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Despite a relatively quick recovery time, post-appendectomy healing can still be quite painful and disrupting. Recovery can take 1 to 3 weeks for laparoscopic surgery, or 2 to 4 weeks for open surgery. Because the surgery affects the body’s muscle core, simple activities like sitting up or standing can be painful and challenging for appendix surgery patients. You can help them feel a little better by giving them something helpful and fun from our carefully chosen list of appendectomy gifts.
Appendectomy Gifts that Help Promote Recovery and Ease Pain
1. Appendectomy Scar T-Shirt
Laughter is the best medicine, even if it hurts a little. Treat an appendix patient to a good laugh with this appendectomy scar tee. It’s fun, stylish, and a great reminder that they’re well on the road to recovery.
2. Bed Rest & Reading Pillow
Doctors usually encourage walking and limited movement after appendix surgery. Still, a great deal of recovery time is spent in bed or on the couch. Sitting up in bed can be a painful exercise, and it’s nice to give some support — like with this awesome reading pillow.
The LinenSpa pillow is filled with shredded foam, which doesn’t clump or shift like the inferior polyester fiber in similar items. The pillow provides ample back support and even molds to personal dimensions to provide extra comfort during extended Netflix binge-watching sessions.
3. Lap Desk
In the first days of recovery, appendectomy patients will probably find themselves performing a range of daily activities while still in bed. A good lap desk provides a steady base for many of these activities. The Winsome Wood Alden Lap Desk is made of solid wood and is perfect for a laptop computer, tablet, books, or just a sturdy place to eat lunch. Combine the lap desk with a good reading pillow and you have two appendectomy gifts that can make a real difference in someone’s recovery.
4. Drinking Cup with Straw
Finding a comfortable resting position after appendix surgery is a challenge. Then, spilling a drink can ruin things just after a patient gets settled. The Bubba Envy insulated tumbler solves that problem with a spill-proof lid and a flexible silicone straw. The BPA-free, dual-wall insulation helps drinks stay cold, and it’s dishwasher safe. Grab a package of extra big Bubba Straws to go along with it.
5. Appendix Plush
Give an appendectomy patient the one thing you know they don’t already have: an appendix. This massive appendix plush from I Heart Guts is 15 inches long by 6 1/2 inches wide. The plush comes with a hang tag and a booklet that contain interesting facts about the appendix.
6. Kindle E-reader
A good book can distract a patient from the painful recovery after an appendectomy. Give someone a Kindle and you’re giving them access to millions of books, and hours of much-needed distraction.
The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best reviewed E-readers available, even among other models of the Kindle. The Paperwhite has a readable screen with no glare, even in direct sunlight. Free 3G technology allows the patient to download a book in less than 60 seconds, from anywhere, even in a hospital without an internet connection.
7. Loose-Fitting Lounge Wear
Forever Lazy Onesies are perfect for post-appendectomy recovery because they are designed for “lazy lounging”. Their baggy design ensures that wearers will feel no pressure or squeezing near the surgery site, a common source of pain for post appendix surgery patients. Soft fleece, deep pockets, and a hood make this the ultimate lounge wear. There’s even a hidden rear zipper that allows wearers to use the restroom without removing the entire onesie.
Forever Lazy Onesies come in over 15 different styles and they’re unisex. Be sure to check the product description and comments for a bunch of helpful sizing advice.
8. Appendix Lapel Pin
This appendix lapel pin from I Heart Guts is cute, fun, and subtle. Only 1.25 inches long, this happy little appendix pin is great for someone with a weird sense of humor and a classic sense of style. Among appendectomy gifts, this is probably the only one that you can wear on a business suit.
9. Awesome Coloring Book
Recovering from surgery can be booooring! A person can only binge-watch so many Netflix shows before they start to get a little stir-crazy. Coloring books offer a unique and fun break from the boredom of recovery. Don’t forget to include some colored pencils along with it!
More Appendectomy Gifts
A Craft Clay Kit
The Arteza Polymer Clay Starter Kit is an engaging activity that isn’t physically demanding. When you’re done with your masterpiece, pop it into an oven and bake it for a ceramic-like keepsake. Arteza’s polymer clay comes in 42 bright colors, and includes 5 sculpting tools.