Post Surgery Care Essentials: What You Actually Need for Recovery at Home

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One thing about BRCA+ is that you are introduced to the world of preventative care, and while it is something I am grateful for… it also comes with a bit of feeling like Edward Scissorhands next hedge ( no hate on my surgeons they are all truly incredible).

Because of my family history and an already complicated list of autoimmune and health conditions, my doctors recommended an aggressive preventative care plan. After many long talks with my husband and my mom, we decided it was the right path.

I received my BRCA+ results in early 2023. Since then, I’ve had four preventative surgeries — and in the process, doctors discovered additional health issues that quite literally saved my life all over again.

Every time surgery comes around, I feel strangely disconnected from my body. Maybe it’s emotional protection. Maybe it’s exhaustion. Maybe it’s just what happens when “medical” becomes your normal.

But one thing that does ground me?

Having my post surgery recovery setup ready at home so I can focus on healing and getting back to LIFE.

And I have to say this: my routine works because my support system shows up. My husband is one of a kind, and my mom will drop everything to help us. Healing has never been a solo sport for me, and for that I am beyond grateful.

If you’re preparing for surgery — preventative or otherwise — here are the post surgery care essentials that made my recovery more comfortable, less stressful, and way more manageable.

My Post Surgery Recovery Must-Haves

P.S. If you’re looking for even more items that I highly recommend and ACTUALLY use, check them out here🤍

1. Heating Pad

A heating pad is my best friend for muscle soreness, stiffness from laying in bed, and overall comfort for bloat and soreness after a laparoscopic procedure. Even when it couldn’t go directly on an incision site, it helped relax the surrounding tension. Not to mention its nice to have a warm cozy source as you get rid of anesthesia from your body- some days for me feel like a bad flu.

My Favorite Heating Pad 🔗

2. Peppermint Essential Oil & Tea

Anesthesia can slow everything down (you know what I mean) and/or make you incredibly nauseated. I always have a mini bottle of peppermint oil on hand to smell when I feel ick or put it on a warm towel with drops of peppermint essential oil nearby to help beat nausea. Peppermint tea is also very helpful the first few days after surgery to help calm discomfort.

My favorite Peppermint Essential Oil🔗

3. Bed Tray

Eating, journaling, working on a laptop, or organizing meds from bed is so much easier with a sturdy bed tray. It helped me feel a little more human and less “stuck.” As a matter of fact, I am in bed with my tray writing out this blog post at the moment.

4. Supportive Sit-Up Pillow

Getting in and out of bed and off the couch can be surprisingly hard after surgery, especially when you are not supposed to push or pull. A sit-up pillow helped me stay upright comfortably without straining my core or incisions. There is something about sitting upright comfortably that makes you feel a bit more human.

My favorite pillow 🔗

5. High-Waisted, Comfy Underwear, Cozy Pajamas, & Grippy Socks OH MY

The goal after any surgery is comfort, because the slightest discomfort will make me cry. Incisions, bloating, and swelling mean your usual underwear might suddenly feel like torture. Soft, high-waisted undies that don’t press on sensitive areas are a game changer. You want loose, soft fabrics that don’t rub or restrict. And grippy socks are a must for those slow, careful walks around the house when you’re regaining strength.

7. Electrolytes

Hydration is HUGE for recovery, especially if your appetite is off. Adding electrolytes to my water helps with energy, dizziness, and overall healing support.

I’ve tried two brands of electrolytes that both work great for me and don’t have junk that spike my blood sugar:

LMNT 🔗

Buoy 🔗

Final Thoughts on Surgery Recovery

Surgery is physical — but it’s also emotional. There’s vulnerability in needing help. There’s strength in accepting it anyway.

Having simple comforts within reach made me feel more in control during a season that can feel very out of your hands. These little things didn’t just help my body heal — they helped me feel safe, supported, and human again.

If you’re walking into surgery soon, I hope this list helps you feel a little more prepared!

To Me, Love Me,

Lauren

P.S. If you’re looking for even more wellness items that I highly recommend, check them out here🤍