Packing

ok being the over obsessive person that I am...Im getting my list made for things to pack for surgery and the hospital stay. what will I need?  I have my trial size shampoo, toothpaste,and lotion my crocs for walking and a robe does the hospital prefer you wear their gowns or can I bring my own? well I dont have gowns...just nice big T-shirts. I hear taking chapstick is good. will I be able to use my cellphone?  I have a new filter ready for the Bi-pap and my little lung excersizer thingie they gave me at the pre-op testing. anything else? ohhh and what about the person who stays with you...sleep in the room? when I had surgery in Tulsa last yr there were rooms for out of town family members to stay in for a nominal fee...I guess I should call.  any suggestions would be sooo helpful. nutti

I can answer a couple of your questions.  I'm assuming you will be at Baptist, right?  If so, they prefer you to wear their gowns because of the IV and portable heart monitor you'll have, but they don't mind if you wear pj bottoms or really comfortable lounge pants, even shorts.  I did because I didn't want to flash everyone when I walked. If you're in a semi-private room you can have someone of the same sex stay with you, no hubbies.  If you have a private room your husband can stay with you.  Baptist has a small hotel across the street that families can stay in, not sure how much they charge but you'll need a reservation. You can use your cell phone, but they ask that you keep it on vibrate mode.  Sounds like you've got everything covered.  You might want to bring a good book if you like to read and your own pillow because theirs are like bricks!  Socks if your feet get cold, you'll probably have pressure cuffs on though.  I took mine off during the day while I was up walking, just wore them at night.  You might want to bring ear plugs in case you get a roommate like mine...she snored worse than my husband! I'm sure others will be able to add to your list.

Thanks so much Denise very helpful. dern about no hubbies....he has taken all of the time I am in hospital off from work without pay to be with me...we live 4.5 hours from Baptist Hospital. and really dont think we can afford him to stay in a room during my stay...we already have to stay in LittleRock for a few days after my release from the hospital.   so Im glad you brought this up...tomorrow I will have to get on the phone and figure it out.   I will bring my pillow..ty for that info also. thanks again! nutti

You can request a private room but there are no guarantees. It all depends on the availability and they will charge you $50 more so that's something to keep in mind. They wouldn't let me shower the day of or the day after my surgery. It just about made me crazy! But the day I went home I was able to shower.

Watch out for the chapstick. Most have heard my story but one of the nurses was really upset with me for using chapstick the day of surgery. She said Dr. Gibbs does not want ANYTHING on or in the mouth because it can trigger the reflex for gastric juices to make and he does not want that the day of surgery. You'll get your ice chips in 24 hours after surgery but nothing until then. Fortunately you will sleep for alot of that!

I used my cell, no problems. I took my laptop and watched DVD's and left the TV for my roommate to control. She and her husband were very sweet and were concerned not to intrude - we of course extended the same courtesy. I also took a couple of books and music (with headphones of course)

I didn't get much sleep - I hate being in the hospital to begin with but when they come in every hour to check on something or give you a shot, etc. it's hard to sleep. But as my friend says, you go to the hospital to get over being sick - but you don't get well until you get home!

Good luck and I hope this helps