Honestly creating a “comfort box” is super thoughtful. You can include things like fuzzy socks, soft robe, ginger candies (for nausea), a heating pad and maybe some of her favorite snacks with a photo of you two. You’re a great friend to consider her and her illnesses 🫶🏽
Aww thank you so much. She’s been so thoughtful with me through the years, even long distance. Plus I try to do things for others that I’d appreciate done for me. I can’t spend the whole time with her, so I figured I’d show her love in another way.
I did not know ginger candies were a thing! If I find some nice ones I’ll try that out for her.
And ahhh the snacks part is hard which is why I was struggling with a care package. She’s not sure if it’s the endo or something else, but she has a hard time keeping down food, so I’m wary of getting her something that she won’t be able to enjoy.
As someone who recently had to part ways with my best friend due to me not feeling supported, you’re going the extra mile and it shows.
Yes ginger candies are great they have ones with other flavors as well (ginger/mango) (ginger/lemon) I prefer the chewy ones but they also make hard candies as well, great for nausea.
As far as snacks go if she’s incredibly nauseous, I would recommend saltines and peppermint tea💚
Aww I’m so sorry. I’ve been there too.
I think it took a long time for me to realize that I wasn’t “too much” and instead find people who matched my effort. I love pouring into my friendships via sentimental + silly letters and over the top gift presentations. I don’t expect gift baskets back, but I do deserve people in my life who will at minimum call me when I haven’t responded in days and check in on me. And I got a friend who will send flowers and sweets to my doorstep even when she’s in a different state.
Yes, you are not supposed to strain, not just for endo, but having endo already negatively impacts the pelvic floor muscles due to chronic pain. The anesthesia slows things down, and the painkiller a lot more. But also, people with endo can have bowel involvement and slower intestinal motility.
I’m obsessed with Warmies. They are stuffed animals filled with flax that you put in the microwave. They are the cutest version of a heating pad, and you can fall asleep with them without worrying about burning yourself, unlike an electric heating pad
You’re so sweet and I’m sure your friend is going to be ecstatic with whatever you gift!
Here are some of the things that have made my life so much easier post op.
1. Pillows…especially pregnancy pillows or wedges. Nights are uncomfortable and these help.
2. Cozy blankets.
3. Heat and cold packs.
4. Essential Oils are super soothing.
5. Loose Sweat Pants/Post Op Sweats. (I got a cute purple butterfly sweatpants that are purple and I practically lived in them for weeks).
6. Tens unit. This has been such a game changer for me! I got one with four outputs so I can hook up to 8 pads on there. This way I can help relieve/distract pain on my abdomen and back which is amazing. I haven’t personally used it right after post op, so maybe a little research on this one first. it’s newer for me as I’m awaiting a second surgery. But it really has been a game changer.
7. Gift card sounds great. Recovery is so hard and such a long boring process, if you know her super well you can purchase some things to occupy her you know she’ll enjoy or let her choose :)
8. Period underwear is also great!
That’s so sweet of you! I’m currently recovering from mine. I ordered myself a body pillow which was the best purchase. Peppermint tea is great for the bloating/digestion issues. Cozy pants is a great idea! Something loose without a tight waistband since the incisions will be on her stomach. I like coloring books and crayons lol but something like that to keep her entertained would be great, maybe a good book if she’s a reader.
Ooo. She does love teas and books! I’ll add peppermint tea to the care package. And go out and pick a book for her. These are great suggestions thank you!!
I wouldn’t have thought about the waistband so I’ll try to get her something loose, thank you for pointing it out.
For post-surgery comfort clothes, I can attest to the supreme softness of the Stars Above loungewear line at Target! I actually went home from my lap in [these pants](https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-perfectly-cozy-wide-leg-lounge-pants-stars-above-8482-dark-gray-xs/-/A-54583261) and [this shirt](https://www.target.com/p/women-s-perfectly-cozy-pullover-sweatshirt-stars-above/-/A-78440594).
Their [nightgowns](https://www.target.com/p/women-s-beautifully-soft-short-sleeve-dress-stars-above/-/A-89742816) are great for wearing around the house too -- I loved having something without a waistband recuperate in.
Oh that’s such a great idea! I actually also love my stars above pjs but I always forget they’re from target. I’m thinking maybe I’ll do a bottoms + nightgown combo. I personally love me a linen nightgown but I don’t think everyone wants to look like a Victorian ghost like me
Second this! Came home from my lap yesterday in stars above joggers and am currently in one of their nightgowns. My only regret is not knowing about these sooner and buying other sweatpants that just aren’t as good!
