Thank you!

I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well.

I agree with everyone else but since mine was just last week it's really fresh in my mind.  Def. headphones to plug into the tv and an ipod/mp3 if you have one.  The nurses can get you earphones (they got my roommate some but she didn't use them so I was glad I had mine).  Your own pj's, a laptop if you have one it passes the time well.  Your own pillow, theirs are small and kinda crappy, I loved having my own.  Any products that will make you feel better, lotions or shampoos, they will supply them but you may want your own brands.  Comfy clothes for the ride home, slip on shoes.  Something to read just in case.  That's about it.  Good luck!!!!  The nurses are really nice.  I wasn't in love with my overnight nurse but it was more lack of personality than anything "wrong" with her.  My daytime nurses were awesome.

Tami

Glad you decided to join in.  Thanks for sharing your experience.  Hope you heal quickly!

Thankfully, I didn't end up being lactose intolerant, but I tested out a bunch of different options, just in case.  Most folks I know use soy milk.  But there is also lactose-free milk, rice milk and almond milk (though the latter two are lower in protein and higher in sugar).  Our taste buds are so weird after surgery, I think you just have to try different things and see what works for you.

I know I brought *way* too much stuff!  LOL

EMMC provided everything I needed, really.  I brought a bunch of comfy clothes, but ended up just wearing the gowns that were provided. I bought all of those assistive devices (grabber, etc.) and didn't end up needing them at all.  They're still sitting in a bag in my closet.   I had some magazines, but found myself unable to concentrate well enough (due to the pain meds and anesthesia after-effects) to read them.  There is a little bedside TV, and that was pretty much my main source of entertainment.  ;)

One thing I was really glad I had was my mp3 player and headphones.  I actually took mine into the OR with me - I'd loaded it with calm, relaxing music and meditation tracks - and had it playing during my operation.  It was nice and soothing to listen to when just hanging out, blocked out the noise of my annoying roommate when necessary, and I could plug the headphones into the little TV so I could watch in the wee hours of the morning (when I was restless or woken for the umpteenth time) without bothering anyone else.

I made sure to wear slip-on (non-tie) shoes, so I wouldn't have to worry about bending over.  Have comfy clothes to wear for the ride home - mine was very short, but I still just wore loose pajama pants and a t-shirt.  

Let's see...Chapstick!  Definitely bring some sort of lip balm.  Your lips get really dry and cracked (for various reasons) and that was great to have.  Also, if your skin tends to be dry, maybe a small bottle of lotion. 

That's it, really.  I found I didn't need much at all.