This pillow was a LIFE SAVER for any car travel and occasionally for sleeping, especially if you have drains it is great for avoiding contact with the sites. MOYOAMA Post Mastectomy Pillow... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086MVZDZ9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I also highly recommend a wedge pillow and a lap tray for anything you’d need to sit up to do
I use this pillow and I love it! It has two height options and works well for me because I’m a side and back sleeper. It’s $39.99
I just had surgery yesterday! I would highly recommend to take cough drops and button ups to the hospital. That’s about all I needed there. For after so far what I’ve used the most is pillows. I bought a wedge pillow and am constantly using 5 regular pillows and a mastectomy pillow. This is the exact one I got it’s amazing and has a pocket on the front for phone/remote. You could probably make one cheaper! Long phone cord, silicone bendy straws are must haves! Laxitives I would also highly suggest (pain killers will make you constipated). My doctor sent home gauze and tape with me so you may ask before you buy that yourself! Also I bought some face/body wipes and some one time use body sponges since I can’t take a shower for the first 48 hours! I’ll add more if I find anything else useful! If you have ANY questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out!!
https://www.target.com/p/20-34-x20-34-sherpa-bed-rest-washed-black-room-essentials-8482/-/A-78656345
Also a cup with a straw and lid. I'm literally just using a chick fil a cup. They put a breathing tube thing in during surgery and it makes my throat hurt. Also the cotton mouth from meds is pretty killer at first.
The one I got is similar to this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MG5KTD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_8DEEYJ7DMNND224EHRE4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
But the one you shared is about to make me go get my wallet.
I would say if your not driving you can do it. Just get a pillow. I saw on Amazon this pillow that would prob work. Mastectomy Pillow - Post Surgery Pillow After Breast Cancer Surgery or Breast Reduction - Perfect Breast Cancer Gift https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EE84FZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_A3JQ42RNFTQH665FSCQ5
I bought both the bras and the bed rest pillow based off of u/kitchen-grass recommendation. Also have used a mastectomy pillow and it's the greatest thing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086MVZDZ9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_XYC8BKVM4M0ADY8XFWK8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Oh my goodness!!! Thank you so much for this advice!! Also I'm about 210 5'2". I've given up on wearing bras lol so I get the not knowing ur size. Recently it's been just camisoles underneath shirts to catch all the boobs sweat for me (thank God I've been working from home)
Luckily my fiance will be helping take care of me, but I think everything you suggested is helpful regardless. So far I've bought ice packs that were made for breasts and a mastectomy pillow to keep my kitty cat and anything else from hurting my incisions. Posting links in case anyone thinks they may be helpful for them
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086MVZDZ9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_944NMRMR95HRX5P0BBFW
Again thank you! And I'll be sure to look at the products you posted and keep everything in mind! T minus 2 days!!!
Mastectomy Pillow - Post Surgery Pillow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EE84FNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_AA6C2DCASNVMNH9KWWY5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this off Amazon! Haven't had my surgery yet but I found it suggested on this sub lol.
Recommendation: get a post-mastectomy pillow like this: https://www.amazon.com/Mastectomy-Pillow-Surgery-Reduction-Perfect/dp/B00EE84FZU/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?adgrpid=56091609516&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjKeB4cuf-wIVdebjBx33lAODEAAYASAAEgLfyvD_BwE&hvadid=617002305756&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9016852&hvne...
It was my best friend for at LEAST a month. It feels so much better to have something you can hug against your chest (including for sleeping). I genuinely cannot recommend anything more than this one item.
Also, of course, button down/zip up tops, and once you can’t use opioids- alternate between tylenol & Advil
I wore my mastectomy pillow nonstop for the first 2ish weeks. I’d keep my cell phone, AirPods, remotes and snacks in the front pocket! It was very comforting to have the protection and padding, especially under my arms.
I got this one from Amazon
Have you considered a pillow for your head that is specifically meant for back sleeping? I am a back sleeper with an adjustable bed, which has probably helped my recovery be me comfortable, but even I can’t sleep well without a pillow (preferably firm) that’s meant for back sleepers! It definitely helps me from turning over in my sleep, as well as turning my head from left to right.
When I travel by car, I bring my own pillow and even wedge pillow for under my legs to use at hotels/at friends’ houses. Since I fly to my in-laws, I bought a pillow for back sleepers and even had it mailed there to keep in their guest room!
