Hi all! My surgery date has been set: Feb 5. I have another appointment on Jan 14 to go over what all will happen during surgery. I’m nervous. No one in my family has ever had surgery before so I’m kind of walking in blind.
What do I need to bring with me to the hospital? How long were you in the hospital? What should I expect? (Also, I’m a half glass full kind of person, so please don’t post all about the risks. My doctor has already let me know.)
Thanks!!
Hi welcome
Ophelia is going for surgery soon also, and she posted a similar question, check the responses here:
http://www.chiarisupport.org/forum/topics/surgery-date-set-5?commen...
I see your NS is Dr. N. at Barrows, and that's a good practice with Dr. Theodore as well. Perhaps others have encouraging words for you.
Good Luck,
Geoff
Wow! That thread is so helpful! Thank you!!
I will say that this has been a blessing for me.Good luck to you on the surgery,it was easier than I expected.You have a good outlook and that goes a long way.
Oooh gosh you sound like me! Except I have had lots of minor surgeries.
My surgery is Monday the 13th!
I am bringing the following (though I was told I as going to probably be in the hospital 2-4 days and not able to wash my hair).
Travel bag with travel size: toothbrush, toothpaste, scope, dental floss, and Oasis mouthwash (for dry mouth the drugs give you): deodorant, mini Cetaphil face wash, cerave face cream, body wash, mini body "pouf", lotion, body spray (gotta feel human ya know?), chapstick, luden's lozenges (for dry mouth), sleep mask and ear plugs and brush and hair ties and baby shampoo and Biolage detangling conditioner (just in case I get lucky and they say go ahead and wash your hair).;-)
I am also bringing: slippers, socks, and pj's and my smart phone and charger.
I have a small stuffed animal too. A black cat. I wanted to bring something from home to remind me to get better soon and make me smile!
My cat is black and her name is Annabelle. My life partner/bf is Jerry. I tied a ribbon around the stuffed animal and put a tag on it that says" Get Well Soon! Annabelle + Jerry are waiting for you!
I am also parting my hair down the middle in two ponytails and braiding it myself. I dunno if they want it that way but they can undo it if they don't! Lol. That is how most pics I have seen are if you have long hair.
For what it's worth I am wearing Target yoga pants and a slip over your head comfy long sleeve t-shirt and my slippers (they are the kind that can be worn outside cuz the soles are thick).
I am really cleaning the house, buying tons of non perishables to have stocked up and going to go grocery shopping tomorrow for healthy food.
Then one last load of laundry and Whew! Done.
I am also making SURE to have PHilip's Milk of Magnesia, Soy Protein Powder, soups, pudding, veggies, fruits, crackers stuff like that.
Hope this helps! Probably way too much detail but...that's me! Lol
Good luck! You will be GREAT!!! :-)
A few things I forgot: a shower cap (a good one) in case you can shower if you can keep the water out. And baby wipes or something similar in case you are too tired to shower or not allowed in hospital.
For home: I also got a rice neck thing form Bed Bath and Beyond that can go in the microwave and Gel ice packs with a cover for when I want ice.
ALSO for the bm's which are most important lets face it....whatever helps you go w/out straining.
Prunes, activia, citrucel, stool softner, Philip's milk of magesia...whatever works for you stock up.
The drugs make you constipated.
Get nice pillows that you love cuz I hear you use them a lot.
Hi Sierra. My wife just had her surgery yesterday (Friday) morning. We are 30 hours post surgery and she is walking, talking, and functioning very well. There is pain around the incision site, but this is normal given the surgery. You can expect to be uncomfortable when you wake up from surgery, but you should improve as the day goes on after surgery. I am not sure of your specific conditions, but I am sure you will do well. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. This website and group of people on here were instrumental in helping us prepare for this procedure.
Jody
Wow! Those are all great ideas! I’m lucky to have tons of family close by, so when I find out when I will be discharged, my mom will go grocery shopping and do a second scrub down of my house. In lucky! I will make sure to add your tips to my list! I’m really nervous because I’ve never had surgery before. I don’t really know what to expect. But if there is a chance of less or no headaches, I’ll take it (;
First of all, bringing such a positive attitude with you is the best way to approach this. The first 24 hours was intense pain for me (I’m 9 weeks post op) but knowing I would leave the hospital on the way to better health kept me focused. Bring your own pillow, a comfy blanket, earplugs, and a sleeping mask for sure!! Once they take out all of your iv’s have a comfy pair of pj’s and socks to change into. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Along the way,you may take 2 steps forward and 1 step back but make sure you focus on the 2 step forward! Best of luck.
Jody I’m so glad your wife is doing good!
Hi Sierra. My wife just had her surgery yesterday (Friday) morning. We are 30 hours post surgery and she is walking, talking, and functioning very well. There is pain around the incision site, but this is normal given the surgery. You can expect to be uncomfortable when you wake up from surgery, but you should improve as the day goes on after surgery. I am not sure of your specific conditions, but I am sure you will do well. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. This website and group of people on here were instrumental in helping us prepare for this procedure.
Jody
Sierra, this is all great advice- especially the prunes!!! Bring ear plugs for rude neighbors too. You are gonna do great!
Jenn
Some many great ideas and tips! Thank y'all! I've started getting little things here and there. Chapstick, Milk of Magnesia, baby wipes, cough drops, a big fluffy blanket... probably a few more things, but I can't remember it now.
A silly question: Do you get your IV's out even if you are still in the hospital? I wanted to bring some long sleeve sweatshirts because I'm always cold, but not sure if it will be in the way of the IVs.
Jody, I'm glad to hear your wife is doing great! I hope I am as resiliant as her!
Ophelia, I'm sure that you won't see this for a while, but I'm thinking about you today! I hope all goes well!
I had my IVs in till it was time for check out.