We've spent many, many hours researching and identifying products to include in our Surgery Care Boxes. From our own experiences of being in hospital, along with loved ones who have undergone operations recently, we have included particular items that could help. Here we explain why each item has been chosen and how it can help during and after surgery or a stay in hospital.
Whilst recovering at home from a surgery or whilst in hospital it is important to be warm and comfortable. Our 2 in 1 Pillow Blanket helps you to do just that. It can be used as a pillow for comfort or unzipped to become a snuggly blanket. The plush, fleece fabric is super soft and gentle on skin and is easy to wash.
Back Scratcher
When yourself or your loved one is in hospital you can become quite uncomfortable. This extendable back scratcher can help to scratch an annoying itch. This back scratcher is made from durable materials, the Scratchbrush Extendable Back Scratcher is designed to withstand frequent use.
Body Wipes
Bathing or showering can be difficult after surgery due to concerns over getting dressings wet and
difficulties moving. These extra large adult wet wipes will help yourself or your loved one freshen up. Thick, strong and robust, they are extra wet for full body cleansing and antibacterial to remove body odour. These body wipes are unscented and are suitable for sensitive skin.
Body Wrap
These soothing body wraps can be heated in a microwave and used to help relieve some of the aches and pains that come with surgery. Alternatively, they can be chilled and used as a cooling compress. Click here for further information about how heat therapy can help ease pain and discomfort.
Chocolate Bar
Everyone likes a little treat when they're feeling under the weather and this delicious mini, milk chocolate bar is made from the highest quality ingredients and Belgian chocolate.
Chocolate Truffles
Made from the same high quality ingredients as the chocolate bars, this tray of six hand-crafted chocolate truffles has a delicious salted caramel filling for a little treat.
Compression Socks
Compression socks are often recommended after surgery to prevent blood clots developing in the leg. If your loved one has to wear compression socks they should be issued with a standard NHS pair, but we think these socks are so much nicer. Plus if compression socks are recommended, they should usually be worn as much as possible, day and night, so an extra pair will always come in handy.
Ear Plugs with Travel Case
Sleep is especially important when recovering from surgery and these reusable, noise reduction, ear plugs can help to block out unwanted noise, enabling yourself or your loved one to get some uninterrupted rest - especially if they're trying to sleep during a hospital stay. Made from PU sponge they have just the right slow rebound time for soft and comfortable sleep. The handy travel case makes them ideal to pop in a hospital bag. Size 2.5 cm in length and 1cm in diameter (approx.)
Gel Bead Eye Mask
A soothing gel beads eye mask is ideal for relieving tired eyes from sleepless nights or the general stresses and strains that a stay in hospital or an operation may bring. For added benefit, the band is fragranced with lavender, sweet orange and geranium to help your loved one relax, unwind and feel the stress melt away.
Facial Spray
Facial Spray is particularly refreshing if skin is feeling dry and sensitive and provides welcome relief if your loved one is feeling nauseous following surgery or hot & sweaty from a hospital environment. We have specifically chosen Evian facial spray because it is hypo-allergenic, has a neutral pH, completely free from chemical treatments and is safe for all skin types.
Gingernut Biscuits
We have carefully selected these Hawkens bite size Gingernut biscuits because they are by far the greatest tasting gingernut that we have ever come across. Hot and fiery as a gingernut biscuit should be, deep in flavour and with chunks of crystalised ginger, these gingernuts are a delicious way of consuming ginger (and calories) if your loved is feeling nauseous from an anaesthetic or if they need to eat small snacks whilst in hospital.
Hydration Sachets
If your loved one is struggling to drink enough water or is dehydrated from being nil by mouth for a surgery or stay in hospital, hydration sachets offer a faster way to restore a healthy level of hydration than drinking water alone.
iPad Beanbag
This handmade iPad beanbag will hold any electronic device (phone, tablet, iPad, Kindle) or book securely on any surface, at any viewing angle, portrait or landscape, allowing hands free viewing whilst in a hospital bed or when recovering at home. It is adjustable to mould to the surface it is put onto so is highly adaptable. It is great for reducing the anterior neck posture which can strain the joints and the muscles of the neck and upper back when viewing electronic devices.
Lip Balm
Dry or cracked lips are a common side effect of being slightly dehydrated from being nil by mouth before surgery. Dry lips can also be caused by being in a hospital environment that may be either very warm or air conditioned. A good, moisturising lip balm can help to ease this discomfort of dry, cracked lips. We've chosen to include MooGoo Lip Balms in our Surgery Care Boxes because all of the ingredients are edible making it a safe lip moisturiser without any chemicals.
MooGoo Natural Skin Milk Udder Cream
Many people find that skin becomes dry after surgery and MooGoo Natural Skin Milk Udder Cream is a lightweight moisturiser that easily sinks into skin. We've specifically chosen this MooGoo moisturiser because it is made with natural oils like Sweet Almond & Olive Oil, is full of natural healthy ingredients and contains no nasties. MooGoo Natural Skin Milk Udder Cream can also be used by everyone, everywhere - use on face & body, all ages and skin types.
