Week 1: Pain Relief

Day 1-2: Your first 24-72hrs  following surgery will be bearable. Immediately following surgery, medical staff will do everything to keep you comfortable; pain meds, provide plenty of fluids, and make sure your able to eat plenty of calories on a liquid diet. Once you are discharged, I recommend having someone near by for home care. A family or friend that can stay with you for at least 2 weeks.

Day 3-7:  Once day 4 comes around expect pain, swelling, redness and difficulty breathing. I recommend sleeping upright (this will be your sleeping habit for at least 1 month). The couch worked best for me. Make you sure you purchase/have the following:

- Pain Meds:

You may not feel like your in pain, but you will be…if you don’t keep track of when you take your meds as you could take up to 3-4 pills at one time.  I found using an alarm to keep track of my doses worked best. 

- 2 sets of gel or liquid ice packs like the ones picture in blue:

A medical supply store will have the comfy cloth inserts to hold up the ice packs. These will remain wrapped to alleviate swelling all day and through the evening. 

- Cooling Wraps:

Like the ones shown in blue. They are light weight, great for during the day or night and easy to apply.

If used regularly, these items will help to minimize any pain.