Healing stuff: what to get for after surgery--ASAP!

Hi

I have read about silicone tape, vitamins/herbs like Bromelain, etc., special compression garments.

What has everyone used that they found useful in reducing scarring, pain or facilitating recovery???

(I am going with a Dr. Krieger in VA and they provide a garment when you leave the hospital -do you need to buy other ones?  I have my surgery scheduled really, really soon (April 5) and am running around getting ready -only found out this week. I am having BA/BL and circumferential lift.)

I had the garment I came home in and 1 extra one. I really like having the extra one so I could always keep a clean one on, and then wash the other one. I did not like being out of my garment for very long in the beginning...just the 1 hour a day my doctor recommended to let the incisions 'air out'. I also used arnica montana as well as Bromelain. My surgeon gave me a kit of those plus a multi-vitamin to take both before and after surgery. I swear by my lift chair that I rented from a medical supply place. I heard you can rent them from a "rent-a-center" furniture rental place as well. It really helped me be more independent. It lifts you to standing and also reclines with the touch of a button! Good luck with your surgery!!

Thanks for your suggestions!  I have been looking for that kind of chair online. Perhaps the doc will know of a rental place. Did you have one that went all the way down or just a bit?

Yes, mine went all the way down.  I slept in it for the first week or so since my surgeon said I needed to stay in a "lawn chair" position.  I kinda hated to see it go when we returned it to the medical supply place...but it was UGLY...it just really helped me!

You might find makemeheal.com helpful.  I ordered kelecote ointment and silicone scar sheets from them.  You can't use till the scars are all healed--about 4 weeks out, so you have time to research after.  I liked having a second garment.  I changed every morning when I showered then washed the other one and hung it to dry.  Lin

Thanks Lin!  I have seen the site and it is intriguing. I wanted to see if anyone had experience with the products. I do know that my dad, who is a dermatologist, says rubbing vitamin E ointment on the wound, once closed, can decrease inflammation.

 Lin-
Could you tell me what kelecote is? Did you use it? What did your research tell you about the silicone?

I would definitely have a second garment. Mt surgeon gave me 2, but you could just ask them to order you another and pay them, or look up the company once you get your garment. He also wants me to wear it for 6 weeks. Some people advise less, but he thinks it helps with overall swelling and with the scar. I make keloids, and there is no evidence of one. I bought the silicone strips, but I've only used the vitamin E cream. I hasn't been a week and it has softened the incision already.

 You should sell the strips online on the forum!

That's a long time - six weeks. I am glad I am doing it before the summer gets going here. This Friday it is supposed to be 80 degrees in DC!  

Good to hear the vitamin E works - I will get some!

Just wanted to say Hi. I'm having LBL surgery with Dr. Krieger on April 22nd.