5 Activities to Try When Recovering from Thymectomy Surgery

After my thymectomy surgery, getting plenty of rest and sleep was a soothing and natural way to manage my discomfort. Pain is common after surgery - I had pain in my chest, back, neck, sides and abdomen. Depending on what type of thymectomy surgery you had, recovery time and pain levels can vary.¹

While medications are typically very effective in relieving pain, I found it was crucial to find activities that served as a healthy distraction, particularly when the effects of pain medications started to wear off before I could retake them.

What to do after surgery

After my surgery, I looked for activities that required minimal movement and allowed for comfortable sitting since walking also caused discomfort for some time. As you begin your recovery journey post-thymectomy, I recommend engaging in the activities I share below. They are not just ways to pass the time, but also opportunities to enhance your mental well-being and bring a sense of normalcy during this period.

1. Get a magazine subscription

I understand that it can be challenging and uninteresting when you're unable to physically engage in your hobbies or passions, especially during recovery. Consider getting a magazine subscription related to your interests. It can help keep the excitement and joy alive and provide inspiration for when you're ready to return to your activities.

You might want to order your first subscription before your surgery so that they're easily accessible during your recovery. Remember, you may not feel up to raising your arms or moving them away from your body, so having the magazines within reach is essential.

2. Watch a sports event from home

Even if you are not generally a sports fan, different types of sports are characteristic of many cultures worldwide. Sports are a universal language, and it may engage your mind to try and understand the dynamics of a sport you never had the downtime or urge to watch. This can help you feel connected to a larger community and engaged in a shared experience, which we can feel a lack of during recovery.

3. Listen to music you're not accustomed to

You may not be able to venture out of the house, but you can explore the world of music! I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and explore the vast range of music online or through a music streaming service.

If you use Spotify, instead of heading straight to your usual music or "Made For You" playlists, try this:

• Go to "Search"
• Navigate down to the section titled, "Start Browsing"
• Click on the button that says "Music"

From here, I dare you to pick a "Playlists from our Editors" that is opposite your usual taste. Or maybe check out the "Popular EQUAL playlists" list and choose an identity or culture you do not identify with.

Even if you don't love the music, it can be a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in different perspectives. Try closing your eyes and let the lyrics paint a vibrant picture or tell a compelling story in your mind.

4. Try question cards

If you have loved ones there for you during challenging times, it is truly a blessing. Even though my loved one's support was invaluable, it did not completely distract me from pain or boredom during recovery.

To help with this, consider trying out question cards or conversation starter card packs to keep your mind engaged and uplifted! There are many varieties to choose from, ranging from humor to relationship-building. You could even look into ones tailored for couples, best friends, families, and more! Question cards are also an excellent activity for video calls.

5. Watch a travel vlog

Do you find yourself thinking about traveling but can't? Let me tell you about mental vacations! My doctor did not clear me for travel for a while after surgery. And honestly, I didn't feel all too up for it anyway. Here's where travel vlogs come in.

They're like your personal travel guide without leaving your couch. Search "travel vlog" on YouTube with no specific destination in mind, and pick a video that catches your eye. Transport to stunning locations and imagine the sights, sounds, and even the scents. Who knows, you might even discover a new dream destination! For me, the longer the video, the better. I got so lost in the story of travels that I drifted off to a comfortable rest.

There are ways to make the recovery period smoother

The recovery period after thymectomy surgery can be challenging, but engaging in these activities can help divert the mind and promote mental well-being. From subscribing to magazines and exploring new music to watching sports events from home and immersing in travel vlogs, there are many ways to stay engaged and find joy during recovery.

These activities are healthy distractions, require minimal movement, and provide opportunities to stay connected and inspired, bringing a sense of normalcy during this phase. Remember to prioritize rest and healing and follow your doctor's recommendations to support a smoother recovery journey.