Things needed for Surgery@ St. Vincents and questions

Hi everyone, I'm just trying to prepare for my 7/11 surgery and was wondering what kinds of things I should bring while I'm in the hospital. Dr. Ehrlich said that I'd be there probably 2, maybe 3 nights. My surgery is at 7:30am, the first one of the day, so he said that I would likely be there 2 nights since it's so early in the day. Anyway, when I had my son, I brought everything under the sun and used very little, so this time I'd like to get a little input from the "been there, done that" crowd. I definitely want my own pillow- learned that from the last time! Those plastic covered pillows the hospital has get hot! I'd also like to bring my own PJ's too, I can't stand hospital gowns and even worse, walking the halls in them. But other than that, what should I bring? Does anyone know if the rooms they bring you to (10th floor I think) are shared or private rooms? I get weird about sharing things like showers and bathrooms with strangers. Can you shower while in the hospital? I know that I'll have 2 drains that come out before I go home, but curious about the showering. I'm one of those who needs that morning shower to wake up and feel ready for the day. Any advice you can offer would be great. Thanks again! Lisa

Hi Lisa, I finally have my date at St. V's as well (Aug. 1st). I have a list from other posters in the past. Here is one list: lip balm hand cream toothpaste/toothbrush/mouthwash glasses baby powder soap deodorant Most say don't bother with reading material and stuff like that. You will be either walking or sleeping!! It will be interesting to hear what others post! Good luck on your journey, Nancy K

Hey, guys! I can't speak for St. V's but when Tim did my surgery at Norwalk Hospital, they gave me all the "health and beauty aids", like shampoo, toothbrush, etc. that I needed. I was in for 4 days and they finally let me take a shower on the third day. God, was it heavenly. I'd leave the PJs home. You're going to have a lot of "stuff" (drains, IVs, pressure booties and such) attached to you and you probably will have to wear the johnny, like it or not. Also, the elastic waistband on the PJ bottoms will be right on top of your incisions. You may want to try giving a nightgown a try . . . I will STRONGLY suggest that you bring a pair of slip-on/slip-off slippers. Hospitals give you those bootie-sock things but, in my experience, they were constantly slipping around so that the gripping part was on the top of my foot. And bending over to adjust them ten times a day was a painful nuisance. Three final suggestions: 1. Ear plugs. I have never been a noisier place than a hospital, supposedly a place of rest and recuperation! 2. A good book. Crappy daytime TV is even crappier when you stuck in a hospital! 3. Chapstick. Best of luck to you. Hope to meet you on the losing side! Bette One of Tim's December 2003 376/154

Hi Lisa - In addition to what others have written here one thing that I brought that was a life saver was Breath Spray - my mouth was soooo dry and I couldn't have water - my tongue was sticking to the roof of my mouth - the breath spray really helped keep my mouth lubricated......... Best of luck to you!! Tammy

Bring your love. Bring some hope, and a little bit of angst and frustration. Trust no one and everone at the same time. Bring your kindness. Bring a book or two. Dave

Hey Lisa, I was just discharged on June 29th. Dr. Craig said I would be in for 3 days, but only stayed 2. Hope for the 2 days, by the 3rd day I probably would have strangled someone. The room I stayed in was private, but did not have a shower. Make sure you bring shampoo and soap. They don't have any to give you. The nurse I had was wicked nice and gave me some out of her own private stash. I brought my own pjs with me. Lane Bryant was having a huge sale and I got a top and bottom for $12. I figured not bad for disposable jammies. The day nurses are fantastic!!! All in all I think St. V's was fantastic. Make sure you get up and walk as much as you can. Those beds can get the best of you. I did encounter a great experience though: the bed was killing my neck and back and I told the CNA. He went and found me an air mattress. Almost like my Select Comfort bed. If you need ANYTHING don't be afraid to ask. They are there for you, remember that!!!! Good Luck and Congrats on your date!!! Jen