okay what are you....

Hey Everyone I have still been out here lurking. I'm a little bummed since I found out I have apnea and have to wait to be released from the sleep doctor before I can get my date. However I have been told to still hope for a date in March. So I am. I have been feeling pretty nervous about getting things around in my life in general. This surgery is apart of that. So here is my question for all of us pre planners and those of us who need to work on the pre planning What are you taking to the hospital? What have you done to prepare for your first week or so home? WHose going to the hospital with you? Have you told any co workers and if so what do they have to say? After all co-workers will also witness your transformation. Peace and Patience Amanda

Hi Amanda- Don't be bummed out, the sleep apnea is just something else to support your need for your surgery, the same thing happened to me and I was given March 19 as my date. So, to answer your questions..... I'm taking my CPAP machine, some chapstik, a book (but not sure i'm going to need it) and i guess my list may grow as i learn more about what I'm going to need. My parents are going to the hospital with me, as well as a good friend. I've told several co-workers and friends and all have been extremely supportive, which i am so thankful for. Have you told anyone? Take care, Terri

I guess I should have replied to my own questions huh? Thanks Terri So as far as what I'm taking to the hospital. I am going to take a huge robe, some socks, my own pillow, try and score a laptop from somewhere, and I'm definetly taking something to occupy my mind with. I have small kids so I will probaly buy some small toys and things to take to the hospital to keep there. I've told absolutely everyone that will listen. I told everyone because I want them to know that I am struggling now, and I want to go on this journey totally open. Its not like everyone wont notice. So far my family and coworkers have been very supportive. My best friend is happy for me too, but as for friends...well they dont really say anything. Also as far as this journey goes I am planning on a life make over. So starting the day I leave the hospital I will wear makeup everyday

Dont let anything get you down. I am a firm believer that if you want this to happen that it will For me I am taking my laptop and the Sims 2 games and several Harry Potter games, my Nintendo DS, my ipod. Lots and Lots of warm and clean socks, a realy soft robe, chapstick, lotion, face wash, a teddy bear, books and magazines, the list to be updated as time goes by My husband is taking me to the hospital. (hes a super sweet guy!) I have told almost everyone who will sit still and listen. My mom cried the other day when my approval finaly came in.

Hi Amanda, As the others have noted, just hand in there. It will happen and maybe quicker than you think. As for what I am taking? Very little to be honest. I will take a change of clothes, some lounging pants, and a tee shirt. I have a feeling that I won't be in much condition to read or mess with my laptop, so I will just leave that home. Assuming all goes well, I should be home after the first night or two so I think I will plan on sleeping and walking and healing. Beyond that I will just enjoy any rest I get. While my wife is taking me to the hospital, she has to work that night, so apparently, I will be pretty much on my own the first day. As for when I get home. I am stocked with my vitamins, juices and protien powder. I hope to get back to my laptop pretty quickly so that will be handy. I also have a couple of books to catch up on once I am home. Keep your spirits up and hang in there. I got my date about a week ago and it seems like life has shifted into high gear trying to get everything done. Take Care, Dave

Here is a list of what I am planning to take (some of these things have been added after going through the journey with my sis in law who had surgery Feb 12th- it was nice to see 1st hand how everything went) chapstick (a must!) lotion my own pillow a puzzle book of some sort with pens/ highlighters a list of phone numbers for people I may want to call when bored slippers socks several pair of clean undies 2 or 3 gowns robe brush & scrunchies if needed my own toothbrush & toothpaste camera notebook or journal (have someone else journal about the actual surgery/ how long it took/ how you did/ what the doc said/ etc... so that you can remember the things you won't remember) I think that is it. There were a lot of other things that I bought for her "going to the hospital" gift bag that I put together to give her the day she was given her date, like Q-tips, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, things like that. Jenifer