How was your hospital stay?

Hello, I have a surgery date for 12/14 at the hospital in Bangor and have been wondering about the hospital stay and what to expect. I was planning on bringing a couple books but a friend of mine who went throught the surgery said she was unable to read during her recovery, (I'm guessing either due to the pain medication or fatigue). I was just wondering how long everyones stay was and what there general thoughts were about it. In the handbook I believe it mentions 3 possibly 4 days, but my local doctor said its more common for a patient to stay a week.

Hi Bruce, Good luck on your upcoming surgery, you have a wonderful surgeon. Dr Clough did my surgery in July of 2003. The hospital stay was great, well as great as any stay can be after major surgery. The nurses were excellent. I received great care. I took a book and a hand held game to play but was not able to use either one. My eyes could not focus. I did manage to watch some TV but not much. I mostly walked or rested. ( Walking to the bathroom took much of my time. ) Of course I did have a private room, this could have made a big difference. The nurses came in to watch BB3 with me, they were really great. The only really upsetting thing was that epidural failed on me, I was getting demoral shots which gave me the itchies so I had to have benedryl. At one point my hub said I was talking to the fan. Good luck! Theresa

Thank you, I was pretty nervous about the surgery, but now Tuesday can't come soon enough for me.

Bruce, Congrats on your upcoming surgery. I had my surgery done Lap with Dr. Toder and surgery was on Thursday. I was able to come home Saturday morning. My hospital stay was actually great (for a hospital stay). I was fortunate enough to land in a private room. The nurses and CNA's were great--I couldn't have asked for any better. I felt really good after surgery and was fortunate enough to only have to have pain meds right after I got back to my room after surgery--other than that I was pretty much pain free--which I don't think is a normal thing with most people. I wasn't able to sleep at night very well (I never do unless I am home) and was awake a lot, so I read a lot of magazines and watched some TV--and walked the halls. Everything is so different for everyone, but that is my experience. Good luck with surgery! Jill