I’m busy doing everything I can to make my surgery and recovery as successful as possible. One thing I’ve been researching is the use of vitamins and minerals to both prepare for and recover from my prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction.
I’ve never really even taken a multi-vitamin regularly so I did a bit of research after reading a section in my “Pre-Operative Instructions” on certain vitamins and minerals that were encouraged prior to and after surgery.
I discussed with my surgeon which supplements were recommended and even more importantly which ones were not. With his approval, I decided to give it a try and purchased the following nine supplements.
1. Arnica
2. Bioflavonoids
3. Bromelain
4. Copper
5. Selenium
6. Zinc
7. Vitamin A
8. Vitamin C
9. Vitamin K
I was instructed to take these two weeks prior to my surgery and for two weeks after. Several of these require multiple doses throughout the day. Some were to be taken with food and some without. It could easily get confusing so I purchased this pill box to make it easier to manage.
While researching all of this I came across two kits created specifically for recovery and healing after surgery. I’m not using them so I don’t really have an opinion or recommendation, but I thought I would link to them here in case someone may want to explore them.
IMPORTANT: I’m sharing this as something I’m doing after much research and talking with my surgeon. I don’t recommend taking any supplements without first speaking with your doctor. Certain medications and procedures may make the use of some of these harmful, so you’ll want to be sure to discuss taking any of these with your medical team first.
I am curious if anyone has any experience with this or supplement use in general. I know a healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals we need. However, I keep reading about the benefits of vitamin D for example and have been really interested in the pros and cons to supplement use. If you have an experience to share, I’d love to hear it!
Some of those supplements I haven’t even heard of. I think that is great tho to have the surgeon’s blessing on before and after surgery supplements. I take Calcium with D as well as E and a multivitamin plus extra iron. But I am LOADS older than you so some of it pertains to age. :o)
Weird. I was just now reading your blog and you sent a comment to mine. That’s happened to me a couple of times before and I just find it amazing. Blogland is fun.
I think you are going about doing this the right way B. Checking with your surgeon, gathering information and taking care of everything that you can ahead of time.
Cindy Bee