Phalloplasty Shopping & Packing Checklist
Getting ready for your Phalloplasty surgery? This handy checklist of medical supplies, convenience items, supplements and more will help you get organized for your recovery.
You don't need to buy everything that's on this checklist. While some of the items are required for your Phalloplasty recovery and will overlap with the supplies recommended by your surgeon, other items are just helpful suggestions. Everyone has unique needs and preferences for personal comfort and you'll be able to tell which items you'll find useful. You should be able to find the following supplies at your local drug or department store, or online at Amazon.
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Medical Supplies
Keep It Clean!
- Disposable and/or flushable wipes (Dude Wipes)
- Anti-bacterial soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Alcohol pads
- Gloves
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
- Bactroban or Bacitracin/Neosporin, 2-6 tubes - Compare Bactroban vs. Neosporin
Wound Dressing
- Xeroform or Adaptic dressings, 5" x 9". Check with your surgeon about if they use these and which they prefer. These dressings are expensive; buy one box to start and get more as needed.
- 2-3 rolls of self-sticking surgical elastic wrap/cotton elastic wrap/compression bandages (Coban, Ace; 4-5" width)
- Gauze rolls (ie. Kerlix) and gauze pads (non-stick, 4x4)
- Medical/Surgical tape, paper tape, silk tape, cloth tape, or hypoallergenic tape
- Sharp scissors
- Small safety pins
- Medihoney, if you develop a fistula or have slow healing wounds
Pads & Guards
- Absorbent pads to sit/sleep on: Waterproof bed pads (Becks Reusable Waterproof Bed Pads, Chux), abdominal pads, puppy training pads (cheaper but less absorbent)
- Disposable mesh briefs - You may be provided with some when you are discharged.
- Depend Guards pads
- Soft protective cup - AC Shock Jock Cup
Convenience Essentials
Pillows
- Travel neck pillow
- Pillows to prop yourself up on like a wedge pillow or pillow with arms.
- Gel or memory foam orthopedic cushion
Showering & Bathroom
- Shower hose and head
- Waterproof arm cover (RFF), for showering. (Saran wrap and strong plastic bags are other options.)
- Long-handled bathing sponge (RFF)
- Hand mirror
- Catheter StatLocks or leg strap, to secure catheter (post-urethroplasty)
- Saline solution
Don't Forget to Pack...
Clothing: Robe, slip-on shoes, slippers, socks; big shorts, sweat pants (at least one size larger than what you usually wear; dark colors ideal.)
Personal Items: Lip balm, coconut oil or other natural moisterizer, shaving kit (You may want to shave areas that will have tape applied. Do not shave operative areas unless specifically instructed to do so by your surgeon!), ear plugs, eye cover, dry shampoo (If you usually wash your hair frequently, you might find this useful when you're unable to shower.)
Entertainment: Phone charger, phone headset, extension cord, headphones, books, magazines
Linens
- Waterproof mattress cover
- Sheets, in dark colors
- Several new towels, in dark colors
- Hydrogen peroxide (removes blood stains)
Other Useful Items
- Back scratcher
- Extender arm (aka. grabber, reacher)
- Lap desk, with legs
- Clipboard, for storing post-op instructions, medication logs, etc.
- Thermometer, to take your temperature
- Bendy straws (silicone, not plastic)
- Cough drops, ginger chews and/or ginger tea, popsicles, for sore throat from intubation.
- Cane (ALT) Upon release from hospital, you may wish to rent a walker.
- Compression socks - Especially if you are flying after your recovery.
- Small fan
Medications & Supplements
IMPORTANT: Do not take any medications or supplements without consulting your surgeon.
You will get prescriptions from your surgeon for pain relievers, anti-biotics and possibly anti-nausea and anticholinergic (bladder relaxant) medications.
Other Medications
- Stool softener (Colace) and/or laxative (Milk of Magnesia*, MiraLAX, Senna) *Also works as an antacid. (Stool softeners are preventative; laxatives are to treat constipation.)
- Antacid
- Benadryl or equivalent
- Acetominophen
- Anti-nausea (Dramamine, Gravol, Scopolamine patch)
- Rescue Remedy, natural remedy for stress
- Testosterone (Some find it helpful to temporarily switch to Testosterone gel for ease of administration during recovery.)
Recommended Supplements
- Arnica Montana, 30c or 6c. Note: Coffee is contraindicated with homeopathic remedies.
- Bromelain
- Cranberry Pills, D-Mannose
- Probiotics
- Juven Nutrition Drink, contains:
HMB - A metabolite of the amino acid leucine, which helps produce new tissue by slowing muscle breakdown and enhancing protein synthesis.
Arginine - An amino acid that supports blood flow and acts as a building block for proteins.
Glutamine - An amino acid that plays a role in collagen production and immune system support.
Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein – Stimulates collagen production and has been shown to accelerate wound healing.
Zinc and vitamins C, E, and B12 – Important micronutrients for the wound healing process that may aide in boosting immune response, skin integrity, and collagen synthesis.
General Grocery Tips
- Get yourself some treats! Don't go overboard with the calories and sugar, but get a few little things that will put a smile on your face during your recovery.
- Avoid dairy and white flour until your system is back up and running smoothly.
- Eat a low sodium diet that is comprised of natural, unprocessed foods, including fresh fruits (esp. citrus, pineapple) and vegetables, and adequate protein.
- Pre-preparing and freezing meals can be helpful.
- Make sure you stay really well hydrated!
Post-Op Shop
The following items wouldn't be needed until further on in your recovery, if at all. Don't buy until needed.
- Scar care: silicone gel and sheets, polyurethane sheets
- Compression sleeve for arm (RFF) or thigh (ALT)
- Hand strengthening device (RFF phalloplasty). Be sure to talk to your surgeon and/or hand therapist about their recommendations.
Last updated: 07/15/18