There is an app you can download to keep track of pain meds. You will also have to keep track of liquid drained from bulbs so they know when they can be removed. There is an app for that too!

My biggest recommendation is don't do too much. I was back working from home and doing things around the house and ended up with drains in for a month! The more you move the more liquid you produce. Keep still for a week.

Overlap pain meds. If you can take 1-2 pills every 4-6 hours take one and then don't take another for 30-90 minutes depending on pain. That way you always have some in your system. Pain management helps healing.

Ask you doctor if they will implant a lidocaine pump into the surgical area. It automatically releases meds into the wound for about 5-7 days. I think this really made my pain minimal. I was actually surprised the pain was not worse. I expected it to be awful. I honestly can say if I had to do it again I would (obviously I don't) but it wasn't so horrible that I would be terrified to do it again.

I slept propped up with pillows. I actually emptied my own drains but when my mom had them I did hers. She couldn't do her own. Disposable wash clothes are good too because you aren't supposed to shower until the drains are out. Alcohol wipes (the little ones) you will need these to clean the tubing and drain opening on the bulbs.

Button front shirts that are loose and a comfy soft cotton.

I have to be honest I had a bilateral and had absolutely NO pain. None, soreness of course but no actual pain. Take it easy. Go slow and accept all the help you can get. Once the drains are gone you will feel much better. agree comfy large tops.

There is a website V for Victory. They have a drain pouch that you can put your drain bulbs in.
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS AND WEAR GLOVES WHEN YOU EMPTY YOUR DRAINS or change dressings. Infection is the worst.
I wore a rain poncho in the shower to keep my breasts and drains dry! That way I could wash my hair , etc everyday and feel clean and more comfortable! I just can't go without washing my hair and body and letting it all run down the drain! Keep propped up in bed and keep your arms elevated on pillows. No lifting. I had three drains for a month. I was in no rush to get them out. If fluid builds up when drains come out too soon, infection can set in and you have to go in to have the fluid aspirated with a needle. Rest and heal and keep up with pain management. Blessings and prayers, Kim

I had family who stayed overnight with me for the first two weeks so my husband could sleep and they helped me with anything I needed....even getting in and out of the shower with my drains. Luckily have several wonderful sisters who were more than happy to help. They did the housework, dishes, laundry and cooking so I could just focus on getting well.

I've had both of my breast removed, one because of the cancer and the other prophylacticly after four years of scares. I did have reconstruction after both, but about 9 years ago realized one had deflated. I was doing a contract job at the time and so got the other side deflated so I had a matching set of nothing till I could arrange to have them redone. I have worn prosthesis ever since. I never felt there was a good time to have them redone, and when I finally really looked at it, I decided I didn't want to go through yet another surgery. Losing your breasts can be traumatic, but after time you will embrace all you have gone through. Whether you choose to have reconstruction or not, do what you want, what you can be comfortable with. I had implants for many years and they became hard and uncomfortable so even though they have made improvements, women still deal with encapsulation. I call them placeholders, they look fine in clothes, but they will never be the breasts you lost. They don't look the same, act the same or feel the same. My opinion is you need to grieve their loss and replace them if you want with the best substitute for you.