Trying to figure out what i need on hand to recover after my scheduled thymectomy on july 23rd. we have a recliner/rocker in our four month old's nursery or should i get one of those big wedge things and put that in my bed for sleeping? any thoughts? anything else you found helpful when you came home from the hospital? Im having the full transsternal split (with a thymoma removal) . any suggestions are welcome, ive looked at some of the old threads as well. thanks

I like the recliner idea myself. Is your surgery for Myasthenia Gravis? One thing I would be sure to have on hand after surgery is phenergan for nausea. It will also make your pain medication work more effectively. Then, with any surgery and post-op pain control you will need to drink plenty of fluids and maybe use a stool softner if you tend to be constipated. The surgery and pain pills can cause constipation.

yes, its for mg.

-Yes, buy a wedge and take all the bed pillows in the house and put them on your bed. Even a sofa cushion or two. You want to be as propped up as you can. Don't buy a husband bed pillow, it wasn't supportive enough, waste of money.
-I wasn't interested in sleeping in the recliner, I found it uncomfortable and painful.
-The first few days at home don't wait 4 full hours for your next painkiller if you're hurting, they take 15-20 minutes to kick in, 3:45 or 3:50 between doses is okay.
- Quadruple your water intake, the painkillers cause absolutely horrible constipation which for me led to painful complications.
- Sleeping for more than 4 hours at a time will be your only goal.
- When you feel you can do so safely, go for daily walks. (100 feet or around the block) whatever you can do. I didn't and found my legs to be very weak and achy into my second month home.
- Pajamas,sleepwear - Once you are given the okay, you can put vitamin E on your incisions. However, the vitamin E stains the shirts soooo....don't use your spouse's new t-shirts like I did, find some old ones you don't mind staining.
- If you have cabin fever the first week home, DO NOT go shopping thinking you can just drive the handicapped cart. It was so painful because you have to lean forward to steer and go (unless you are long armed or large enough to be closer to the handles).
- Buy a plastic chair to put in shower.
- Hope for no sneezes.

Good advice from all. Had the operation twice as the thymoma came back four years after it was removed the first time. I myself spent a lot of time in the recliner but could not wait to spend the night in my bed. If you can make yourself comfortable propped up in bed you will be better off. Also walks during the day were very helpful for me. Broke up the day and tires you a bit so you are able to sleep better. Stopped the pain meds during the day as soon as I could and just used them for sleep or if I was uncomfortable. Do what feels right for you. Wishing you the best.
Al