I had top surgery yesterday!!! I am going to yap about it briefly into the void, folks are welcome to read if interested.
I had originally been scheduled for the fall for a bilateral masectomy (double incision), but was moved up May 1st due to a cancellation. Then, after that, I was told the day before that my surgery time had moved UP from 9am to 6am. I went with a very good surgeon local in my area who was super chill about everything. Surgery didn't start till 7:30 and lasted 2.5 hours, and I didn't leave until about 11:45 due to being pretty conked out from the funny gas (and had many funny moments talking to my last nurse, who I absolutely did not like since she couldn't grasp the fact that I was a dude and kept misgendering me in addition to being kinda mean while I was throwing up and crying for the first time in ages).
The first day I was asleep most of the time, but ended up getting tired of staying down and have been taking much needed walks and (GENTLE) stretches to avoid blood clots and pneumonia. I have surgical drains that I initially emptied every 4 hours, but now don't have to empty them until it's been about 12 hours. I've been able to dress and take care of myself mostly, but the REAL challenge is avoiding my pets who LOVE jumping up on me (saying no and go away is very heart breaking).
Today is Day 2 of recovery, and oddly enough I'm mostly back to normal. Minus drains and nipple muffins (nurses' words, not mine) and the fact that I have to wear a surgical vest 24/7 that I'm afraid to take off to wash this coming Sunday, I'll probably be washing it every 3 days to prevent having it get me infected or anything. I'm sitting at my desk, making some of my own meals, and just generally vibing.
Suggestions for any folks looking into top surgery:
GET A MASTECTOMY PILLOW! WITH POCKETS!!! Makes car rides and staying on your back when you sleep a LOT easier.
Move everything to low shelves that you know you'll need. I'm talking books, body wipes, foods, drinks, etc.
TAPE YOUR CHARGERS TO YOUR NIGHTSTANDS AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE PLACES SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BEND/EXTEND YOUR ARMS!!
Get safe foods that have some sort of nutritional value that you can prep on your own. I'm talkin' Microwaveable meals, apple sauce pouches, fish pouches, instant oatmeal, the works. Don't forget vegetables in your diet either (I totally didn't so far).
Vitamin C Supplements, Complete Multivitamins, and any other supplements approved/suggested by by your doctor are a godsend and help you with recovery. I have some chronic medical conditions that mess with my blood so I also try to take B12 and Folic Acid.
Pill Organizer/Dispenser: This makes it soooo much easier to remember which supplements I have and haven't taken + adds to the convenience factor of just needing to pop it open, slide out my pills, then close it and move it to the "done" section so I know I've taken everything I need to.
Laxatives, Foods in High Fiber, and Fiber Supplements. Post-Surgical constipation is a BITCH.
Straws. Like, tall reusable (or single use ig) straws so you don't have to bend your head too much to drink.
Alcohol Pads: These will help you SOOOOOOO much with draining your surgical tubes.
Neck Pillow: If you're propped up with like, 4 pillows like I am, there's a chance you might not have proper neck support. Get a neck pillow to help with that.
Fanny Pack/Waist Pack: These are great for holding your drain bulbs and don't make your chest look weird when you're out and about. Also helps with draining since they're lower.
Clogs, Slippers, and Slides: You ain't gonna be able to throw on shoes yourself unless you can slip in and out of them. I got a $5 pair of clogs and some slippers so I can have a little more independence with getting dressed.
Shirts that are 2 Sizes Bigger MINIMUM: These were a really good buy, since I didn't have to extend my arms too much to get into and out of my shirts. I ended up getting a bunch of button up shirts and plain-t-shirts in about a XXL (I usually wear a large since I like my clothes hanging off of me), and boy do I not regret them for a second.
Sweatpants: Easier to pull up and have stay in place than other pants.
Body Wipes: If you got Nipple Grafts you won't be able to shower until you're cleared by your care team, so ffs GET SOME DUDE WIPES OR SHOWER WIPES. I stockpiled mine in advance.
Barf Bags: I was super nauseous after surgery and threw up after like, 8 words before emptying a bunch of bile into a barf bag. Make sure to carry a couple bags in your car and on your person if you can (I keep one on my bed)
Bed Desk: I don't use mine, BUT it's very convenient to have on the bed next to me to hold my drinks and snacks during nap time (Yes I have a nap time, I get tired)
Thin Blankets: For any of my folks that also have a tendency to overheat, go ahead and invest in some thin throw blankets. Like, two tops. You ain't getting nothing heavy off your ass unless your legs are insane.
BUILD UP YOUR LEG STRENGTH AND BALANCE PRIOR TO SURGERY: Just trust me on this one, you'll find that you gotta use your dogs for a lot of shit all of a sudden.
Practice wiping your ass with limited range: It's easy when you've had practice before surgery.
Other than those, just do what your doctor tells you and don't get too wild. I'm happy with my results and am very much looking forward to when I'm fully recovered at the beginning of July.
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