Post-op Essentials
Post-op can feel overwhelming, but this post will hopefully help you know what to have for a smooth recovery.
HEALTH AND WELLNESSSURGERY RECOVERYFIBROIDS
Surgery can already feel like an overwhelming situation no matter how big or small the surgery is! In this blog post I will be sharing some of my post-op essentials to have the best recovery possible. Many of these can translate to other surgeries, but for some surgeries not all of this is necessary.
As a refresher I am having a myomectomy to remove a large uterine fibroid. I am quite nervous as I have never had this type of surgery before. I have had tonsils, adenoids, and wisdom teeth removed in 3 separate surgeries, but this will be a new journey. If you want to read more about my journey so far you can check out the blog post here. I also wrote a blog post about how to set yourself up for a successful surgery here. I go over suggestions for intake, physical activity, and some supplement support.
Now to the topic at hand. What is needed for the best post-op experience? I would say the number one best support is what you do before-hand. Preparing your body is really what will get you the best outcomes. So make sure you go read that blog post. ;)
From there having as much support, help, things set up will go a long way. Having people come help you whether a spouse or friend or family member is ideal since showering and basic activities can be a lot initially. Also having nourishing meals prepped or being made by people you trust is awesome as well! Nourishing warm foods like broths and meat are great post-recovery foods. Focusing on high protein, even higher than usual is beneficial because protein is the main building block for healing and repair. In hospitals you will actually see many patients in the wound unit who have very high protein diets to help them heal. If you need ideas for high protein meals scroll towards the bottom of this page and you will see the 30g of protein quick meal ideas.
Depending on the type of surgery, your surgeon will instruct you with specific physical activity and you should try to do that without hurting yourself obviously. Walking is a great option (depending on surgery) or gentle arm movements in bed. Also deep breathing is super helpful to maintain good oxygen levels which is great for recovery. Getting outside as much as possible is also amazing for recovery. Sunlight and fresh air and grounding if possible are all bonuses.
From there having a station close by the bed is great to have all the daily essentials: phone, phone charger, water (lots of water), books, medications, etc. Having items close by is super helpful.
Now to what I purchased or set up for post-op recovery. Some of these will be specific to my surgery, but many of them can be helpful for other surgeries.
Grabber for grabbing things. Especially with abdominal surgery you don't want to be bending or twisting. https://amzn.to/3FmlzZm
Organic pads are important to not introduce chemicals to sensitive areas especially post-op. https://amzn.to/3ScXfMq
Glass water jar to be able to refill water bottle with. This is to help so you don't have to lift heavy pitchers or get up as often. https://amzn.to/3SMyBSS
Silicone scar tape. I have not used this before, but have heard good things, so I will let you know if it seemed to help. https://amzn.to/3FrKP0b
Fresh clean towels and washcloths. Again 100% cotton without the microbial stuff. Most surgeries require you to shower and use new towels beforehand to lessen the chance of infection. And I needed a few new towels anyway.
Genexa Kid's Pain and Fever- this Tylenol alternative has much cleaner ingredients cutting out the dyes to have a better option for pain management. https://www.genexa.com/products/kids-pain-fever-acetaminophen-liquid
Gauze pads, medical tape, antibacterial ointment. Just to make sure the incisions stay clean just in case. May not need these.
Small pillow with a pouch for an ice pack. This was recommended to me to use to brace against my stomach for if I need to cough or sneeze or laugh. https://amzn.to/4k5dEyx
Ice packs that can be cold or warm. Helps if you want to alternate or have more than one option. These also fit perfectly in the small pillow. https://amzn.to/3H2V5Nb
Belly binder is helpful to support the abdominal muscles to help them heal and be supported throughout the day. https://amzn.to/3SgHqnS
Compression socks can help support circulation and prevent blood clots if you are more sedentary. https://amzn.to/43aqSEj
Wedge pillow is great if you don't have a recliner or need to mostly be in bed. This helps keep you elevated and less strain on the abdominal muscles. https://amzn.to/4kA0E3X
Bedside rail is helpful for getting in and out of bed and limiting strain again. https://amzn.to/3HkRmKI
Folding lap desk for eating food, reading, working etc. https://amzn.to/4mocO1v
Active Skin Repair is my go to for all things skin healing. It doesn't have harsh or toxic ingredients and really works to get things healed up. https://www.bldgactive.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21270845473&gbraid=0AAAAADM6WUzt4G2fLgcSGXAdtS8IKuR4t&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlrvBBhDnARIsAHEQgOTSmUk287nr9fqoJ8lfTq4VUPYAPP3tFOaFF6Qe6QFlX6OEZytinHoaAtdcEALw_wcB
Loose cotton clothes or any natural fibers is best to support healing. And it helps if they aren't too tight.
Stability bar for toilet since getting up and down requires ab muscles this helps for support and stability. https://amzn.to/3Z0kVaG
Stability handles for showers again to make sure you are able to get in and out of the shower with support. https://amzn.to/3H1RPSb
Heating pad. https://amzn.to/3H2WHqd
Fleet enemas for just in case. Pain medicine and anesthesia can cause constipation and they normally give you stool softeners, but sometimes you just need a little more.
Takesumi as needed for detoxing from anesthesia http://www.dssorders.com/KaraLeeWellness (code KB5153)
I plan to start back into the antifungal herbs which I also get through the DSS dispensary through Supreme Nutrition and really supporting my mineral status with what I need to help support recovery. Electrolytes can be helpful for supporting hydration as well.
As time goes on I plan to incorporate scar massage to help support healing and red light therapy later on. Then adding in more progressive exercises as I am able to build back that core strength.
I also have some shows, books, and activities I don't normally have time for like going through my emails and photos for things to do during recovery. Having a list of some fun, enjoyable, and restful things is great.
Surgery isn't normally fun, but you can set yourself for the best possible outcome both for before and after. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like some additional support please reach out! Nutrition and lifestyle factors make a huge difference in recovery of any sort, surgery included. Set up a free consultation today!
