That is great that you are scheduled so soon!! Some have to wait weeks.
Now lets see if I can answer some of your questions.
Things to get ready. Hopefully you will have someone at home with you for the first week or so. You won't be able to lift really anything for a couple of weeks and arm movement will be restricted. So think about how you use your arms in your daily routine and figure a way to make it easier to do them while healing. Move anything high (on shelves, etc.) to lower more easier access. Have some meals or easy to make meals on hand. Have your cleaning done. I used lots of different size pillows to prop up on and be more comfortable in chairs, bed, etc. I "slept" the first week in a recliner, as laying down was not comfortable and you can't lay on your side for awhile. Have some shirts, jammies, that button down or zip up since you won't want to put your arms up over your head. As far as a bra, every PS has different ideas on this. I have heard some ladies are bound up for a week, some can wear sports bras, some surgical bras; mine had me wear a certain size Playtex 18 hour for the first 2 weeks. He told me a size bigger than I was so it would be comfortable and fit over the bandages. I found a wonderful hint on here that was my favorite. I bought mens cotton tank t-shirts in the packs and wore them between my skin and bras. It looked funny, but was really comfortable; kept the bra from digging in and kept the bra cleaner, as I didn't want to have too many of them to THROW AWAY when the time came!!
Have a pillow for the ride home from the hospital to put between you and the seat belt; it helps! Also have some stool softener on hand and take it, as constipation can be a big problem with the anesthesia and pain meds. Believe me.....
I had some movies rented, magazines and books, snacks, plenty of fluids, things to keep me busy while I was resting.
Some women used maxi pads in their bras to absorb any leakage from the sutures. I found them uncomfortable and used sterile gauze pads that I would lightly tape on and then put on the cotton tank and it was very comfortable and absorbing.
As I think of things, I will let you know and let me know if you have any questions. Hopefully others who have had the surgery can weigh in also on some things. I am sure I have left some good hints out.
Nancy
To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone. ~Reba McEntire
