upcoming LBL- 2 questions for the pros....

Hi folks,

I'm scheduled for a LBL Nov 24th.  I have so much to do before so I'm starting early.  I remember seeing a post about preparing for surgery but can't find it.  I have a couple of questions for your pros...

1.  What did you wear during the first few weeks while recovering at home?  I am a pajama kinda gal but I thought I read somewhere that gowns were a better option post-op.  What's your experience?

2.  How long before you could take a shower?

Any other advice or tips would be welcome.  If you have bookmarked good posts, send me the link please.


Thanks for your feedback!

Alice

I wore regular P.j.s cause I like them better, gowns are to flowy & bulky.
shower -  depends on surgeon. I was able to shower 3 days post-op
it really wasn,t that bad and I had a hysterectomy at the same time. I walked as much as I could to get rid of the gas yes there is pain but to me it was more discomfort then actual pain. I slept in my ed the first night with my legs propped on 3 pilows cause you can't stretch out.
good luck
Susa

Thanks for the info.  The wonderful folks on this site are so helpful! 

Alice

Congrats to you!

1. I wore gowns.  I had four drains in the mons and could not stand to wear anything on them (no undies either).  If I went out I worre dresses (thank goodness it was summer).  FOr me it was just easier with the drains as far as comfort and managing their care.

2, I think I took a shower after 2 weeks.  Until then I did sponge baths.  As far as hair, I went to the salon where I get my hair cut and my mom washed my hair in one of their sinks.  In a pinch the spray shampoo helps (Batiste, I think.  I got it at Sally Beauty Supply).

My best advice: don't try to do too much too soon.  Yes, you need to be up and moving but don't think just because you fell great you are ready for anything.  I had a wonderful recovery, but still had help throughout the summer and I think it helpes greatly.

April

I wore loose pants/shorts since I'm so not a dress person even lounging at home. Didn't do the underwear w/ the drains. I was able to shower as soon as I got home but waited 4 days before I wanted to attempt it. I had an issue w/ almost passing out the first time I showered. I would recommend having a shower chair if you can find one and don't attempt to shower on your own the first time. If I didn't have the chair and my mom there I would have been in serious trouble (but I had an issue in the hospital w/ passing out which is why I was kept another day) so you may be fine but I wouldn't take any chances. Best of luck to you.

Sonya

I wore a Fruit of the Loom Men's white undershirt under my binder because the binder irritated my skin for the first two weeks.  When I went out, I wore a tank top under the binder.

I took a shower on the second day after surgery.  Check with your surgeon - they all have different rules about this stuff.

I wore low cut underwear because whenever the drains moved they hurt and the undies kept them in place.

I only ever wore PJ pants or PJ shorts. They were size XL (I wear M) and very roomy and comfy. Can't stand gowns.

You need to ask your surgeon what his/her protocall is but I'll tell you about my experieince.

I wore PJ's with a button down top

I was allowed to take a shower the next day (this varies tremendously amongst surgeons so you need to ask yours).

Here are some of the Pre and Post OP tips I share.......(keep in mind I'm not a medical professional I'm only sharing my personal experiences).


What you need.....
-A toilet riser for when you get home (#1 must have!)  You can get one at CVS for $25.   FYI - if you are staying at an after care facility call ahead to make sure they have a toilet seat riser for you in your room.
-4x4 ot 5x9 gauze pads and regular or long sanitary pads.  I used the sanitary pads on my sides where the extra thickness helps tremendously!!
-A back scratcher...you might get very itchy from the pain meds and you won't be able to reach everywhere.
-2 pairs loose pajamas with button down top or a button (or snap) down house dress.  (you'll want to have a change of clothes 'cause you'll probably get some blood and stains on the first pair...
-a lanyard or something to hang your drains from, especially when you shower( I used a sash type belt around the house and a piece of string in the shower)
-take a pen and notepad with you....it helps to keep track of things like drainage amounts, when you take pills, how you feel, questions you have for the Dr, etc etc
-Socks..........my feet hung off the recliner chair and out of the blanket and got COLD!
-Take some pre-mixed protein drinks and bars
- 3-5 MENS T-shirts (the tank top type...aka wife beater t-shirts).  You will want to use this under your binder otherwise the binder rubs your skin raw!  I put on the gauze/pads then pull the undershirt over them and them put the binder or compression garment on.  Feels so much better!
-I took a couple of sudoku puzzles and a book because I planned on staying 4 or 5 days but ended up leaving early. I did do some puzzles on day 2 and 3.
-Some sort of sucking candy (sugar free or whatever you can have).  REALLY helps me to with the dry throat and sudden tickle that makes me cough.  OMG you do not want to cough after a TT!!!!
-a camera.  If you are into documenting everything (like I am) you'll want to get some pictures...
-Your toiletries....shampoo (the place I was at did not have shampoo!), soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, chapstick, moisturizers (I tend to dry up after surgery...not sure if its the shock to the body, the anesthesia or the pain meds but I get drier than normal so I take lots of moisturizer). 

Tips: AVOID salt! It will help to keep your swelling down.  Sodium is hidden in lots of places....canned food, frozen meals, soda,

Hope that helps a little....
That's all I can think of off the top of my head.
Best to you on your plastics journey.
Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Ruth

Fabulous info Ruth!  Thanks for sharing your experience.  I'm excited but nervous.  Alice

HI Alice --

I think this might be the "What to Take, What to Wear" post that you're looking for. 

Hope this helps!