Peppersmith Mint Chewing Gum
During a stay in hospital or whilst recovering at home from surgery, it may not always be very easy to brush teeth in the normal manner. Chewing gum can be a quick and easy way to freshen the mouth from the comfort of a bed or chair. We have chosen Peppersmith Peppermint Xylitol chewing gum as it's sugar-free and sweetened with 100% Xylitol, a naturally derived ingredient. Studies have shown that Xylitol can help reduce tooth decay by helping to prevent plaque bacteria sticking to the teeth.
Peppersmith Mints
Mint is well known for easing nausea and we’ve specifically chosen Peppersmith Lemon mints because feedback tells us they are gentler for sensitive or sore mouths. Sucking Xylitol mints can also help to relieve a dry mouth that some people experience following surgery.
Hand Sanitiser
During a stay in hospital or following surgery, the immune system can become less effective making it more difficult to fend off viruses and bacterial infections. This all natural Botanical Hand Sanitiser will help to keep their hands hygienically clean even when there is limited access to soap and water.
Satin Sleep Mask
This relaxing Satin Eye Mask can be used to block out light and help with rest and relaxation and maybe even have a little snooze in in hospital. They are also handy to block out light to help with sleep and rest when recovering at home.
Seat Belt Cushion
This Post Surgery Seat Belt Cushion is a cushioned protector for the chest, breast or stomach area. Ultra soft materials provide comfort and support while simultaneously protecting sensitive areas from the seatbelt. The seat belt cushion has 2 velcro fastening loops enabling it to easily fit around the seatbelt and slide along into the most suitable position.
Shampoo Cap
Washing hair can also be difficult after surgery and we all know how grotty unwashed hair can make us feel. These single-use shampoo caps are a rinse-free, ideal way to freshen up hair. Easy to use with no need to rinse after, the liquid contained in the cap will cleanse and condition without water or soap. Dermatologically tested to be kind to skin and scalp.
Shower Wipes
A shower wipe is a great way to freshen up if your loved one isn't able to shower or bathe. Swypes are extra large, 100% biodegradable, body wipes. Dual-sided and suitable for sensitive skin, they offer a thorough cleanse and exfoliation while still being gentle enough for use on the entire body - a shower in a sachet. Single body wipe is 25x30cm.
Snacks
Appetite and normal eating patterns may be disrupted during a hospital stay and recovery. Sometimes it is neither practical or possible to eat full meals and food may be at set times in hospitals. Neat Natural Energy Bars are a delicious and nutritious vegan snack bar made using natural ingredients with no added sugar and no palm oil and can provide the perfect snack between meals.
Spacemask
A cancer diagnosis is stressful and a self-heating spacemask makes a great, pampering treat for anyone facing the stress of being in hospital or having an operation. From the moment it is opened the spacemask self heating eye mask, will take the wearer on a journey of relaxation.
Surgey Comfort Pillow
This versatile Surgery Comfort Pillow is a great post-operative support helping to relieve underarm pressure to sensitive surgical areas. It can also be used to brace other painful areas and can help to protect the chest and abdomen from being squeezed by a seatbelt during car journeys. The mastectomy pillow will also help your loved one to find a more comfortable sleeping position - supporting any sensitive areas. The heart shaped design is made from super soft, faux velvet and comes with ribbon fastening to help secure the pillow in a comfortable position. Mastectomy pillow is 40 x 27 cm approx and is wipe clean only.
Teabags (replace image with just mint)
We include teabags in our Surgery Care Boxes because we're British and everybody feels better after a nice, hot cup of tea, plus a soothing cup of tea can help with hydration - and it's important to keep hydrated when recovering from surgery. We choose Pukka Tea because they only use organic, fair, high quality herbs ensuring maximum potency. We include Pukka Tea three mint teabags which are carefully blended to help aid digestion as the gut can become sluggish following anaesthetic.
Thermal Slipper Socks
These woollen slipper socks have been crafted with warmth, comfort and practicality in mind. The inside of the sock is brushed to create a beautiful soft feel which helps to add to the warmth of the sock. These socks have a gripper sole, helping to keep yourself or your loved one secure on slippery hospital or household flooring, meaning these socks are ideal to be used as both bed socks and slippers.
Tissues
It's always handy to have a packet of tissues around when dealing with the emotions that a stay in hospital, surgery or the discomfort that recovery can bring. We have chosen these handy pocket tissues because they are made from 100% sustainable bamboo, meaning they are not only eco-friendly and plastic free, but they are also naturally hypoallergenic.
We hope this article offers an insight into some of the things that can be done to help make surgery, a hospital stay or recovery from treatment or surgery more comfortable. We have put in a lot of care and thought into the selection of products we include in our care boxes to make it as simple as possible for you to offer support to a loved one if you are unable to be there in person.
You can view our full range of Surgery Care Boxes here.
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