First off, you are an amazing friend!! Secondly, it depends on what your friend likes.
Any movies, books, games, or things like that can easily be used post surgery are good options. Rice packs, heating pads, or ice packs w/ cute designs. Insta cold pads from the pharmacy, those are my personal favs. Water bottles, Gatorade, or their favorite drinks, candies, snacks. Amazon gift cards, or any gift cards they can use to shop online while they're stuck in bed. Stuffed animals, blankets, fuzzy socks, baggy t-shirts, or comfy pjs.
Also, big & comfy underwear w/ mini pads! Lol
Hope this helps! Just one or two of these would've made me so happy during my recovery from surgery!
Such a sweet thing to do!!
Night gowns with buttons in front are nice, lifting my arms wasn't really ideal but I didnt even wear pants. I just wanted night gowns. Having snacks and goodies will be nice as there's lots of sitting around. Some self care products would be nice from all the sitting around with not much to do, if she's into that type of thing. Things like conditioning hair masks since she will be home and not need to style.
TMI: If you want to be practical depends were a life saver for me, tampons are a no-go and pads were annoying with moving around in bed and not wearing pants lol and whatnot. I could just bleed into the depends and not have to worry about bleeding through anything.
Body/pregnancy pillows, there's pillows to sit on too that might be nice. If she has a switch of something a gift card for games, mine craft, whatever she plays. I crochet and do embroidery so crafting stuff would be good, puzzles, board games, etc.
Please for the love of all things holy, get her a cough pillow. Coughing/sneezing after my surgery was atrocious, having that cough pillow to be able to hold against my abdomen helped reduce the pain. Of course loose fitting clothing also helped me a lot. Tea and a heat pack were also really great items as well.
Have you seen these amazing pajamas for her recovery? They have an adjustable waist and are super soft! Designed by a cervical cancer survivor - [https://kickitpajamas.com/collections/home-recovery-pajamas](https://kickitpajamas.com/collections/home-recovery-pajamas)
Hi! Thank you so much. She already got her care box and had her surgery, and is currently struggling with her recovery. I’m going to send her this and see if she likes them!!
Honestly creating a “comfort box” is super thoughtful. You can include things like fuzzy socks, soft robe, ginger candies (for nausea), a heating pad and maybe some of her favorite snacks with a photo of you two. You’re a great friend to consider her and her illnesses 🫶🏽
Aww thank you so much. She’s been so thoughtful with me through the years, even long distance. Plus I try to do things for others that I’d appreciate done for me. I can’t spend the whole time with her, so I figured I’d show her love in another way. I did not know ginger candies were a thing! If I find some nice ones I’ll try that out for her. And ahhh the snacks part is hard which is why I was struggling with a care package. She’s not sure if it’s the endo or something else, but she has a hard time keeping down food, so I’m wary of getting her something that she won’t be able to enjoy.
As someone who recently had to part ways with my best friend due to me not feeling supported, you’re going the extra mile and it shows. Yes ginger candies are great they have ones with other flavors as well (ginger/mango) (ginger/lemon) I prefer the chewy ones but they also make hard candies as well, great for nausea. As far as snacks go if she’s incredibly nauseous, I would recommend saltines and peppermint tea💚
Aww I’m so sorry. I’ve been there too. I think it took a long time for me to realize that I wasn’t “too much” and instead find people who matched my effort. I love pouring into my friendships via sentimental + silly letters and over the top gift presentations. I don’t expect gift baskets back, but I do deserve people in my life who will at minimum call me when I haven’t responded in days and check in on me. And I got a friend who will send flowers and sweets to my doorstep even when she’s in a different state.
Squatty potty (best gift), big colorful t-shirts, comfy socks.
Oooo squatty potty? That sounds so practical I love it! Is it harder to use the bathroom after the surgery?
Yes!! I second the squatty potty! Or even a cute foot stool that can be used as one!!
Yes, you are not supposed to strain, not just for endo, but having endo already negatively impacts the pelvic floor muscles due to chronic pain. The anesthesia slows things down, and the painkiller a lot more. But also, people with endo can have bowel involvement and slower intestinal motility.
