What’s in the Bag?
Wedge Pillow
Why you need it:
You aren’t supposed to lie flat after surgery, so the wedge pillow helps provide comfort and stability (more so than stacked bed pillows) while you sleep and rest in bed.
How to use it:
During Recovery: By far the most indispensable post-surgery item in terms of providing comfort and relief. Use this hypoallergenic wedge pillow to prop yourself up while sleeping and resting. Lay it horizontally when you sleep and vertically to sit up and read, watch tv, etc. Removable, washable cover.
After Recovery: Use it to read in bed or to relieve nasal congestion, neck, back, or leg pain.
Microbead Arm Pillows (2)
Why you need them:
You will have very little mobility with your arms after surgery and will want to find a comfortable position for them when lying down (otherwise they may hang too low and cause you discomfort/pain).
How to use them:
During Recovery: Use these to keep your arms propped up; adjust as necessary. **The pillow also doubles as a seatbelt buffer for car rides.**
After Recovery: Take them anywhere – on an airplane, in the car, camping or to the office!
Pink PocketsTM (8)
Why you need them:
You will have 1-4 JP drains after surgery, which can pull on your skin if left unattended. Safety pinning them to your bra can be bulky and uncomfortable
How to use them:
During Recovery: Grab an oversized button-down shirt or zip-front sweatshirt and tape these reusable pockets on the inside. Your drains have a private new home and you haven’t wasted money on expensive post-op garments you’ll never use again.
After Recovery: Arts and crafts holders, etc … I just know you can find some Pinterest-worthy use for them!
For us uninitiated we are so anxious to know what we will need and what will make the whole process easier.
Patti H. | Kinship Bag owner
Lap Desk
Why you need it:
You will most likely be spending some time post-surgery in your bed.
How to use it:
During and After Recovery: Read/work/relax in bed with your phone, computer, iPad, or book.
Shower PocketsTM (choose 2 or 4)
Why you need them:
You will have 1-4 JP drains after surgery, depending on whether you have had a single or double procedure. When you are able to shower, the drains can pull on your skin.
How to use them:
During Recovery: If/when you are able to shower, store the drain bulbs in this handy caddy and put it around your neck to avoid having them get wet and weigh you down. Neoprene material dries quickly.
After Recovery: Makes the perfect bathroom caddy for sleepaway camp, college dorms, etc. Or use it to store paintbrushes, tools, or other supplies when you need to be hands-free.
Yuni Shower Sheets and Batiste Dry Shampoo
Why you need them:
Post-op showering requires effort and assistance. Frankly, you won’t want to/be able to do it every day.
How to use them:
During Recovery: Easy, organic alternative to showering when you can’t or simply don’t want to. A wipe down with the shower sheets will leave you feeling and smelling fresh and semi-human. If you still have your hair, the dry shampoo can extend the time in between washings.
After Recovery: Use them after the gym or at the beach or when there’s just no time to shower!
Bendable Silicone Straws (6)
Why you need them:
You’ll be thirsty, but unable to lift your arms and head to drink.
How to use them:
During Recovery: These eco-friendly straws will help keep you hydrated while reclined. You can even cut them for shorter glassware.
After Recovery: From lemonade to lattes, these environmentally sound straws can be used over and over again. Dishwasher safe.
The Bag
Why you need it:
Everyone needs a classy, durable little tote like this! Large, heavyweight canvas with zippered top and convenient side pocket.
How to use it:
During Recovery:
Getting ready for your hospital stay: use the bag to pack your microbead pillow for the ride home, a pair of pink pockets, a button or zip front shirt and your comfiest sweats.
After Recovery:
Use it for the beach, errands, whatever! (And proudly display your “kinship!”)