Post-op care and recovery
Coming home after surgery turns ordinary things into work. These are the ones I gathered for a recovery stretch, all in one place instead of scattered around the house, so nobody has to go looking for them on the day they are needed.
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Washing and getting dressed
The first few days are about the ordinary things becoming manageable again.
Mastectomy recovery robe
A soft robe with four inside pockets that hold surgical drains.
Mastectomy hoodie with drain pockets
A loose zip-front hoodie with four inside pockets that keep drains close.
Front-closing recovery bra
A soft bra that opens in the front, with pockets for drains or cooling packs.
Waterproof shower cape
Keeps drains and the incision area dry in the shower, with inside pockets to hold the drains.
Shower chair with back and arms
A padded seat for showering without standing the whole time.
No drill shower head holder
Sticks to the wall, so the handheld shower stays within reach from a seat.
Toilet seat riser with arms
A padded, raised seat with armrests that makes sitting down and standing up easier.
Getting around
Steadier steps first, then a little more distance, then the room next door.
Lightweight electric wheelchair
A motorized chair for getting around without anyone pushing.
Lightweight rollator walker
A walker with wheels and adjustable height, for steadier steps.
Lift assist standing bar
A handheld bar with non slip grips that lets a helper pull you up to standing.
Hip recovery kit
Seven everyday helpers, including a grabber, a sock aid, and a car handle.
Resting in bed
Most of the first stretch happens here, so it is worth setting up properly.
Memory foam bed wedge set
Three memory foam pieces that you can arrange for sleeping, reading, or resting.
Hands free mastectomy pillow
Straps on to shield the chest, and the cover comes off to wash.
Memory foam J-shaped body pillow
A full-length pillow filled with memory foam that keeps you steady on your side all night.
Cooling J-shaped body pillow
A lighter body pillow with a cool-to-the-touch cover and filling you can add or remove.
Rolling overbed table
An adjustable table that rolls over the bed for meals, books, and a laptop.
The ride home, and sitting
The car seat and the armchair are their own problem, and these are what solved it.
Disposable emesis bags
Sealable bags to keep in the car or by the bed in case of nausea.
Memory foam neck pillow
Keeps your head steady for resting in the car or in a recliner.
Travel blanket sling
A soft wrap blanket that supports you while you sleep sitting up.
Pressure relief cushion
Extra dense foam that takes pressure off the hips and tailbone during long sits.
Car assist handle
A handle to hold onto when getting in and out of the car, for the ride to and from the hospital.
Why this page is here
Every one of these was bought for a real recovery, not assembled as a list. If something on it helps somebody set up a room before they come home, it has done its job.