Surgery in 6 Days! Scared, happy, nervous - anxious..

HI,
I'm having surgery in 6 days with Dr.Cahill at LCOM. What do i pack?  Just a few things; basic toiletries and pajama bottoms?  I am very happy to be entering the next phase of my life.  I really can't wait.

But..I am nervous also.  Any thoughts or encouraging words? Or am i forgetting anything?
THanks much,

Best Wishes for a smooth surgery..  The feelings you are having are all very normal.  I would pack some chap stick.  Wear some type of slip on shoes as you will not want to be bending to tie.. I found it also helpful to wear my slip ons when walking the halls.  I don't do well walking in socks.. I need more support.  They will give  you the slip proof socks.

You will be fine..  Wishing you the very best and CONGRATULATIONS!
Christina 

THanks....adding chapstick to my list right now.

Well, it seems that most people seem to say "I brought too much stuff with me to the hospital." So, I'd say pack lightly.

I'm not sure about the pajama bottoms. I found the hospital gown in the front and one in the back were great for hallway coverage while I walked. I didn't want to have to yank on any pants and stuff when my abdomen was so tender.

My pain meds made me very sweaty, so I found a headband was helpful to keep my hair back off my face.

I also thought I'd read magazines and stuf while I was in the hospital, but I didn't. My attention span was that of a gnat when I was awake and vegged and watched TV and chatted with my husband. So I carried that stuff for nothing.

Just don't be afraid to ask the hospital staff for anything you need, from extra pillows to water, etc. They want to help you be comfortable.

You're going to do great! You'll be back and posting here in no time. Good luck!

Nicolle

Thank you so very much for all of your words of wisdom. I'll try to pack lightly. lol

Welcome to the IL board and congratulations on your surgery!
I am wishing you an uneventful surgery and speedy recovery.

As for what to pack, you have been given great advice.  I wore the same clothes home that I wore into the hospital---loose fitting pants and shirt.  You will want clean underwear, slip on slippers, and chap stick and lip balm are a MUST!!!!  You will need it as your lips will be super dry.  I took my big, fluffy robe for walking the halls.

Like Nicolle, I brought reading material too that went untouched.  I could not concentrate, even on the "junk" magazines.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

I found that I needed my robe too - because I was cold a lot.  Slippers, my laptop, chapstick, and hair-ties!

I also brought some of my son's preschool artwork and hung it on the walls with tape (that I brought).

Congratulations and you will be in my prayers!

You will be fine. It's o.k to worry.

 Of all the things I brought, I used lip balm, ear plugs, slip-on slippers, a robe, my CPAP mask, and my laptop.  I wore home the clothes I wore to the hospital-with clean underwear-make sure the waistband on pants and panties  is nice and loose .  I'm glad I didn't wear my own PJ's as blood can get on clothing at the abdomen.  

I was in the hospital again a week later.  I didn't bring anything.  My DH brought me clothes to wear home.  The hospital provided me with toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, comb.  He also brought me protein drinks that were lower in sugar than the ones at the hospital.  

The first time at the hospital, I only drank water and a little apple juice, no other food, except for one SF popsicle

Keep it simple.  Find out if the hospital has Wi-Fi to see if you want to bring a laptop.