TAH: questions on belly care

Hi,

I'm scheduled for a TAH on Feb 9th and I've poking around this wonderful site. I know that everyone's post-op is somewhat unique, but I was hoping to get help with these questions as I don't want to buy items that I won't really need. I'm 5'2" and 110 pounds. Normally I have a flat stomach, but right now it is larger than normal because of large fibroids. I'm not able to wear my normal size pants and instead I have been wearing pants/jeans a size larger and lately they have started to get a little tight. My regular underwear still fits (they are stretchy). I have never been pregnant so I'm totally lost when someone relates their post-op experience to a C-section or child birth.

1. Do I need to buy underwear larger than what I normally wear for post-op? If so, how much bigger than my normal size should I buy? I'm guessing that I'll want granny-panties and not the bikinis I normally wear so that I don't have an issue with the waist band near my incision.

2. I have seen ads on this site for special support underwear. Is that necessary/helpful?

3. I have also see ads for the support bands. Your opinion on these would be appreciated.

4. What's the best tummy pillow? Something firm or one of those micro-bead pillows?

5. What's the verdict on scar treatment products like Epi-Derm from Biodermis? A lady at my spa said it works great.


Thanks

I can't answer all your questions, but I can some!

1.). With abdominal surgery you usually do swell. Some women don't. I have had laproscopic before and was swollen for a day or two from the gas. So I bought a set of undies 1 size bigger. And Grannys too.

2.). I don't know about the support underwear, I forgot to ask my Dr. I could see the benefit when you are up and around, not only to help with swelling but to help
with your lower back. With our abs weakened from surger, the core will rely on our lower backs more and therefore tend to get sore. ( this is my educated guess from the Exercise Specialist geek in me!).

3.)my answer us in #2, mire support for tummy and low back.

4.) I am just using a body pillow in bed and a regular bed pillow in the car. It's good enough for open heart patients it's good enough for me!

5.). Never heard of it. Palmer's Cocoa Butter worked great for my Stretch marks. Can't think of the name, but the one in pharmacies, and advertised works good too.

Just a quick note about Epi-derm. I used it after my breast reduction. The plastic surgeon's office swore it was a miracle product. I didn't notice any difference in scarring. Possibly different people/scar location would make a difference, but I wouldn't spend the money! Good luck on your TAH and a speedy recovery!

I purchased underwear that were 2 sizes too big, and I'm glad I did. I needed that extra room for the first week. I am 4 weeks post op and still wear them. Same thing goes for sweats and yoga pants. I like the ones with drawstrings at the waist instead of elastic.

I didn't use support undies or a support band. I think I did ok without it. I used a regular pillow for tummy support when I needed it. Most of the time it was just laying there to protect my belly from the cats.

My doctor told me she could get me the abdominal band at the hospital. So check with your dr. and you won't have to buy one of those. More money for granny panties!! LOL!!

Sending you smiles and star filled wishes ~~ StarryNite