Questions on my mind... Pre-op

Hi everyone! I knew right where to take these questions... To all my AMOS family of course! I am getting sooo nervous and its hard to believe that my surgery is only 2 days away now... For a while I thought I would never ever get to this point but I am on the path now... But I have a few questions I need answered and thought you may be able to help me??? 1. What should I take to the hospital with me? 2. I will be staying at a local hotel for a few days post-surgery, is there anything special I should have with me there? 3. What should I expect post surgery? 4. Any other suggestions for me in relation to being comfy afterwards? I am trying to rack my brain and think of all the things I should take with me to the hospital because I can't find the list I had earlier... I'm a bundle of nerves right now... Hope to hear from you all about this!! I appreciate you all so much and you've been absolutely fabulous along my journey... I'm just about to cross the line to the other side!! MUAH!!! Michelle

Michelle, Hun I am still Pre-op and I will be asking the same questions when my time is close but I did want to wish you the very best and I hope to see you posting post-op real soon..... Take care and the very best to you.... Debra

Im pre-op as well so no suggestions for you.........but I wish you all the best!!!!!!

Thanks hon!! I can't wait to be on the other side... Best of luck to you as well in your journey!!! Chelle

Michelle- I will do my best to answer some questions for ya. 1. What should I take to the hospital with me? Definately take some chapstick or vaseline for your lips. They will be sooo dry and will get split. I used the hospital gown, it was easier. make sure you have comfortable clothes to wear. Nothing too constricting around the waist as it will be on your incision. I also brought my toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, hairbrush, ect. Bring your own pillow if possible. ITs more comfy plus when getting up hold it to your incision, and it helps, or if you cough, or get hiccups like I did! UGH!!!! 2. I will be staying at a local hotel for a few days post-surgery, is there anything special I should have with me there? Hmmmm get samples of protein drinks and bring a blender if possible. Also SF jello, popsicles (buy once there), beef broth, chicken broth, crystal light or SF kool aid. Just make sure you stay hydrtaed as much as possible. 3. What should I expect post surgery? There will be some pain. Take your pain meds. Find a nerby pharmacy to get them filled at. You will also be tired. try to walk when you can but also rest when you need to. Keep sipping your water. Oh herbal teas (peppermint is my fave) are also good!!!! 4. Any other suggestions for me in relation to being comfy afterwards? I've given ya everything I can think of for the time being. Seeing you will be in a hotel after you might want to bring some light reading like magazines or something. Dont get into anything deep, you wont have the concentration for it!!! Most of all..... good luck hon!!! I am sure you will do just fine!!!!! Janet

Thank you very much Janet!! I appreciate you taking the time to help out with suggestions... I I will definitely add all of those things you mentioned to my list... I have a few magazines that I've not had the time to read yet since I just finished up the semester so I guess thats as good of a time as any... I'll let you all know how things went when I am feeling up to it... Hoping to bounce back quick! See you on the "losing side"!!! Thanks again Janet!! Michelle

There's not much I can add to the list. I would bring slip-on slippers to hospital, much more comfortable for walking than the socks they give you. I also brough my iPod - the music helped me sleep by drowning out some of the hospital noises and helping to relax me. One other suggestion for the hotel might be to bring some extra pillows in case you want to prop yourself up. Good luck! Mary

Hi there - good luck on the 17th! I had my surgery on 11/29 - here is what I brought to the hospital: hand sanitizer baby wipes as I couldn't take a shower for a couple of days a pillow sweatpants and slip on shoes to wear home I brought pajamas to the hospital but didin't use them - the gowns were big enough to cover me when I walked so I didn't bother changing - too hard! lip balm - my lips got very chapped Hope this helps.

Hi Michelle; I took pajama bottoms to the hospital to keep my bottom covered, I took my own hygiene supplies, chap stick, a cd player and spare batteries, my own slippers, and my telephone list. Since your going to be staying at a hotel for a few days I would also take something to keep you busy (reading, needlepoint, ect), a water bottle because you need to be sipping all day after surgery, and anything that makes you feel comfortable (special pillow, blanket, ect). I had surgery Dec 1st so I am 2 1/2 weeks out and I think each persons post-op is different. I had open and it wasn't too bad. I never took pain medicine after leaving the hospital. I felt bruised around my belly but no real pain. I have had little problem with any liquids since surgery and most likely you will be on liquids til your first post-op appt. Good luck Kathi