Tomorrow's my big day!

Oh, I am a bundle of nerves! I am happy, scared, excited, worried and on and on. I had my presurgical tests done today. I am all set to be @ Harper Hospital by 5:00 A.M.!! 1) What should I take with me to the hospital? 2) What can I expect? 3) My surgeon prescribed Lovenex. Has anyone else done the shots? 4) Also inflatable booties? What are those?? I assume for clotting. 5) A good brand of mixer. Thanks!

Good luck to you tomorrow, is anyone posting to let us know how thing went? 1. i suggest a fan, pillows, chap stick and a robe.....those are all thing i didn't take that i wished i had. 2. i went in , was told to change, they put the i.v and that was it, off to surgery. If i were you i'd check to see what doors are open at 5 a.m. 3. don't know this one, didn't do it 4. mine were wrapped around my leg and would inflate every few minutes, very annoying. 5. i use a magic bullet

HI Robin, Best wishes. Everything will go great. Debbie

You'll do wonderful Robin! 1. I took my laptop (yes I really did), a few magazines, my bible, robe, slippers, cell phone, hair brush (My hair was long at the time so I also took a hair band), headphones & a few cd's (played on my laptop) and my own soaps/shampoos/conditioner etc. 2. Surgical prep.... they weigh you, take a last minute urine sample (usually) to make sure you didn't suddenly get pg, put in your iv and possible shave you. You'll wake up in recovery with most likely a pain pump for med and not remember much. You'll be groggy. 3. I didn't take them, but if it's under the skin and not in the muscle... just pinch the fat and it goes in smoothly and painlessly. (This is coming from someone who use to pass out at needles until she had to give herself fertility meds). 4. The fill up to massage and compress against the leg to simulate circulation. They didn't botherme... just felt odd. 5. Can't help you, don't use one. Heard a lot of good stuff about the magic bullet though. Hang in there, you'll be on the loser bench before you know it.

Robin, I can't help you with all the surgery stuff since I am having surgery on the 17th of July! However, I really pray all goes well for you! Your going to be a loser in no time!!! Good luck and keep us posted on how things are going for you! Hugs, Di

First off try to get some sleep tonight! If you don't it will make those nerves a MILLION times worse. I too had surgery @ Harper with the same arrival time. Dr Wood was my surgeon though. 1) I took (and used) my own toiletries - shampoo, body wash, deoderant, tooth brush and tooth paste. I wore the hospital gown with my pajama bottoms the next day. I also took a pair of flip flops for walking in.when I wasn't sleeping I was visiting with company or walking so I didn't need anything else. 2) You will not be able to park in the parking garage it will not be open yet. My hubby and I parked in the small lot in front of the cancer building to the left of the main entrance to Harper. Once you register they will take you back to change and get a urine sample. Then get you hooked to monitors and start an IV. They will then let whomever came with you back while you wait to get your epidural. They will kick that person back out until the epidural is done and then allow them back in until they wheel you in for surgery. They will ask you to move onto the OR table and from there I was asleep VERY quickly. 3) Lovenox is not that bad! It is a VERY tiny needle that generally as long as you let the alcohol dry before you give yourself the shot you won't even feel it! 4)That is EXACTLY what they are for! 5) I have a Magic bullet but I didn't use it for much. BEST wishes for you tomorrow you will do great I am sure Jennifer 355/288/140

Thanks for the replies! I am going to pack my bag in a few hours... I have to wait until my cleaning ****tail wears off!

HI Robin, I will be thinking of you and sending prayers your way, Hugs, Phyllis Gilbert

Hi Robin, sooooooo EXCITED for you. The nerves you feel are NORMAL!!!! Trust me, I even posted on here that I wanted to be happy but I couldn't. When you get to the hospital if you ask them they will probably give you something in your IV to help you relax. I was a wrec****il that stuff kicked in and then it was all good..... LOL I think everyone answered your questions, I would add chap stick, my lips were so dry and my sweet mom kept loading them with carmex. It was a huge relief! On that note, when you get in recovery your mouth will be dry. I asked them for a swab and it was minty flavor... they dipped it in water and it was like a drink of water on a super hot day. I loved the booties, they relaxed me and yes they are for clotting. My sister bought me a blender, but I am thinking of investing in the magic bullet. Best of luck to ya!! I hope you have someone who can update us?!?!?!? God Bless & you are in my prayers! Love, Kathy

Hi Robin, Congratulations on your big day tomorrow. 1) What should I take with me to the hospital? I took my own toiletries, shampoo, soap etc. A couple of books I didn't touch. A robe and slippers. And my blow dryer. 2) What can I expect? At that hour of the morning the only door open is the Hutzel Lobby. You can park in the main deck the one in front of the hospital (valet isn't open) Just tell the security guard that you're there for surgery. Go in the Hutzel Entrance that's the straight out of the parking deck. Take the elevators just inside the lobby to the LG (Lower Ground Floor) and turn left to the surgery reception area. After you're registered you may wait a couple of minutes, then someone will take you across the hall to the holding area. They will take a urine sample, give you a gown, and get you all hooked up. they will put the epidural in, etc. 3) My surgeon prescribed Lovenex. Has anyone else ndone the shots I think that all the baratric patients of get Lovenox. They will give you one in holding along with some IV drugs. The floor nurses will show you how to give them to yourself in the stomach. Be aware that you will bruise at the injection sites. 4) Also inflatable booties? What are those?? I assume for clotting. The booties are to help with circulation. They were great I wished I could bring them home. 5) A good brand of mixer. I bought the magic bullet and used it everyday after the clear liquids. Used it instead of straining soups, etc. E mail me with your last name and I'll come up and take you for a walk. I won't be there tomorrow but will be there the next day. Jeanne