Don’t worry about how you’re measuring up to an ad (ever). Get through a day and you’ll get through a week and soon this part will be over. Take the serious pain meds then shift to the OTC stuff but still take it — it does help.

Do take a shower and slowly reach your arms up to your hair, don’t worry about perfect. I used a lanyard for the drains in the shower. They are your buddies. Everything they remove helps you heal.

I found it easier to strip the drains using the same alcohol pads that you use to clean them, to give it some slip. Or a damp paper towel. I also did it with some body wash in the shower (with the drains closed). Get a little routine and it goes quickly.

You can do this! I kept thinking that other women got through it, so I would too. Then go back to the couch and rest up. 🩷

I had my DM in 2013 so some of the details have faded away. It seems like I only had the drains in for a couple weeks. OT/PT started bringing back decent range of motion pretty quickly. I had about 20 visits in a couple months.

I had my ovaries and tubes removed at the same time due to BRCA2 mutation and had terrible pain from that and can’t take any pain meds so that hindered my movement that is needed for healing. Two weeks after surgery I added painful shingles. Two weeks after that an off leash dog caused me to fall and break my dominant wrist so the DM was the least of my problems.

You’re doing great! The fact that you’re researching and on this chat shows you’re strong and looking for ways to speed up healing. Ads are created by marketing teams not patients. You’ll be back to your normal life in no time. Don’t be afraid to let friends and family help. They walked my dogs for me 3x day (no yard) and helped me with food and shopping the first couple weeks. My surgeon advised me not to turn down help because it makes others feel helpless. “Yes” is good for everyone. Hang in there! Things will just get better and better from here.