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I can't tell you how many blogs, facebook groups and Real Self reviews I have scoured for post op supplies. The last thing you want is to need something after surgery and you can't get it since you can't drive. Yes, your spouse can help or Amazon can ship it to you, but it is easier to have it on hand before.
So I have compiled a list of items I have used over my many surgeries.
Reusable Steel Straws Pretty much any straws will work, but these ones are reusable, come with a cleaning tool and have various sizes.
Arnica Pellets These are a must have after surgery. I have also taken the tablets too. One of these is better than the gel as it hurts to rub the gel on, some places you can't rub the gel on them and these work quickly. I have used these after every surgery. It helps with the pain, bruising and swelling.
Chapstick Use whatever chapstick you have lying around or a favorite. But your lips always are dry after surgery. Also drink more water and it will help with the dry lips as well.
Butter Socks These are my favorite cozy, soft socks. I wear them all the time and they are essential after surgery. Gotta keep those toes warm!
Button Up PJs Pretty much any button up pjs will work and I get pants for the winter and shorts for the summer. But it is often hard to pull items over your head after surgery and this alleviates that.
Reading Pillow This is a newer item for me, but I wish I had bought it many years ago. It is so comfy, holds it shape and is extra large, so it is better for adults. And once I am fully recovered and don't need it to sit and sleep, we will use it for reading, hanging out and lounging. Even Rory has enjoyed this pillow. Often times after surgery you have to sleep at a 30 to 45 degree angle for weeks and this pillows helps so you are not stacking pillows on top of each other and trying to get the right amount of comfort without the pillows falling over. I have been there way too many times.
Throat Lozenges This is a must. You can order whatever kind you like, but with many surgeries (almost all of mine), you are intubated (a tube down your throat) which means your throat is sore for a few days post surgery. I could barely talk the day after surgery from the intubation, and these helped.
Dry Shampoo This is my favorite dry shampoo and I used it a lot post surgery. I did wash my hair every few days, but the first couple days post surgery, you most likely can't shower.
Smooth Move Tea This is also a new to me product. Your doctor advises you to take Stool Softeners pre and post surgery, but they don't make you go. Just not hurt when you go. A friend recommended this tea to me (from my facebook group about diastasis recti repair) and it has worked wonders. Yes, I am embarrassed that I am talking about tea that makes you go #2. But it works. And the original flavor is like a black licorice which I hate, so I got this one to drink at night with Chamomile and it works the next morning.
Stool Softeners My doctor gave me a prescription for this, but I have had to purchase it on my own in the past. These are meant to be taken pre and post surgery to help you have softer stool. Taking pain pills constipates you and this plus the tea will help with that.
Ibuprofen Now I have taken Motrin, Advil and a few other brands of ibuprofen and they all work well (at least for me). But all of my pain meds had acetaminophen in them and I was told to take ibuprofen every 6 hours to help with inflammation and pain.
Protein Drinks/Shakes This is also a new thing for me, but my doctor told me to stick to liquids, protein bars and bone broth the first few days. Your body needs protein to heal and to keep you from feeling sick due to lack of calories. I have seen other blogger friends like this brand and I tried the chocolate one and it is really good. I have drank many of these over the last 2 weeks.
Other items:
Extra pillow for under your knees
Ice packs
Large Cup or Water Bottle
Snacks
Bone Broth
Probiotics
Vitamins
Binder (if you had abdominal surgery)