What things do you need?

[Nigella]

Hi there,

I suppose this is really a question for you girls who have already gone through GRS. As someone who will be going through GRS this year I was wondering what things you need to buy and in what quantity in anticipation of recovery after surgery. Examples of things I have thought about are sanitary towels, lube, etc. Just want to cover as many things and start to stock up.

Thanks in anticipation,

Stardust

[Nero]

If I may chime in here, I would recommend to anyone acquiring a vagina - a detachable showerhead.


It really does make the difference in keeping it clean and fresh.

[Nigella]

I'm being serious here, please.

Stardust

[Nero]

I'm being serious here, please.

Stardust

  so am I. The standard showerhead was just not made for vagina equipped persons. Shower sponges and wash cloths don't reach far enough and can be abrasive. It might not be what we think of as post surgical necessity, but it's a must for keeping that area fresh. So, yeah, I would advise anyone with a vagina to get one if they haven't already.

[Marie731]

They speak The Truth You'll want the showerhead.

Your surgeon should send you an info pack about "postop care." Every surgeon is probably a little different with their requirements.

You may need stuff to sterilize the dialators and a container to soak them in, antibacterial soap for soaking in baths, antibacteria cream, douches...

[Renate]

That shower head scares me!

In the beginning, just having water drip down your body and very tentatively washing with your fingers may be enough for you.
A direct spray might be pretty scary.

Some of what you need may depend on your surgeon's opinions on things.
Here is a list of various things, take them or leave them.
Some you might want with you, some you can leave at home.

• A stainless steel chafing dish (5" x 12" x 3") with cover for storing dilators when they need to be soaked
• A melamine platter (5" x 12") for laying dilators on when used
• A quilted bed pad (24" x 36"), not the blue disposables
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Flushable (or non-flushable) wipes
• Ultra thin pads without wings
• White cotton underwear (washed before first wear)
• Lots of KY Jelly type lube
• Hibiclens (Chlorhexidine gluconate) for cleaning dilators
• Gallons of distilled water (that has a known neutral pH)
• A quart of white distilled vinegar
• A Faultless TinyKit reusable douche
• Fragrance free body wash
• An electric razor (if needed)
• A pair of black sweat pants at least one, maybe two sizes too big for when you have bandages.
• Skirts
• Bathrobe
• Nightgowns
• Slip-on slippers (no bending required)
• Books
• Laptop
• MP3 thing
• Cell phone
• A freezer full of food

[Birdie]

The biggest neccessity for me was money. You never know how long you're going to be out of work afterwards, there may be complications that require you to take a little extra time off and having some savings tucked away can really help make that time less stressful.

Everything else that has been mentioned too. The shower head is amazingly helpful post-op!

[Nigella]

  so am I. The standard showerhead was just not made for vagina equipped persons. Shower sponges and wash cloths don't reach far enough and can be abrasive. It might not be what we think of as post surgical necessity, but it's a must for keeping that area fresh. So, yeah, I would advise anyone with a vagina to get one if they haven't already.

I know Nero, but I meant the kind of things Renate was speaking about as I already have a detachable shower head. Sorry if I offended by saying I needed serious suggestions. There is a saying where I live, "Two heads are better than one, even if they are sheep's heads," so I thought a post on the subject would be good.

Birdie, yea I will need the money too, I'm planning to have three months worth of salary saved just in case.

So thanks Nero and Renate.

Stardust

[rejennyrated]

And don't forget pantie pads.

You'll need them for at least first fortnight.

[milktea]

something i learnt from personal experience but didn't find anyone bringing up -- a small baby pillow for you to stick under your waist. lying still for more than a couple hrs without being able to turn on your sides and you'll experience unimagable back pain.

[Nigella]

Many thanks, all your replies have been invaluable.


Hugs

Stardust