Packing

Hi there! Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! I was wondering if anyone can give me some suggestions as to what to pack for the hospital? I know the ususal stuff, but was wondering about the stuff that maybe someone wished they had packed looking back. Know what I mean? Anything you thought you wouldn't need then did? Thanks so much!!! Brightest Blessings Heather

Everyone will have different suggestions... A back scratcher--it helps in reaching things on your side table and umm... lip balm-I brought it but was given some by the hospital I had an open RNY..and didn't know of this..others have said it was helpful- a T-shirt or a camisole to wear under your binder..so it will not itch you. The clothes you wear in..you can wear out..pack light. I just brought clean undies...to wear undery my johnny coat. Good Luck and May God Bless You Heather Joanie

Heather: The #1 thing I could not live without was my little fan. I sleep with a fan going because I like the noise it makes. It was great in the hospital because the room was too warm. Chapstick is great to have also. That was all I really needed. Best wishes. Chryssie

Heather, I agree with Joanie, pack light!!! (REMEMBER, I am three weeks out with Dr. Giles.) I brought this big ole bag with all these things in, magazines, a crossword book, clothes, etc. Never opened the bag. Never wanted to read or do anything. The back scratcher and the lip balm I used but nothing else. The first two days you are so doped up on the medicine, you won't even remember who visited you. Have someone write everything down about who was there, what happened, etc. That helped because I really didn't know much about who was there or who brought what, especially the first two days. Oh, also, bring earplugs!!! My last night there, I had a roommate from you know where who snored like nobody's business!!! My cousin went out that night and bought me earplugs. You may luck out with no roommate as I did one night, but the other two nights, I wasn't so lucky!! Dr. Giles' staff was and is wonderful. They were great in the hospital and have been great during my recovery, however, the staff on the floor where you will be - some of them were great, some of them really could care less. Just so you know. And if Roxanne happens to be one of your Nurse Tech's, please tell her I said hello. She rocks!!! I will be very interested in hearing about your experience at NBGH, because mine was up and down. You will not rest, just so you know, but just know in three days (as long as there is no complications) you will be home in your bed and I couldn't wait. Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK to you and many blessings on your surgery day. I will be thinking of you!! xoxo, Phyllis

HI Phyllis! Thanks for the heads up on the hospital stay! I'll let you know how things go on my end. It's a big help to hear from someone that just went through everything with the same surgeon at the same hospital and all. Take good care and hope you are feeling and doing well. Brightest Blessings Heather

Heather, I too brought a bag of stuff. The only things I used were, chapstick, because until they let you drink, it keeps your mouth moist. I used my own toothbrush (it was nice to have), toothpaste, and shampoo when they allowed me to shower. I brought jammies, the hospital supplies the johnnies and it's better in them anyway. They supply another one for a robe, they insist that you wear their footies with the skid protectors on the bottom. I never used my book, my magazine, or my crossword book. I was too doped up the first day, and kind of woozy the next, so I watched t.v. Then I went home. So just bring chapstick and a toothbrush (they will supply EVERYTHING else). Pam

Hi Heather, One thing I was REALLY glad I brought was a small pillow, (like a travel pillow). I used it at home all the time and it was perfect at the hospital. Under my neck, under my IV arm, at the small of my back, and a dozen other places. It was so great having a familiar sight and scent with me. I had made mine a bright polka dot pillowcase. If I had to cough, it would also protect my stomach. Thats my two cents. Robin R