this is what helped me

I just want to say that this site has been of so much help to me and I am so grateful for it as I have gotten so much good info. I just want to mention the things that helped me:

the checkpoints - these are worth gold

tips for constipation: water, prune juice, FLAXSEED,
stool softeners, etc.

the device that you can use to pick things up so you
don't have to bend - I got mine at Walgreen's for $10

DON'T LIFT OVER 10 lbs.
Walk and Water

TUCKS hemmorhoidal pads

Many more - thanks for reading.

Tubby, I agree with all the items on your list. I would like to add a couple:

Chair beside bed to aid in getting out. Also good to use to hold pillow against my backside and to use in the bathroom to get out of the tub.

Shower brush with extra long handle so I could reach anywhere below my waist...wish I had gotten a lotion brush at the same time. (I ordered it on-line from Dr. Leonard's for under $10; though, I'm sure there are other sites.)

One suggestion: Chillow Pillow. I have been using this for about six months now. It's a little pricey (about $30 as I recall), but worth every penny. I rarely wake up with night sweats anymore.

Oh, Cubby, I'm so sorry. I mistyped your name and call you Tubby. Must have been subconsciously thinking of myself. Apologies.

Ladies,
I was just reading your lists of helps. When I left the hospital they told me a small pillow for my abdomen would be helpful. I have been using one of those newer (and inexpensive) pillows. You know, the ones that are real "squishy" with the little microbead things inside. They are great for stress relief. While lying around watching TV I have realized that I sat and "squished" that pillow through an entire show.