what is everyone packing
I've read on other posts the following suggestions:
CHAPSTICK
your own favorite pillow
a book or magazine
*chapstick*
slippers (most hospitals give you nubby socks, though)
maybe a light robe or housecoat
chapstick!
iPod or walkman
From my own previous experiences, a hospital shower is not like one at home or a motel.
I will not be bringing any toiletries other than lotion, and my toothbrush/toothpaste. (and chapstick). Most hospitals have small bottles of shampoo and soap for the one shower you'll probably have there.
Most important: don't forget to walk far, and walk often! And use that little breathing thingy. :)
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!
CHAPSTICK
your own favorite pillow
a book or magazine
*chapstick*
slippers (most hospitals give you nubby socks, though)
maybe a light robe or housecoat
chapstick!
iPod or walkman
From my own previous experiences, a hospital shower is not like one at home or a motel.
I will not be bringing any toiletries other than lotion, and my toothbrush/toothpaste. (and chapstick). Most hospitals have small bottles of shampoo and soap for the one shower you'll probably have there.
Most important: don't forget to walk far, and walk often! And use that little breathing thingy. :)
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!
Something I REALLY needed that no one mentioned was sugar free lozenges or hard candy. My throat was so dry and raw from the breathing tube during surgery, and my hospital didn't have anything sugar free to suck on.
Maybe not everyone has the problem I did, but if you do it's awful to not have anything to help. It was seriously more painful than the surgery and since you can only drink little sips at a time, the liquid didn't help much at all.
Once DH got some sugar free Ricolla from the drug store, I was right as rain. But it was bad till then. If I were you, I'd rather have then and not need them, than be suffering without.
Good luck on your surgery! I just had mine Sat and am amazed at how easy and relatively little pain I've had. You'll do great!
Maybe not everyone has the problem I did, but if you do it's awful to not have anything to help. It was seriously more painful than the surgery and since you can only drink little sips at a time, the liquid didn't help much at all.
Once DH got some sugar free Ricolla from the drug store, I was right as rain. But it was bad till then. If I were you, I'd rather have then and not need them, than be suffering without.
Good luck on your surgery! I just had mine Sat and am amazed at how easy and relatively little pain I've had. You'll do great!
Chapstick, Gas X Strips (in case of Gas), pillow (comes in handy for sleep and the ride home to compress the new tummy gently for bumps in the road), Ipod (I listened once but was really too sleepy to enjoy any music), cell phone, comfy slippers, comb/brush, hair scarf perhaps. Make certain to wear loose-fitting clothes to the hospital and wear the same home.
I didn't bring a robe or gown because of the IV, catheter and heart monitor...it was waaayy too many lines hanging around me. As far as puzzles and reading materials, for me if I wasn't walking, I was sleeping. Lenox Hill also made sure that I had a wet sponge in cold iced water for my dry-a$$ed mouth and lips. The oxygen had my throat and nose so dry it was awful, but that really helped.
God bless and good luck to those with upcoming surgeries...you'll never be the same again.
See you all on the loser's bench...
I didn't bring a robe or gown because of the IV, catheter and heart monitor...it was waaayy too many lines hanging around me. As far as puzzles and reading materials, for me if I wasn't walking, I was sleeping. Lenox Hill also made sure that I had a wet sponge in cold iced water for my dry-a$$ed mouth and lips. The oxygen had my throat and nose so dry it was awful, but that really helped.
God bless and good luck to those with upcoming surgeries...you'll never be the same again.
See you all on the loser's bench...
I agree about the chapstick, but I was not able to suck on lozenges, BUT I would highly recommend OASIS mouth spray. It is created for people with drymouth, but was fantastic those first couple days for the sore throat and the dry mouth. It is also peppermint so it helped with the feeling that I was going to throw up.
Personally, I was HOT in the hospital. When i first woke up I asked for a fan. The hospital didn't have many, but after a couple hours (as my Mom was headed to the local hardware store) they brought one in. My room was under 50 degrees and I was comfortable. My family was covered up with my robe!:-) They said it was the pain pump meds, but think about some kind of small fan or a plan on how to get one just in case.
As for PJs they are a waste, you won't feel like changing clothes.
I did need baby powder, because of my inner thighs rubbing while I did all of my walking. Not to mention it just made me feel fresher!
Best Wishes!
Personally, I was HOT in the hospital. When i first woke up I asked for a fan. The hospital didn't have many, but after a couple hours (as my Mom was headed to the local hardware store) they brought one in. My room was under 50 degrees and I was comfortable. My family was covered up with my robe!:-) They said it was the pain pump meds, but think about some kind of small fan or a plan on how to get one just in case.
As for PJs they are a waste, you won't feel like changing clothes.
I did need baby powder, because of my inner thighs rubbing while I did all of my walking. Not to mention it just made me feel fresher!
Best Wishes!