Observations.....

After a week of recovering, you find there has been plenty of TIME to actually think! Also, trial and error leads to useful advice when going through this, and I LOVE reading all the things that have worked for other women. Here is my list of "helpful things" I would recommend to others:
1. I'm a tom girl, but never have I appreciated the comforting effects of a new, super-soft nightgown and fuzzy socks, a full-length fleece bathrobe, and a fleece blanket in pretty colors as I have in the first week post op!
2. The hospital gave me surgical undies---four pair total---and they are the only thing I own that fits comfortably on this hurting tummy. I bought panties two sizes larger than usual, and they are too tight. Leave tags on and keep receipts so u can return any you buy in case they don't work out.
3. Don't try to shower on second day home from hospital unless you really can be upright comfortably for awhile. I ended up hurting so badly and hyperventilating and laying on shower floor crying. Not ready!
4. I like to rotate a clean nightgown, socks, and pillow case every day---it makes me feel fresher. Family can help do laundry.
5. A couple heating pads is not a bad idea. I put one under my aching back and one over hurting tummy. If that is not comfortable, it is nice to place heat on cold feet or up around neck and chest just to stay warm on that cold couch!
6. Drink more water than u want to and eat 4-5 prunes a day.
7. Get up every 1-2 hrs to empty bladder and walk around. Step ouside and breathe deeply if it is nice.
8. Carefully stretch out any parts of you that you can without pain.
9. Read all the great articles on HysterSisters!