Things you want to buy before surgery!

...among other items that make my chronic illness life easier. To be clear, I am not getting sponsored and this is not an ad, but these are the items that have been game changers for me. Aritzia, you know where to find me OK? ;)

• Wedge pillow. I found this on Amazon and it was a game changer. It can be reconfigured and used to lift your legs too. Nick would put it on our bed for sleep, and bring it downstairs to our living room for me to rest on during the day. This also matches our furniture: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07PLMGC9C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

• Ice pack that wraps around the waist. My friend Krista found this for me on Amazon, it is incredible. It is intended for your lower back but this has been amazing for my abdomen: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B088JW3FZ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• Somedays brand heating pad. This is aromatic, made with flaxseed and chamomile. It feels way more luxe than the previous heating pad I had. This is Canadian and founded by a group of friends who suffer from chronic pain and endometriosis: https://lutealhealth.myshopify.com/products/flaxseed-heat-pad?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign-email&utm_campaign=Email%20Campaign%202022-02-22%2011%3A26%3A16%20%28WKz5W8%29&_kx=xBthQ5Po9RL787RebwHHd11VRxJ37Ueh9vlimRfXTac%3D.RqAFQg

• Toilet booster seat. My Dad had his knee replaced in November 2020 and his doctor recommended this for him after surgery. It has helped me immensely post-surgery and allowed me to be a bit more independent. Nick calls this my throne. https://shop.wellwise.ca/products/drive-medical-aquasense-3-in-1-raised-toilet-seat-2?variant=41404629680301

• Long pj shirts. You do not want anything near your incision or general pelvic area. It took me 4 weeks to be able to wear leggings for more than a few hours, and it was still tender. You can get these anywhere really, I recommend cotton.

• Aritzia TNA leggings. These are my all-time favourite cotton leggings, and the only thing close to pants that I have been able to wear since September. Also, the flare version is such a vibe. https://www.aritzia.com/en/product/tnachill™-atmosphere-hi-rise-legging/68177.html?dwvar_68177_color=1274

• Cotton underwear that is low rising to avoid rubbing against your incision.

• Happy Ears ear buds. These are great to have in hospital, also to help ensure your sleep time is uninterrupted. Do not bother with the disposable or foam versions. https://www.happyearsearplugs.com/ca/?gclid=CjwKCAjwsJ6TBhAIEiwAfl4TWLRW7LR2S_RRm1yCngIMH849NQ83lsYDTrLTg0FQpgr0kXaz7s0Q-RoC3qsQAvD_BwE

• Amazon sleep eye masks. These are pretty cheap and excellent quality. I have a bunch of these and bought them for my Mum, a fellow sleep mask enthusiast. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B085466ZPZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• Mario Badescu facial sprays. These are so nice to help keep feeling fresh in hospital, and really any other time. I just tried the green tea version for the first time recently and I'm obsessed. You can get these at Sephora, but I have found they have been cheaper on Amazon lately. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B002LC9OES/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

• Vaseline mini pot. Petroleum jelly ain't for everyone, but this is what I like.

• Overnight / postpartum pads and incontinence disposable underwear. I check for the lowest pricing between Shoppers, Rexall and Amazon. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B009A8HBHS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00KXUW72G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07CTNXJ6F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01N4V1II6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

• Emotional Support Water Bottle (ESWB). This is by Simple Modern which you can get on Amazon. I cannot say how amazing this product is while you are healing and mostly horizontal. The hole where the straw goes in has a suction so it doesn't leak when it is on its side. And it keeps everything really cold. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07MK5TC4J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

• Amazon daily pillcase. With all of the medications I am on it is the only way I can stay organized and ensure I don't miss anything. This is durable and well priced. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B084GCSZFB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

• Stool softener / natural laxative - Senokot-S. This was recommended after surgery. Painkillers tend to make you constipated, I needed to start taking this 3 days after surgery to "get the earth to move" if you know what I mean. I took it for approximately 1 week at night and it worked for me.

• Tylenol Extra Strength. This was also recommended after surgery to assist with pain relief. I was given prescription narcotics as well, but I needed to take both.

• Mattress protector. This one can be easily thrown into the washing machine and is durable. We have actually bought this brand for every bed in our house. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01E02DU0U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

• Mattress protector pad. This one is some extra reinforcement in addition to the above and is machine washable. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000FOBSSY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

The above has been tested and true by yours truly, but please ensure you check with your doctor on these things first.