A packing list and community-sourced recommendations for product that made recovery a bit easier. Share with friends and family - maybe someone will surprise you!
Recovering from excision surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. With recovery time being 3-12 months after the initial 3 weeks, we’re looking at long-term adjustments that are worth thinking about ahead of time.
Fear not! We've compiled a list of battle-tested essentials to keep you cozy and comfortable as you heal. As always with endo, this is a very personal journey, so test and try at your own pace, listen to your body, and avoid anything that’s causing extra discomfort or pain.
Download the printable packing list to prepare for the big day.
Pain relief
Conquering the Gas Monster
Gas-X and Peppermint Tea: These BFFs are lifesavers! Sarah from our support group swears by this combo: "After surgery, the gas pains were awful! Gas-X helped, but the peppermint tea was a game-changer. So soothing for my tummy."
“It wasn’t such a great hit for me”, says Abby, “The tea made my stomach cramp so bad, maybe I should have gotten a caffeine-free one instead? Not sure why, but I felt better as soon as I stopped drinking it”.
Heating Up Relief:
Heat is a great (often underestimated) way to relieve pain. Gas pain can also be relieved by heat, but you must be careful and avoid using heat directly on your scars.
- The #1 recommendation: an XXL Washable Heating Pad. "A lifesaver for post-surgery cramps and gas pain! I was attached to mine for weeks" says Jessica. A washable option means you can keep it clean at all times, even if you cuddle up for pain relief often.
- When you’re feeling better and ready to walk around the house more or go back to work, a Portable Massaging Heating Pad is an excellent investment! This one provides double the relief with heat and massage settings. While a weighted heating pad might be too much right after surgery, many users rave about them for ongoing pain management.
TENSing Your Way to Relief:
- Small and Mighty TENS Unit: Don't let the size fool you! This little device packs a punch when it comes to pain relief. "I was hesitant about TENS," says Emily, "but it really helped with the post-op back pain I got from laying around and resting all day. So easy to use at home!"
Keeping comfy
Minimum Movement Rules:
- A plush robe is a must-have for cozy recovery days. "After surgery, all I wanted to do was rest in a comfy position and move as little as possible," shared Ashley. A warm, soft robe made getting dressed and undressed so much easier."
- If your surgery is scheduled for the warmer months, keep your temperature comfortable and avoid sweating as much as you can, to reduce the risk of infection. A lightweight robe is perfect for staying comfortable without overheating.
- A pair of slip-on shoes makes all the difference when bending down hurts to the point of “almost impossible.” Many patients find it hard or “not worth it” to bend down while putting on shoes, so a pair of affordable backless shoes is a great solution that also looks good enough to leave the hospital or go for a short walk around the neighborhood—when you’ll be ready for it.
Comforting Companions:
- Wearable Blanket: Imagine having a hug in blanket form! After the first week when you’d hopefully be less sore and able to move more while getting dressed, this cozy wearable blanket will keep you warm and comfy and in resting mode.
- Comfy Shirt and Loose Pants: Tight clothes are a big NOPE during recovery. Opt for loose-fitting clothing, and as you can see on the above links, or this very cute jumpsuit, it doesn’t necessarily mean pajamas or sweats. Just flowy options made from soft, breathable fabrics. Learn more about dressing up while staying comfortable.
Pillow Power:
- Squishmallows: These adorable plush pillows are perfect for cuddling and supporting your body during recovery. “These are so helpful for when you sneeze / cough post-op”, shares Tal, “Holding it onto my stomach helped me control the muscle spasm and make it hurt less”.
- You might not be able to lay down flat post-op for a few weeks, a U-shaped body pillow provides excellent support (but you could also prop a bunch of pillows around you to get you comfortable in an elevated position instead).
Keeping Busy
Turning Your Bed into a Recovery Haven:
- Hopefully, you’ll be able to do some light tasks to keep yourself busy while recovering. This adjustable table makes it easy to stay comfortable while you eat or work in bed.
- Keep all your recovery essentials next to you at your arm’s reach: pain meds, anti-nausea packs, water bottle, headphones, book, and phone charger… Whatever you might need. A bedside basket can hold all of these items, keep them organized and ready by your side.
- 10ft Phone Charger: A long phone charger is a must, especially for hospital stays when the only available outlet might be far away from the bed. Side note: you’d ALWAYS want the phone next to you and not charging on a table/shelf in the room, just to help keep honest people honest, you know. Most hospitals have a completely unmonitored visiting policy.
Taming Recovery Boredom:
It’s so important to give our bodies a rest, a real rest. Usually this means 2-3 weeks in bed/couch following your surgery. Which also means you’ll be SO BORED at some point, so it’s important to prepare in advance and have a bunch of options ready to go.
- Adult coloring books are a relaxing and creative way to keep your mind occupied while you’re resting in bed in a variety of awkward positions.
- Escape into a good book (or audiobook!) while you rest.
If you’d like to learn more about endometriosis, these books are highly recommended by community members. - For crafty folks, knitting or crocheting can be a calming and productive way to pass the time. Whether you’re an experienced creator or a first-time crocheter, this all-yellow crochet kit is a great post-op project.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Some link might be affilit
