Surgery in December!

[Jak]

I'm now w/in the sixty day window and a few specific questions are coming to mind. Any insight from others is greatly appreciated.

How soon after surgery were you able to put on a shirt overhead, even if it required help? Should I be sure to get several shirts that button/zip in front? How soon after surgery were you able to comb/brush your hair? Basically, I know all about carrying stuff, not putting stuff on a high shelf, etc., but I'm not as clear on whether I will be able to raise my arms to my head at all. What about putting on shoes that require that bending to tie?

I've seen incredible variety regarding pain, how folks felt in the days immediately following. So, I know I just have to see how that goes for me. My partner is traveling with me, I even bought the bulkhead seats so that I can get into the seat with greater ease. I'm a bit concerned about sleeping since I'm not a back sleeper and I don't have - nor can I fit in the house! - a recliner.

I'll, no doubt, be going back over the threads in the coming weeks. But, if others would like to share here their #1 piece of advice that would be awesome. Thanks!

[veniamviam]

I'm still pre-op (shooting for February!) so I can't say anything about your question, really, but I'm trying to get used to back-sleeping now so it won't be so crappy when I'm recovering. I'm a side/tummy sleeper through-and-through, to the point where even sleeping in a recliner, I'm on my side as much as possible. I'm also living on-campus at university, so a recliner isn't an option for me either. I like making kind of a "nest" around myself, sort of like bumpers, made out of blankets and such, and keeping something against my side even when I'm on my back helps a bit.

I also have something called a boyfriend pillow (no idea why they're called that, as I lay very differently on my boyfriend than on this pillow, but whatever) and that helps to keep me propped up a bit so I won't roll over. I think this is probably the best option if you can't sleep in a chair and aren't a back-sleeper.

[Alexthecat]

You should wait a few weeks to put your shirt on. They make pajamas with buttons so get one of those. You can reach your head to brush your hair and teeth, you just need to take it slow. You aint going to be able to bathe properly so I went and shaved my head. Your partner could wash your head in the sink if you don't want shaved. You could probably tie shoes but you aren't going to want to. Get some crocs.

I sleep on my back normally but I got a recliner for immediately post op. The recliner hurt my back more than my surgery did. Just get a bunch of pillow and blankets to make a hill to lay against. With the drugs you will be in and out of sleep the first few days.

[FTMax]

I shaved my head the night before surgery and I don't regret it. Probably one of the better decisions I made. I was bad and went back to t-shirts as soon as my drains were out. But if you look through my post-op posts, you'll notice that I didn't have much if any pain. So, YMMV.

My #1 piece of advice is to do as much in advance as you can. I know you have someone coming with you and staying with you, but still. Don't take advantage of their kindness. Plan ahead. Move things down off high shelves. Make a bunch of food and freeze it in individual servings. Get the laundry done. Put fresh sheets on your bed. Clean the entire house.

Basically get done everything that would drive you nuts if you had to sit and stare at it for a week. Because that's exactly what you'll be doing.

[Jak]

Thanks for the replies! Yes, my hair is pretty short and I'll be cutting it again so that there's no real care required. Not going to shave it again, but pretty darn close. My partner does all the cooking and house stuff (e.g., laundry) anyway so no worries there. I do have Crocs, but we could also have a foot of snow and below freezing temps... Yes, thick wool socks! I had similar thoughts about creating "bumpers" in bed. I have one of those things that were popular for college students, like a stuffed backrest pillow thingy. Thanks, again, for the info!

[Alexthecat]

Oh shave your armpits too. They stuck my drain right in the hair and that was not fun. Crocs should be fine. They shovel the hospital side walks and have your partner shovel a path into your house.

[Austin Rodgers]

I don't really have any advice because I am pre-everything, hoping to get top surgery soon. Just wanted to say congrats! Although I have heard that when you go outside shirtless you need to put sunscreen on your chest for at least like a few months after.