Getting a little Nervous

Wendylee G.
on 5/11/04 4:17 am - Newark, DE

I lurk on the site often, but don't post much because as a pre-op, I don't see where I really have much info to share. I was hoping to get some pointers from some of you post-ops on what I need to be sure to pack for me hospital stay. My surgery is on Monday, May 24th. I am getting a little nervous now that it is so close. Any suggestions on what is utterly important, and what to not even bother with? Thanks, Wendy

Cj B.
on 5/11/04 4:42 am

Hi Wendy - gosh time has really flown by! Monday is almost here!! I'm so excited for you!!

Here's what I consider essential for the hospital : Chap stick, a fan, comfortable clothes to wear home. Really the less you take the better. Don't bother with a blow dryer - they don't let you shower before you come home, a robe - they will give you a gown to wear - backwards so that you will be able to snap it at your shoulder - your IV will not work with a regular robe, and dont bother with slip on slippers at the hospital - they give you socks with a non-slip tread on them to make your laps around the halls. I didn't use my cd player - wished I had left it home, and didn't read books or mag's - between the walking and breathing and happy med's - they were truly not necessary!! Oh, and be sure to take your measurements and some before pictures the evening before or morning of - your choice - but these little things will give you great joy when you are on a plateau - and there will be plateaus

... - you may be losing inches and can compare pics and measurements!!

God bless you and I pray that you have a fast and easy recovery! ((hugs)) Carla

kathyminus180
on 5/11/04 5:15 am - Newark, DE

RNY on 10/15/03

Hey Wendy - you'll be on the other side soon soon soon! Carla gave you great advice! I found my skin was really dry & I needed lotion too - but they gave me a bottle - as well as a tooth brush & toothpaste too when I realized I'd somehow forgotten mine. Comfy home clothes really are important. The little incisions didn't really hurt at all but you may find that you are swollen from the IV fluids so baggy is better. Pretty much anything I needed, they had it. They are great with pain control too for any discomfort you may have - don't be afraid to hit your call button, they are there for you. Please have someone let us know how you are doing too!

franbvan
on 5/11/04 6:16 am - harrington, de

a pillow for you lap on the ride home. have all your meds filled before you get home. i had open rny and slept in a recliner for about a month. i set up a little table beside me so all the things i needed were at arms reach. a peri bottle was a must to stay clean were you can't reach that well(ask your nurse for this). at home for the first week i didn't wear any underwear(shocking

hahaha). i wore to the knee nightshirts. it was just too much to keep pulling everything up and down. a handheld shower sprayer so you can reach all over. i loved my frozen sugar free ice pops. i also like herb-ox brand chicken broth in little cup sized packets with 4 crushed saltines. because i new the pain meds would make my eyesight blurry(they always do for me) i took a book on tape.......well i knew it was a bad idea when i started to SEE the book on tape hahahaha. if i wasn't sleeping i was walking. i didn't even watch tv because i couldn't concentrate on anything because of the morphine. it is summertime a fan is a MUST. also i would have all of your dressing pads and tape already at home. good luck to you.

BellaMoon
on 5/11/04 7:59 am

RNY on 03/23/04

Hi wendy! Almost time..I'm in full agreement with what everyone else said. I packed minimally and never even touched what I did bring. Definitely bring a pillow or 2 from home, Christiana seems to have a pillow shortage lol. One tip tho, bring a colored pillow case, they replaced my nice white one with one of their white ones when I wasn't looking lol. I was so glad I brought mine and really wish I had brought 2. You will be great! Linda

Elissa H
on 5/11/04 11:23 am - Wilmington, DE

RNY on 01/26/04

Wendy, God Bless and good luck. If you have a c-pap machine, bring it. You wouldn't be normal if you weren't a llittle nervous. I know I was. The day before I had my 1st calm day, I guess cause it was finally my turn. Remember to make up a phone list of who to call. I'm sure your family and friends will also want updates. Have your support person call someone or give your last name to someone so we can all wish you well and check on your progress. See you on the loosing side. ((HUGS)) Elissa