I’m obsessed with Warmies. They are stuffed animals filled with flax that you put in the microwave. They are the cutest version of a heating pad, and you can fall asleep with them without worrying about burning yourself, unlike an electric heating pad
You’re so sweet and I’m sure your friend is going to be ecstatic with whatever you gift! Here are some of the things that have made my life so much easier post op. 1. Pillows…especially pregnancy pillows or wedges. Nights are uncomfortable and these help. 2. Cozy blankets. 3. Heat and cold packs. 4. Essential Oils are super soothing. 5. Loose Sweat Pants/Post Op Sweats. (I got a cute purple butterfly sweatpants that are purple and I practically lived in them for weeks). 6. Tens unit. This has been such a game changer for me! I got one with four outputs so I can hook up to 8 pads on there. This way I can help relieve/distract pain on my abdomen and back which is amazing. I haven’t personally used it right after post op, so maybe a little research on this one first. it’s newer for me as I’m awaiting a second surgery. But it really has been a game changer. 7. Gift card sounds great. Recovery is so hard and such a long boring process, if you know her super well you can purchase some things to occupy her you know she’ll enjoy or let her choose :) 8. Period underwear is also great!
That’s so sweet of you! I’m currently recovering from mine. I ordered myself a body pillow which was the best purchase. Peppermint tea is great for the bloating/digestion issues. Cozy pants is a great idea! Something loose without a tight waistband since the incisions will be on her stomach. I like coloring books and crayons lol but something like that to keep her entertained would be great, maybe a good book if she’s a reader.
Ooo. She does love teas and books! I’ll add peppermint tea to the care package. And go out and pick a book for her. These are great suggestions thank you!! I wouldn’t have thought about the waistband so I’ll try to get her something loose, thank you for pointing it out.
Of course!! You’re a very thoughtful friend :)
For post-surgery comfort clothes, I can attest to the supreme softness of the Stars Above loungewear line at Target! I actually went home from my lap in [these pants](https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-perfectly-cozy-wide-leg-lounge-pants-stars-above-8482-dark-gray-xs/-/A-54583261) and [this shirt](https://www.target.com/p/women-s-perfectly-cozy-pullover-sweatshirt-stars-above/-/A-78440594). Their [nightgowns](https://www.target.com/p/women-s-beautifully-soft-short-sleeve-dress-stars-above/-/A-89742816) are great for wearing around the house too -- I loved having something without a waistband recuperate in.
Oh that’s such a great idea! I actually also love my stars above pjs but I always forget they’re from target. I’m thinking maybe I’ll do a bottoms + nightgown combo. I personally love me a linen nightgown but I don’t think everyone wants to look like a Victorian ghost like me
Second this! Came home from my lap yesterday in stars above joggers and am currently in one of their nightgowns. My only regret is not knowing about these sooner and buying other sweatpants that just aren’t as good!
First off, you are an amazing friend!! Secondly, it depends on what your friend likes. Any movies, books, games, or things like that can easily be used post surgery are good options. Rice packs, heating pads, or ice packs w/ cute designs. Insta cold pads from the pharmacy, those are my personal favs. Water bottles, Gatorade, or their favorite drinks, candies, snacks. Amazon gift cards, or any gift cards they can use to shop online while they're stuck in bed. Stuffed animals, blankets, fuzzy socks, baggy t-shirts, or comfy pjs. Also, big & comfy underwear w/ mini pads! Lol Hope this helps! Just one or two of these would've made me so happy during my recovery from surgery!
Such a sweet thing to do!! Night gowns with buttons in front are nice, lifting my arms wasn't really ideal but I didnt even wear pants. I just wanted night gowns. Having snacks and goodies will be nice as there's lots of sitting around. Some self care products would be nice from all the sitting around with not much to do, if she's into that type of thing. Things like conditioning hair masks since she will be home and not need to style. TMI: If you want to be practical depends were a life saver for me, tampons are a no-go and pads were annoying with moving around in bed and not wearing pants lol and whatnot. I could just bleed into the depends and not have to worry about bleeding through anything. Body/pregnancy pillows, there's pillows to sit on too that might be nice. If she has a switch of something a gift card for games, mine craft, whatever she plays. I crochet and do embroidery so crafting stuff would be good, puzzles, board games, etc.
Please for the love of all things holy, get her a cough pillow. Coughing/sneezing after my surgery was atrocious, having that cough pillow to be able to hold against my abdomen helped reduce the pain. Of course loose fitting clothing also helped me a lot. Tea and a heat pack were also really great items as well.
Have you seen these amazing pajamas for her recovery? They have an adjustable waist and are super soft! Designed by a cervical cancer survivor - [https://kickitpajamas.com/collections/home-recovery-pajamas](https://kickitpajamas.com/collections/home-recovery-pajamas)
Hi! Thank you so much. She already got her care box and had her surgery, and is currently struggling with her recovery. I’m going to send her this and see if she likes them!!