Things to take to the hospital surgery on 1/25

Hello everyone I was reading Tam Tam's web page and thought it was a good idea to ask some questions. One is what has everyone found that you need to take with you to the hospital? She said that you would not need much, just ask different opnions. I am also confused on the water intake. I know they tell you sip, sip, sip. What do you do stop sipping the 30 minutes before a meal. I am anxious about my surgery which by the way is 1/25, but there is so many things that I feel I am unsure about. Also, has anyone found a protein powder they like. And did everyone find all of this hard to absorb. Well thanks a bunch for listening. Christie

Hey Christie! You are SUPPOSED to be like this right now! Okay, in my opinion, you don't need much..honestly. Wear something loose into the hospital and plan to wear the same thing home. They will put you into a gown & hospital slipper/socks immediately. Take a toothbrush & comb or brush and if you would like, a comfy pillow from home (use something other than a white pillow case or it could get taken in the dirty laundry). Oh, chapstick or something similar for your lips, they get kind of dry in there. As far as the sipping...until you get used to your new pouch (takes about a month or so for most people), you should stop sipping 30 mins prior to your 'meal'. Protein powders...there are so many and many of us have different types of open containers if you want to try some, let us know. But, one of the most preferred types is Unjury - found at www.unjury.com, they have unflavored, chocolate, vanilla. You can use the unflavored in quiet a variety of ways. Okay, hope I helped you out...if you have any questions, email me directly, I would be glad to answer any and all that I can. Best of luck! Valerie

HI Christie, I packed a nighty, robe, clean undies, tooth brush and chap stick and the bag sat there unused, except for the clean undies for the ride home. The hospital has a new tooth brush and tooth paste for you. I did use the chap stick to help with the dry lips. Really what you wear in you wear home. Just make sure they are comfortable, because you might be bloated with gas. They will send you home with a sheet of instructions of do's. Yes it is hard to absorb it all but you should keep a journal of food and water intake it will help you greatly. It does take planning to get everything needed in in a day. But you will do well, just ask the board or call the doctors office. I like all of the unjury protein drinks and the doctor's office carries them. Hope this helps and best of luck on your journey. Ellen

Thank you for your inputs. I am anxious but at the same time I guess I all of a sudden has this onset of worriment (if that is a word).

Hi, Christie! In addition to the above-mentioned items, I also brought 3 "moshi" pillows (Cushie or Fom, by other names) 2 small, 1 little larger. I supported each arm with the smaller ones and used the larger under my neck and head. I had quite a bit of discomfort with my drain tube so any extra comfort made a signifcant difference. But once that drain was removed .... ... ahhh, man! It's been pretty much smooth sailing ever since! You can find these type of pillows at various places (just be sure that you get decent quality ones) Shop Rite has the Cushies. Brookstone has the Fom (and they are pricier but very nice!) I heard that WalMart has them but never did get around to checking them out. Anyway, doll, don't you worry too much, even though that's perfectly normal! remember, you're in excellent hands. Just make sure you follow the rules! Hurray for you! take care! Sandi

Hi Christie, . Welcome. Try to make it to the PMRI support meeting tonite. It will cover everything you will need for the day of surgery and the 1st 3 months after. It is at 7PM tonite at the PMRi building on Route 52 just east of 141 exit. Bring your support person with you. $5.00 fee. Well worth the time & money. You can meet some of us posties too. Make sure you introduce yourself to us. See you tonite???? Elissa

Hi Christie Did you ever get my email. I am having all kinds of trouble with my computer. I get an advertisement, go to click it off, and then...I lose my on line connection. Missed seeing ya on Monday night. Hope all is well. Rose

Hi Rose, Yes I did get your email, I sent a reply back. I was at the support meeting on Monday, maybe we bypassed one another. I was probably the only one there with long red hair. (LOL)

Hi Christie! I just had my surgery on 1/3/05 and I cna honestly say that I didn't use 2/3rds of what I took to the hospital with me. First of all, they don't want you to bring your bag with you before the surgery. Have someone bring it to your room after you come out of recovery. Next, the hospital gowns are the easiest things to wear because they unsnap at the arms and give the nurses access to evrything they need to check on you. I just asked for a fresh gown daily. Some folks bring their own blankets. I didn't bother and the hospital gave me plenty of blankets upon request. Since your abdomen is sore, the easiest thing for me was to keep on the hospital slipper socks they give you. They keep you feet warm and prevent you from sliding. The only things I used were my comb, brush and scrunchie - my toothbrush and toothpaste - my book for reading (since it is almost impossible to get any sleep in the hospital) and my pillow which I held across my stomach on the way home to cushion the potholes. I wore the same loose-fitting outfit home as I did when I went in for the surgery. Stay positive! It helps to have a patient advocate hanging around to ask for things on your behalf. That was the role my Mom played. She stayed by my side the entire second day and it made life so much easier. Anything that I needed or wanted, she was there to make sure that I got. The nurses are very attentive but they are also very busy. May God bless you and keep you in His care! Good luck with your surgery! If you want to talk, give me a call at (610) 494-6838. Take care, Cassandra