packing for hospital

For those who had their surgery at Pitt Memorial in Greenville, does it tend to be warm there or cold?  Do they have wireless service for patients?  Are there lots of television channels or should I plan to amuse myself on my cell phone, a laptop, mags, and portable DVD player?  Other recommendations for stuff to take to Pitt Memorial are welcome.  I don't wanna take too much though since I'm hoping to SLEEP through as much as possible!

Who wants to come visit me in the hospital?  I'll be there this weekend! 

You are gonna be WAY too tired to do much of anything!!!! And when you finally do feel a little burst of energy, that will be the time to walk the halls :)
One thing I do recommend is bringing one of your favorite pillows from home!! Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible!! Then of course toothbrush, toothpaste and probably a pair of loose, COMFY pajamas and a robe!! And a list of numbers for your hubby to call other than that, you are going to want to get ALL the rest you can!!! And be plain ol' worn out for much else!!
How are you doing on them liquids?? Remember this is VERY important to follow for your safety :) Let the countdown begin!!!

Doing great on the liquid now.  It got easier the longer I was on the liquids.
Meredith

I would love to come visit.  Email me your full name so I can tell them I'm your sister, lol.

You won't need as much as you think.  There is wireless internet.  It tends to be warm, but layers are advisable as each of us are different.  There are adequate television channels and I think you'll be too doped up and busy walking to read.  Again, each of us are different. 

I agree with the above post, bring a pillow from home.  Don't bother with gowns and such, they've got that there.  A pair of slippers that you can walk around in without tripping are good, as well as chapstick.  That's about all I took.

I don't think you'll find yourself all that bored.  When you're not walking, sipping, doing leak tests, etc, you'll be sleeping.  Again, each of us is different.

Take care and looking forward to hearing from you.
Ellen

Good luck to you during your surgery and recovery!

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers... Keep us posted when you get home and feel like getting on the computer.

Hugs!

Chap stick, Chap Stick and Chap stick then some basic toiletries are about the only extra things you will want to lug around. I put a couple of extra pillows in the car for nesting with on the ride home (2 1/2 hour ride)  Did I mention to bring chap stick?

Good Luck - the nurses at Pitt will take wonderful care of you. You may have to push yourself at first to get up and walk but it gets easier everytime you do it.
- Iris

Meredith
Wshing you a quick recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My husband got me puzzle books and my mother got me magazines. I didn't crack open any of them! The other posts are correct. You sleep, walk, get tested. Definately bring chapstick. I wish I had had some! Good Luck and speedy recovery!

Keep your load light, for the sake of those who will have to carry the stuff in and out from that parking lot.  Take one magazine and maybe your laptop.  The wireless was nice so my daughter, who stayed with me, kept busy on it.  I really didn't feel like reading, the pain drugs kept me pretty dozy most of the time.  I did watch some TV, and yes, don't forget your chap stick!!!!!  Until you can drink, your best friend will be those little blue sponges on a stick that you can use to keep your cotton mouth wet.  Those were a life saver!  If they bring you the lemon flavored cotton swabs, ask if they will bring you the blue sponge things... they work much better.

Also, in addition to having your pillows from home, ask for one of the green RNY pillows if they don't give you one.  I used mine a lot on the ride home and once I got home to get comfortable in bed.

Best wishes for a safe and successful surgery and a quick recovery!  See you on the losers bench on Friday!!!!

I would come see you but I won't be at work on Friday...  getting ready for a big family gathering at my house on Sat! 

Alice

Meredith, I am glad the time has come for your surgery.  What day is it?  I want to be sure to come see you. 

So far as what to bring, as you remember with me, I stayed in Pre-Op the entire time after the surgery because there were no rooms available.  I carried alot of extras, but wasn't able to keep them, because of lack of space.  If things get rough, just remember what I said one thousand times, "This too shall pass!"  I said this over and over again.  I wish you lots of luck and look out for the change of a lifetime!!  It has been wonderful for me.

Rachel