Sugery date Aug 29th

I have put things on the message board and then in 2-3 days they are gone.Any body else had problem? i am really scared but excited at the same time.Any advice out there to give.Having the surgery done at Grinnell.

Karen, I am pre-op too so I can only tell you what I have heard. You will want a few things for post-op like : robe, slippers with non-skid bottoms, your own glass for ice and water, a small pillow to hold over your incision when you cough and move around, lip balm, and a note pad and pen to write down questions for the surgeon when he does rounds. Questions are hard to remember with the medication side effects. These are just a few things and I am sure some post-ops will give you better ideas. Best wishes and lots of prayers. Elizabeth

I agree Karen, this message board acts wierd sometimes. I have also had a hard time posting to my profile. Somewhere out there in cyberspace is a novel of lost entries waiting to be discovered- mine!! I am 1 week post-op today. I found that I needed very little. In ICU they actually don't want you using any of your things I suppose for sanitation purposes. A nice robe is a plus but you will only be able to put it around your shoulders due to the IV. I had my own slippers but they preferred I wear their little booties. The hospital will provide you with whatever you need. As far as bringing along your entire toiletry collection, it's unnecessary. I had one book in my bag that I didn't even look at. Morphine does wierd things to a person- there is no concentration so reading is out. The time will go faster than you think. Actually I felt pretty pampered in ICU. This is an exciting time but also nerve-wracking because it puts closure to your decision. Its like dating a guy for 5 years and then marrying him and still finding out new things about him- some you like, some you don't like. The marriage is only the beginning! Then comes the hard work. Good luck to you! Michelle

Karen, I hope all goes well for you. I know how excited you must be. My surgery is Sept 2. It seems it has consume my every thought this week. I went to garage sales in Palo and found books I want to read post-op. But everyone tells me you won't read. I am not much help for ideas for things to take. But I would like to tell you good luck and see you on the other side. During the day of your surgery I am have friends from Flordia come visit and will be pretty busy. So I juast wanted you to know I hope all goes well. Lisa J

Howdy There Karen, I am still waiting for insurance to tell me to **** off but, if I do get an approval what I will take with me is NOT JACK ****! I think for the price of this surgery they damn well provide everything cause I ain't taking nothin. How's that for a woman with an attitude? No, just kidden' You listen to what others tell you to take you'll be fine but me, i still ain't taken' **** Take care and keep us posted ok. If you weren't scared you wouldn't be human right? Your gunna do great and look great.~~~~~Tina

Hi Karen, Most hospitals will supply you with everything you need , I had foot surgery a yr ago and the only thing I took was a robe which I didn't wear and my medication. The hospital had toothpaste & brush etc . So chin up and look at this way only 10 days and you'll be on the losing side Take care.....Sheila

There are 3 things that I brought with me, that you might consider seriously bringing with you to the hospital. 1. Body Wa**** smelled so much better than the hospital soap and the scent last with me for awhile. 2. My own toothbrush and toothpaste-this was one of the first things I did once I got out of ICU. My mouth felt so grose. 3. Hair scrunci-if you have long hair, I would advise putting it up as soon as you can. I waited 3 days and it took me 30 mins. to get all of the rats out of my hair. I brought my own brush and pick as the hospital combs are not to good for people with thick hair. I hope that this helps. Good luck with your surgery!!!