Can I use cheaper alternatives for my post-mastectomy recovery?

I had my bilateral on 4/1 and went flat so just went through this. The surgery center cent me home with a compression bra that I used and changed out with a top that the surgeon gave me that had inner pockets for the drains. I traded between the 2 and washed every other day. I didn't get asked to wear a girdle at all. I also didn't get asked to buy vitamins or bone broth. Meds I took were 2 motrin and 1 Tylenol every 6 hours as needed and oxy for the first 2 weeks but I only took 1 at nights to sleep when needed. I didn't but anything special beyond a seatbelt pillow for the car and a pillow to wear (had straps) and went in front and under arms (but that was more for the first few days while the swelling was worse. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I wonder if insurance may reimburse you for some of those. I had mastectomy and used gabapentin, Tylenol, Motrin, oxycodone. Pain in axilla was pretty bad for me and took several weeks to get much better. I didnt do DIEP but really like the look of it and the idea of your own tissue. It’s a lot at the beginning…just take it easy and give your body time to heal. Best of luck Donna.

I had a single mastectomy three weeks ago and didn’t have any of that stuff. Recovery went quickly, and I have had no problems. 

Hi Nicole. Glad to hear recovery wasn’t bad. I was wondering-did you opt for reconstruction or did you go flat?

I opted for no reconstruction for many reasons. 

When I had my double mastectomy I was told button up/zip up tops and slip on shoes. You will need help showering until the drains come out.

Good advice!

I go for reconstruction on the 14th and I am scared. I was told I will have 4 drains, 1 for each breast, two for my stomach which is where they are taking the tissue for the new breast. My family reunion will be shortly after my surgery.I don't know if I should go.

I had a double with immediate reconstruction. The expanders were swapped out for implants recently. The girdle or binder will help with the abdominal pain (my doc fudge a little bit of liposuction for reconstruction). You dan get binders cheap on Amazon. I bought one for $15. The supplements/vitamins are for wound healing. I'm a firm believer in using them based on my experience and having a wound care expert as a friend. But agreed, they can be very expensive. Check with your insurance to see if anything can be covered.

I had a double mastectomy on 4/1, flat closure, no reconstruction. I bought a pillow from Amazon for the ride home so the seatbelt didn’t push on me. I also bought some great tank tops on Amazon that snapped down the sides and at the shoulders and had drain pockets. So easy for my post op visits. After I was healed I posted on here and gave them to someone else who could use them. I was prescribed oxy but didn’t use it. Only took Tylenol the first night home.

Finding more affordable recovery options is a common concern, and it's completely understandable to want to manage costs during this time. Many community members have successfully used alternative products that provide similar support and comfort during their recovery journey. The key is ensuring that any substitutions still meet the functional needs your medical team outlined - like proper compression levels and support areas. Consider discussing specific alternatives with your surgical team before your procedure, as they can provide guidance on what features are most important for your particular surgery and recovery plan. Other community members here may also have valuable insights about cost-effective options that worked well for them during their own recovery experiences.