Recovery Toolkit

Appendix A: Complete Shopping Lists#

Essential Recovery Supplies#

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Pain Management#

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Bedding and Protection#

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Comfort and Positioning#

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Clothing#

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Bathroom and Hygiene#

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Bedside Station#

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Nutrition and Hydration#

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Entertainment#

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Procedure-Specific: Vaginoplasty#

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Procedure-Specific: Top Surgery#

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Procedure-Specific: Phalloplasty#

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Procedure-Specific: Facial Surgery#

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Procedure-Specific: Nulloplasty#

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Scar Care (Begin 6+ Weeks Post-Op)#

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Budget Priority Guide#

If funds are limited, prioritize in this order:

1. Stool softeners (prevents dangerous constipation with opioids)
2. Wound care basics (gauze, gentle soap, saline)
3. Bedding protection (mattress cover, disposable pads)
4. Pain management supplies
5. Bidet attachment
6. Procedure-specific critical items (dilators, compression garments)
7. Comfort items (can improvise with what you have)

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Where to Buy#

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Print this appendix and check off items as you acquire them. Start gathering supplies 2-4 weeks before surgery.

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Appendix F: Recovery Milestone Tracker#

Patient Information#

Name: _______________________ Surgery: _______________________ Surgery Date: _______________________ Surgeon: _______________________

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Week 1: Acute Recovery#

Date range: _______ to _______

Week 1 Milestones#

• Catheter removed (date: _______)
• First bowel movement (date: _______)
• Able to walk to bathroom independently
• Transitioned from bed to chair
• Eating solid foods
• Sleeping 4+ hours at a stretch

Concerns to Report at Follow-Up:#

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Week 2#

Date range: _______ to _______

Week 2 Milestones#

• Reduced or eliminated opioid pain medication
• Showering independently
• Walking around home regularly
• Drains removed (if applicable, date: _______)
• Swelling noticeably reduced
• Wound healing without signs of infection

Concerns to Report:#

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Week 3-4#

Date range: _______ to _______

Week 3-4 Milestones#

• Off prescription pain medication
• Able to prepare simple meals
• Walking outside (short distances)
• Sitting comfortably for 30+ minutes
• Returned to light desk work (if applicable)
• Sutures dissolved or removed

Concerns to Report:#

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Month 2#

Date range: _______ to _______

Month 2 Milestones#

• Returned to work/normal activities
• Light exercise resumed (walking, stretching)
• Driving (if cleared by surgeon)
• Swelling significantly reduced
• Scars beginning to mature
• Energy levels improving

Activity log:

Concerns to Report:#

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Month 3#

Date range: _______ to _______

Month 3 Milestones#

• Most normal activities resumed
• Exercise increasing (per surgeon guidance)
• Sexual activity resumed (if cleared and desired)
• Sensation returning (note areas)
• Final swelling resolving
• Scar care begun (silicone products)

Sensation Notes:#

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Concerns to Report:#

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Months 4-6#

Progress Notes#

6-Month Milestones#

• Full activity resumed (including strenuous exercise)
• Sensation continuing to develop
• Scars maturing and fading
• Emotional adjustment progressing
• Any revisions scheduled/completed
• Long-term care routine established

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Procedure-Specific Tracking#

Vaginoplasty: Dilation Log#

Dilation concerns:

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Top Surgery: Chest Healing#

Phalloplasty: Multi-Stage Tracking#

Urinary function notes:

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Sensation development:

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Follow-Up Appointments#

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Questions for Next Appointment#

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3. ---

4. ---

5. ---

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Photo Documentation#

Taking regular photos helps track healing and can be useful for follow-up appointments.

Recommended photo schedule:

• Pre-op (for comparison)
• Week 1 (or as soon as able)
• Week 2
• Week 4
• Week 8
• Month 3
• Month 6
• Year 1

Photo storage location: _______________________

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Long-Term Notes#

6-Month Reflection#

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1-Year Reflection#

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This tracker is for your personal use. Bring it to appointments to help communicate your progress and concerns clearly.

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Appendix I: Medication Tracker#

Patient Information#

Name: _______________________ Surgery Date: _______________________ Allergies: _______________________

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Medication List#

Fill in your prescribed medications. Your surgical team will provide specific instructions.

Pain Medications#

Antibiotics#

Stool Management (Critical with Opioids)#

Other Medications#

Continuing Home Medications#

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Daily Medication Log#

Week 1#

Day 1 (Surgery Day): Date _______

Day 2: Date _______

Day 3: Date _______

Day 4: Date _______

Day 5: Date _______

Day 6: Date _______

Day 7: Date _______

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Week 2#

Day 8: Date _______

Day 9: Date _______

Day 10: Date _______

Day 11: Date _______

Day 12: Date _______

Day 13: Date _______

Day 14: Date _______

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Pain Management Guidelines#

Pain Scale Reference#

Key Principles#

1. Stay ahead of pain. Take medication on schedule during the first few days rather than waiting until pain is severe.

2. Don't let pain spiral. Once pain gets out of control, it's harder to bring back down.

3. Transition thoughtfully. Work with your surgical team on tapering from opioids to over-the-counter options.

4. Track patterns. Notice when pain is worst (after activity? at night?) to adjust timing.

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Opioid Safety Reminders#

• Never take more than prescribed. If pain isn't controlled, call your surgeon.
• Don't mix with alcohol. Dangerous respiratory depression can occur.
• Don't drive. Opioids impair reaction time and judgment.
• ALWAYS take stool softeners. Opioid-induced constipation affects 40-80% of users.
• Store securely. Keep away from children and others.
• Dispose properly. Return unused medication to a pharmacy take-back program.

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Bowel Movement Tracker#

Critical when taking opioids. Constipation is nearly guaranteed without prevention.

If no BM for 2+ days: Add stimulant laxative. If no BM for 3+ days, contact surgical team.

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Transitioning Off Opioids#

Work with your surgical team on this plan.

Transition tips:

• Reduce dose gradually rather than stopping abruptly
• Take OTC medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen—confirm with surgeon) 30 min before reducing opioid dose
• Expect some increase in discomfort during transition
• Call surgeon if pain becomes unmanageable

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Pharmacy Information#

Prescription refill notes:

• Opioids typically require new prescription (no refills)
• Call surgeon's office 2-3 business days before running out
• Some states have quantity limits

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Notes#

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Keep this tracker at your bedside along with your medications. Update it every time you take anything.

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Introduction#

This list covers the essential supplies and medications commonly needed for any type of bottom surgery recovery. It is designed to help you prepare for the practical aspects of post-operative care, including wound cleaning, pain management, hygiene, and comfort. However, individual needs can vary widely depending on the specific procedure, your surgeon’s protocols, and your personal circumstances.

This list represents many months of ongoing community effort and contribution. Many people have road-tested these recommendations and found them to be highly accurate and helpful in real-world recovery situations. It reflects collective experience and practical wisdom from those who have been through the process.

At the very end of the list, there is a dedicated section specifically for items related to vaginoplasty recovery. While the main part of the list covers essential supplies and medications commonly needed for any type of bottom surgery recovery—such as wound care, pain management, hygiene, and comfort—the vaginoplasty section addresses the unique needs and protocols that apply only to that procedure.

Anything without a URL should be easy to find at your local pharmacy, Target, or Walmart.

Cleaning Supplies#

OTC Medications#

Personal Care#

Shopping#

Vaginoplasty Necessities#

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Continue exploring#

• Recovery Essentials
• Documenting Healing
• Planning Documents