I wish I known about these essential items needed for surgery BEFORE I came home from the hospital, it would have made my recovery so much easier! Instead, I discovered what I needed as I needed it, Then set out to purchase it, and wait for delivery. I hope through my own experience that I can help you have an easier recovery without having to wait for delivery and trial and error!
Bring to the hospital a comfy soft throw blanket, It can be cold with the A/C going. Plus when your uncomfortable having something soft to cuddle with is comforting. And you can use it at home (after you washed it from your hospital stay).
2. Bring to the hospital Surgery Recovery Pillow- This pillow is the PERFECT softness, firmness and shape! you will need/want this for when you cough! I tried many pilows before I came across this one and it is by far the BEST. It's small enough that it doesnt take up alot of space.
It fits perfectly between you and the seat belt, protects/cushions your incision from the seat belt. You will need it for your drive home from the hospital. I still use it a year later between me and the seat belt (especially those ones that rub by your neck). It works great as a sleep pillow for the car, or resting your arm/hand on.
You can use it in bed or on the couch as a pillow, between your knees, under your arm, and you will need it to hug it as you roll out of bed
3. COMFORT WEDGE™ Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow with Orthopedic Support for Surgery Recovery. This is a MUST if you have Open Heart Surgery, Your chest cracked, Open Thoracic surgery ( that lovely cut down the center of your chest).
You WILL use this in Bed or on the couch! It was the only way I could get out of bed , or off the couch by myself. You will not be able to use your arms to assist you getting out of bed. The Doctors will tell you to hold the heart shaped pillow over your chest, arms in an X over your chest and roll to your side, use your waist and back muscle to get up. If your lying flat in your bed and can touch the floor of your bed with both feet while laying on your side you may not need the wedge, but your going to need some really strong core muscles! Even with the wedge after 2 weeks my muscles were sore, nd at times needed help getting up.
This Wedge is not hot, which I love! You can use it siting up or lying down, under your legs,etc... another multi-purpose item! I'm still using it a year later!
It comes in 9 inch or 12 inch. I bought the 12 inch; it worked great but I did slide down it a bit, and needed at times a small lumbar pillow. So, I would recommend trying the 9 inch first, if it isn't high enough then I would exchange for the 12 inch. But, I definately could not have done with it.
4. Clean-Life No-Rinse Body Wash
This is the BEST one I've tried!
I now ALWAYS keep it on hand! It is great for my very sensitive skin.
I take it camping with us, for those time when you just cant get a full shower in. I love that it's a trusted Brand, used and approved by thousands of hospitals across the country, and proudly made in the USA.
5. Have some loose-fitting, easy, comfy shirts, a robe, cardigan, anything that you dont have to pull over your head and wont rub on your incision for at least the first month.
6. Full-time help! Cooking, cleaning, shopping, caring for you, and walking with you for at least the first 3-4 weeks at home. I was blessed my Mum was able to come stay with me for a month.
7. Rest, Walk, do your Exersizes; physical and breathing!! Be kind to yourself. Rest & repeat.
If , you have any other essential items that have helped you, before, during or after surgery and would like to share with others, please let me know.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me. May God bless you with a speedy recovery! CONTACT ME
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