Forum Discussion
Tips for after surgery care
Hi everyone I have surgery for lumpectomy in a few days time and would love any tips and advice on how to cope especially with sleep and comfort at night following surgery.
703Views
Sign in to react to this post
Hi @4Coco,
I had a lumpectomy. The hospital breast nurse gave me a little donut type pillow which was great under the armpit. I also found one of those boomerang pillows helpful too because you can't sleep on that side for awhile. I didn't have much pain but was uncomfortable.
Shirts were great to wear. Also anything like a boobtube or firm camisoles were good to have a break from the surgical bras that hook up at the front. The hospital gave me a couple of those. You may need a dressing over any scar but depends where they cut you.
I slept ok the first night because of all the anaesthetic. After that it was a bit off and on because of the swelling and discomfort. After a couple of weeks it was easier and within the month I could sleep on that side.
Take it easy for a few days and then gentle walks help. The breast care nurse gave me little exercises to do to help recovery. Get a couple books of that appeals. Have a couple of meals ready. If you like music that's nice to listen to in hospital bring that if it helps you sleep or even a podcast or guided meditation.
Wishing you all the best.
I had a lumpectomy. The hospital breast nurse gave me a little donut type pillow which was great under the armpit. I also found one of those boomerang pillows helpful too because you can't sleep on that side for awhile. I didn't have much pain but was uncomfortable.
Shirts were great to wear. Also anything like a boobtube or firm camisoles were good to have a break from the surgical bras that hook up at the front. The hospital gave me a couple of those. You may need a dressing over any scar but depends where they cut you.
I slept ok the first night because of all the anaesthetic. After that it was a bit off and on because of the swelling and discomfort. After a couple of weeks it was easier and within the month I could sleep on that side.
Take it easy for a few days and then gentle walks help. The breast care nurse gave me little exercises to do to help recovery. Get a couple books of that appeals. Have a couple of meals ready. If you like music that's nice to listen to in hospital bring that if it helps you sleep or even a podcast or guided meditation.
Wishing you all the best.