. It gave me a place to prop my arms.
-gel ice packs. I didn't use them on my breast. Instead I used them on my body. I get hot easily.
-recovery bra. The bra I left with from hospital was good but I wanted another to change into for when I needed to wash my original.

Helpful4975's provider

Susan M. Pike, MD

Susan M. Pike, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Helpful4975 rating for Dr. Pike:

Overall rating

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM Helpful4975

One week post-op

Helpful4975
I had surgery on Jan 3rd and it went off without a hitch. I arrived at 8:30 for patient registration, was taken back by 9am to get iv started and change clothes. Was wheeled back by 10:30 for surgery. Surgery took a little more than 4hrs and then I went to recovery. After an hour in the initial post surgery recovery I was moved to a room where my family could visit me. After a little while I was released and back home by 6:45pm.

I took my meds as per the schedule I was given and I pretty much slept the weekend away. I did leave with drains and those sucked. I understand why but very uncomfortable.
On Monday (3days post op) I stopped taking hydrocodone as scheduled and started taking motrin instead. I took my first shower on this day.
On Tues(4days PO) I convinced my husband to take me out of the house and we went to get breakfast/brunch. That was a mistake...the ride was bumpy and my body just felt sore and tired once we got home. I took a sponge bath on this day.
Wednesday- spent the day taking motrin and at home.
Friday (7 days PO) first post op appt. Drains were removed. Another post op was scheduled for a week away.

Sleeping is the hardest part for me. I just can't seem to find a comfortable position. The pillow I bought helps but for someone who has slept on their side and stomach that's a tough transition.

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UPDATED FROM Helpful4975

Getting Ready for Surgery

Helpful4975
I am two days away from my surgery day and I think I'm as ready as I can be. I have picked up my medications that were prescribed (5 total). I have my pillows, extra zip front bras, button up night shirts, gauze, ice packs, wipes, & stool softeners.
I have to put this nausea patch on 24 hrs prior to surgery. I can eat up until 10pm the night before. I can drink only clear liquids up until 1hr before I report to the hospital.
I will be deep cleaning my house and stocking up with groceries tomorrow. I also need to go to the nail shop and remove my sns nail polish, I can't have anything on my nails on surgery day.
I'm excited and nervous, but just ready to have relief.

Replies (2)

January 8, 2020
How are you doing?
January 11, 2020
It is one week post op and I feel pretty good. Drains are out and healing as I should be. The back sleeping is uncomfortable, but looking forward to a full recovery.
January 14, 2020
Great to hear! Hopefully not too much longer on the back sleeping