What to take with me?

I am leaving for San Fransisco on 11.11.08 and having surgery on 11.13.08. I am wondering what I should take with me. I know I saw a list on the boards some time ago but I haven't been able to find it again. For those of you who went to Dr. Cirangle in San Fransisco what would you recommend? Or if anyone knows where that list was posted could you point in the right direction?

Thanks in advance

Hiya Brinn-

Are you going to be staying for a week like I did? I'll put together a list of stuff I took. I took some things that others suggested and never used them, so I'll do the best I can for you. I have to get back to you...

Aloha!

Brinn,

Can I jump on this bandwagon for advice?

I'm in the same situation thinking ahead about my date with Dr. C on 12/9.  I'm flying out on 12/7 and I started a list from some of the things people have said -- I'd love to get the "veterans" input on it.  Brinn -- we will be about  a month apart!

For the Hospital
Robe
Slippers
toothbrush/paste
my glasses (important!)
phone and charger
stretchy, comfy clothes


Helpful stuff I heard about:
GasX strips
mouth moisturizing spray?
liquid tylenol
listerine strips
thermometer (if we are in SF for a week, do we have to monitor our temperature?)

Also. where in SF can I buy bottled water to mix protein and how much should I buy for the duration of my trip.  (a case?)  Do I need to take powder protein with me to have enough for the plane ride home?  

I have to go alone because DH has to stay home, will I have any trouble getting around for the first few days?  Is the shuttle between the hotel and hospital reliable?

Thank you!

since you already have gotten a list of things to bring, if you are staying at the cathedral hill, i have pictures posted in my profile of the hotel......just so you can kinda get a glimpse of where you will be sleeping.........

good luck, you will be in great hands.......

Thanks for those pictures of Cathedral Hill -- it was great that you took those, I feel so much more comfortable seeing the room!  I will try to add some more pics when I'm there for future people!

And.... WOW!  You sure look different from your start to finish photos!  I'm going to try to be a better blogger because it's really helpful to to read about other people's experiences! .

Hi Makena,

Yes, I am staying for a week like you did. And I would be grateful for any all suggestions.

Keala,

No problem, the more the merrier, lol. We are just about a month apart so I will share my experience when I get back and then we can compare after you get back.

Kamehanaokala,

Thanks for the info, I've never been to San Fransisco so every little bit of information helps. :-}

Finally! Ok... so regarding your list:



For the Hospital:



Robe - yes... a nice cozy one! I loved laying in bed with my big night shirt, socks on my feet and sometimes with my robe, too, all bundled up and surrounded by pillows. I was SO comfortable! I watched TV, read, and slept between the sipping, and walking. I hadn't had a vacation in a few years, so believe it or not, for me, this time off from the stress of working was a thrill! I soaked it up all I could! Some people take their own nightie or PJ's, but for the short time I was there, I really didn't mind the hospital garb. It's not a fashion show and with the IV, it was just more convenient to wear what they gave me. (P.S. Dr. C doesn't require you be catheterized! If you read other bulletin boards you may hear how others who have this surgery have a catheter for a couple days.... so don't worry! )



Slipper - yes or socks (my feet got cold easily and you don't want to be walking around the hospital without something on your feet, either so take them with you because you WILL be walking as soon as you can. Get some that are easy to slip in and out of) Some comfortable shoes for walking, too.



toothbrush/paste - I only spent the night, so I never even used it and they provide one in a little "kit" you get that includes your breathing aparatus and a pair of footie/no-skid bottom slipper socks. You will want to have one for the week, obviously!



my glasses (important!) - of course!



phone and charger - Hubby took care of all the electronic stuff we brought. We did bring along some laptops to keep us in touch with the world. My hubby had to because it is his business, so he was able to conduct essential communications with his clients remotely for the week. Me, because I just simply need my computer and email! You can get internet access in your room. Be sure to ask for it.



stretchy, comfy clothes - ABSOLUTELY! And warm ones, too. I was really cold in SF and didn't realize how cool the weather is there compared to Maui. I didn't really have warmer clothes, so I don't know how I could have prepared better for that one! I walked the hotel hallways more rather than spending too much time outdoors.





Helpful stuff I heard about:

GasX strips - never bought them... never used them... never needed anything



mouth moisturizing spray? Not sure what this is. Again... never needed anything



liquid tylenol - I filled the prescription that Dr. C gave me for a liquid pain medicine and never broke open the bottle... still have it, too! Never hit the morphine drip while in the hospital, either. And, believe me, I am a whimp when it comes to pain.



listerine strips - nope



thermometer (if we are in SF for a week, do we have to monitor our temperature?) I guess you could. I didn't. I think if I had felt feverish I would have just called the doctor and caught a ride over to see him and have it checked out.



When checking in.... ask for a refrigerator to be brought into your room for medications. That way they provide it at no charge. We were even making SF Jello in ours!



Some people say bring a heating pad. I did, but I think I only used it once and again, it was more because I love snuggly-warmth and warm feet!



Some people say bring chap stick. I didn't have any problems with my throat or lips after surgery. Some people experience drying. I guess I was lucky on that one as well.... I was fine.



With Dr. C, we purchased a post-op food supply. It contained all the post-op drinks and mixes I needed for the week and beyond! Protein drinks galore! I think I was always able to fulfill my minimum daily requirement of protein right from the start if I remember correctly. It always made me drink enough, so I was fulfilling both requirements that are so important for the first few weeks.



One thing I might add on a more delicate note.... I knew how important walking was and tried to do it as much as I could. However, be aware... you're on a clear liquid diet.... liquids in, liquids out. This is important to know! I always made sure I was near a restroom in case because there wasn't always a lot of advance warning either! Now, this was me. It might be different for you. Just be careful!



There are stores (like a Walgreen's drug store) near the hotel. There are a lot of places withing walking distance. It really is nicely located. There are shuttles and such running conveniently. Get the schedules and don't be afraid to ask anyone for help. The people at the hotel are especially nice! They are courteous and helpful and really treat you well.



There should be a coffee maker in your room as well. I used it to hea****er all the time for my protein soup mixes and warm beverages... all decaf, of course. Warm things tend to go down easier for me... but again... be sure to sip!



Gosh, I feel like I am forgetting so much. It really was a nice week. I remember getting a little anxious for home and wishing I could return sooner, but it wasn't because I wasn't comfortable. I just wanted to be home with my kitties and back to the real world. I'd never been there before and wasn't really in "tourist" mode, if you know what I mean. Perhaps someday I'll go back and really see the city. I had a gorgeous view of the bridge from my hospital room, but since I was only there for the one day, I probably didn't appreciate it as much as I should have!



If I remember other things, I'll let you know. If you have any questions... keep asking!



A hui hou!
(forgive any typos... I proofed it once and decided you'll have to accept me the way my fingers are!)

Thanks for a great  advice!  I added some new stuff to my list!

I finally realized (when you talked about having socks) that it is likely to be very cold (at least for us Hawaii folks!) and now in addition to the socks, I better find a jacket to wear!  LOL.

The vacation part sounds great!  I didn't really think of that either -- but the way you described it ..... having a few days to do nothing but heal  sounds like such a luxury......

Thanks for all the advice. i think I have a pretty good list. Some of this stuff wouldn't have occured to me.

Thanks for mentioning the cool weather. I have to dig out my winter clothes, I get cold here so I would probably freeze there. I checked the weather in San Fransisco this morning and it was 63 degrees, brrr.
 

Exactly!! Everyone there was running around in t-shirts thinking the weather was FANTASTIC the end of May, but I was COLD!! If it isn't 80+ I start shivering! Stay warm!!!!!