Saw my NS Dr Beijjani yesterday and have set my surgery date for Jan 13th 2014.
I did mention all the things many of the kind folks on here suggested I mention and after examining my films and talking with me I have been "cleared for take-off" (No EDS, No POTS etc..).
I even have my pre-op testing done.
So, now I just was wondering if anyone has any advice about the basics: good pillows, sleeping positions, stuff I may not think of that would be helpful.
I have a bunch of pillows that work for me right now but was wondering if I could tolerate them post op.
So considering getting one of those water pillows and a good quilted pillow cover, a notebook to write down the meds taken etc..., a little lap desk for my laptop (so I don't have to look down as much) and I got tons of comfy pj's, socks and slippers and blankets.
What I would like to know is what to bring to the hospital with me as all of the many surgeries I have had have been outpatient (except one and I was on morphine so...don't remember what I took with me!).
Are you awake enough/ feeling well enough to want reading stuff, or just watch tv and sleep..?
Can you shower the few days you are in the hospital? (I forgot to ask about IN hospital stuff at my appt Lol )
Thanks for helping reach this decision.
I am very comfortable with my decision and am looking forward to feeling better! :-)
PS: please understand and don't post negative stuff that COULD possible happen. I have done my research and been advised by my NS about all that.
We all know surgery has it's risks but now that I am having it I'd like to remain positive. TX :-)
Ophelia, you have the right attitude staying positive! You’ve covered your bases and now you can be at peace with it- I’m excited for you.
Get your house squeaky clean before you go, get lots of healthy food, stool softeners, OTC constipation meds (like magnesium citrate), and if your going to be showering when no one is home with you buy a shower chair. Lots of us were super dizzy in the shower. Pay your bills ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about that for a few weeks. Remember that everyone heals differently, listen to your body and try not to get caught up in timelines for recovery milestones.
For the hospital:
Toothbrush and paste
Deodorant
EAR PLUGS- people get so loud!
I personally was in no shape to read anything I just slept the whole time
Please be very careful about eating solid foods until you have a BM, that turned into a nightmare for me and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Just try to relax into the process and sleep as much as possible.
You are going to to great! I will be saying prayers for you and Dr B on the 13th.
Good luck Ophelia! I wish the best for you and your doctor in the coming weeks. I hope when you get finished with the surgery and feel up to it, you will come back to give us an update on how things are going. Its great to see that you are comfortable with your decision too! I am walking down this road with you, and I am seeing how these decisions can impact our lives as they come. I hope when it comes down to it, that I am as prepared, and ready to go on with this. Sorry I can't suggest more for you to bring for comfort, but jcdemar has a good list up for you. The only thing I would add to the list would be personal effects from home just for comfort. Maybe a picture of loved ones, or a stuffed animal. Just something to give you a little bit of comfort. I hope you do well! Happy holidays!
Ahh best of luck Ophelia! I had my surgery 8 weeks ago and it was the best decision I ever made!!! I feel amazing!! Few bits I found useful…
Baby wipes and a flannel to wash with, I didn’t feel up to showering in hospital because of the dizzyness.
Like you say…a pillow that works for you. I had a triangle shaped maternity pillow it was great.
I always wore my own clothes…take things that are comfy as poss with no tight neck holes! So you can get tops on and off with ease without knocking the incision! Slippers with a rubber sole…hospital floors are cold and slippery!
Stool softeners…I ignored this advice and regretted…I don’t need to say any more about that lol.
I didn’t manage to watch any tv, read anything or even look at my phone for very long without feeling bleary eyed. I was in hospital for 5 days but this carried on for quite a while after. I was really sensitive to noise too so ear plugs would have been handy! Also an eye mask for while you sleep is nice, I could see lights even when my eyes were shut!
Home comforts are nice too…I covered the end of my bed in pics of my little girl which kept me going when I felt poorly!
Get plenty of rest, and enjoy being looked after while it lasts, you’ll soon be back to reality!
Thanks Laura! I will bring the hair ties, pillow, pj's, robe, slippers, ear plugs sleep mask and some phillips milk magnesia pills. Going to bring some shower stuff (travel size), toothbrush, and something from home though I don't know what yet.
This pressure is really bad right now. I can function but my ears really hurt and the back of my head etc...it seems so far away! Trying to hang in there until the big day.
Ad Laura said:
Oh and hair ties if you have long hair a must!!!! Xx