I have a similar one that is “cooling,” so it’s a bit more expensive, so not worth it for the time people need for surgery recovery.
This is the one I got and it’s been a lifesaver at all times:
Get a mastectomy pillow, helps loads even if you are sleeping on your back. I still randomly use it because it's so comfortable to sleep with.
Also don't neglect the overhead stretches once the doctor gives the go ahead. You don't want those muscles getting stiff, and they will, really easy.
I was developing neck pain, and it disappeared after I bought a pillow like this: https://www.amazon.com/Anvo-Cervical-Orthopedic-Sleeping-Ergonomic/dp/B092LND2SG/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=memory+foam+pillow&qid=1657482987&sr=8-11
Also, a molded side sleeper pillow like this one is great to cradle your cast/splint while bed bound.
Contoured memory foam. It is literally the only pillow I can sleep on, and I have to replace it every 3 years or so because they do get worn out.
I am sleeping better but I think that’s also because I found this amazing pillow that supports my head/neck MemoryFoamPillow,AnvoNeck...
I am now trying to be more conscious of my posture, surgery didn’t fix my posture, but made it easier to hold a correct posture since now I can close my mouth properly
I have bad migraines and apparently all pillows break my neck and my brains except for a memory foam pillow with this specific shape:
For me, the big hump goes under my neck. I think there's somethign actually wrong with my neck but this type of pillow allows me to sleep, without waking up broken.
No other pillow type works for me that I've tried, they all just leave me broken.
All I have to share is this thumbnail pic, It was a Chinese knock-off, meaning affordable for me. There are other higher-cost, similar pillows out there. There are similar pillows available like this Zamat Contour Memory Foam Pillow.
I bought this pillow in 2014 and have used it every day since, I was having a different issue. My head is so heavy I was going through pillows so often from the padding getting flat. Can't comment on their current build quality, but the one I bought is still like new.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029LHHRC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
My cousin came to help take care of me post op. She brought her kitten because he couldn’t be alone. His crazy ass jumped not just on me but tried to climb the curtains lol you know kittens. Anyway, this pillow saved the day AND it’s for s phone holder. Bonus.
MOYOAMA Post Mastectomy Pillow -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086MVZDZ9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Yeah man!
Here’s the pillow:
Memory Foam Pillow, Anvo Neck... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LND2SG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Yoga: Man Flow Yoga on YouTube. The video I’ve been using is 10-15 mins, super easy! Just focus on his instructions and slow deep breaths
For sure. Here is an example. Lots come with adjustable lift depending on size. Key is to have your spine straight in both directions when you sleep. This pillow helps tremendously with my sleep posture.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FK5QKD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PC6T334WVBZB3YYG98ZV
I'm a side sleeper and I really love this one. UTTU Sandwich Pillow, Adjustable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FK5QKD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It has a sort of groove to decrease the pressure on your jaw and ear. I can tell if I travel and accidentally forget my pillow that I'm more likely to have symptoms.
I think best case scenario for TMJD sufferers is back sleeping, but if you're like me and inevitability roll to your side, having a good pillow helps.
ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain Relief, Adjustable Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Sleeping, Orthopedic Neck Pillow with Washable Cover, Bed Pillows for Side, Back, Stomach Sleepers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CVQSTSP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PGN794NGD38WC89WEYMY
I had two types of pillows that really helped. One big wedge pillow—I got a nice one on Amazon that was ~$85 but I still use it now bc I work in bed a lot! Also a friend gave me a type of mastectomy pillow that has two half-holes and that you hold against your chest. It’s sooo good for icing and heating pad and generally applying pressure.
Speaking of which, highly recommend getting a good ice pack that stays cold longer than 10 min. Got a grabby-thing and didn’t expect to use it much, but it was really helpful bc even stuff that is normally within reach is hard to get to when it hurts to move. Fanny pack for drains worked well for me. Idk if you partake but a full spectrum lotion or cream with CBD and at least some THC works really well for pain (I used it on my whole chest, not just incisions, so you can start pretty early on that).
I am also a side sleeper with TMJ, and the same issues were occurring to me. I shopped around and found this pillow that has been very helpful to me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FK5QKD?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1
It allows your head to rest comfortably while supporting your cervical spine and shoulders. Shop around, see what you think though. Good luck!