Dejavu all over again

Ok family, I know this has been asked, replied to, and posted many times, however, I can't find any of the posts so here it goes... What should I pack for the hospital? Post-op Shopping List for the first 1-2 weeks back home from hospital? Please either direct me to previous posts about this or post here Thank you! Dolly

Hi Dolly I am also pre-op (7/28), but here is what I was told to bring the following things. I have to have a small bag with me on the morning I go in and another small bag brought after I get into a regular room. The first day and night of surgery, I will be in the ICU because I have sleep apnea. So this is each of my lists. Take with me: ROOMY bath robe, slip on slippers, chapstick, my C-Pap machine, and albuterol inhaler. Also, a book or magazine while you wait. Bring later: Hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, toiletries, baby wipes, antibacterial hand gel, LOOSE fitting clothes to wear home, magazines or books, CD player for relaxation. Some patients also take a small fan, tongs(to help reach with wipes places you may not be able to reach). As far as what to have on hand, I have the following: clear broth or bouillon (beef and/or chicken), Crystal Lite, Sugarfree Carnation Instant Breakfast, Cream of Wheat, Sugar free Popsicles and fudgesicles, sugar-free Jello, cottage chees(low-fat/nonfat), eggs. I also have bottled water, Fruit 2 O. I hope this helps. May your surgery be uneventful and your recovery speedy. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{{HUGS}}}}} Brenda

Hi Brenda...first, let me say CONGRATULATIONS!! Your day is just around the corner....my thoughts and prayers will be with you as well. I too have sleep apnea and will be taking my cpap machine with me...however, I didn't know and don't have an albuterol inhaler....no one said anything about that to me...do all of us sleep apnea people have to have that? I'm taking notes of the above items thanks so much for the list God Bless Dolly

Hi Dolly Thank you for the Congratulations. Yes, it is only 4 more days!! I am getting excited, but not nervous at all. I am sorry about the confusion. No, everyone with C-Pap needs the albuterol inhaler. I also have mild asthma for which I use the inhaler. I hope the list was a help to you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{HUGS}}}} Brenda4 more days

Dolly, I do that as well, you try and look for the posts but can not find them. It would be awesome if hey had a search option so all the ones we are looking for comes up. You enter a key word and wala! well enough of that... I packed panties, Gas X, chapstick, toothbrush, deodorant and mouthwas. The only thing I used was my panties and the only reason I am glad I had them was the day after surgery I got my ...... You know that lovely things us women get each month.... But other then that I did not need anything, they gave me all that I needed. I never even got to wear my new slippers. Oh but the one thing I did bring because someone told me to was my pillow with a pillowcase that was NOT white so they would not take it from me. It was awesome to have something from home with me. As for the post op list, I am not sure what you surgeon will make you be on when you come home but I had: s/f ice pops low fat cottage cheese protein shakes s/f jello water, water and more water with crushed ice (mmmmmm) chicken and beef broth mashed potatos f/f refried beans yogurt I am sure there is more but that is what I can remember right now. Best of luck hun. ~hugs~ Debra P

Hey Deb How are you? Thanks for responding because I forgot about my PILLOW. I have a body pillow so I can support my sore tummy area when resting on my side. And another thing someone said to take a stuffed animal to hug against your tummy when you have to cough. Enjoy your weekend!!! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{{HUGS}}}}} Brenda

Gotcha, Debra!! Gas X...added to my list I get terrible gas pain I did get my "monthly visit" on the 19th but will still bring "stuff" with me just in case...especially my "Depends" which I have been wearing daily for almost 5 years now due to the incontinence Thanks for your post and good wishes! God Bless! Dolly

Dolly, In addition to some of the things already mentioned, I brought my iPod. It really helped me relax. It took me away from the hospital setting and helped me to sleep. I think the pillow is a great idea, not only for the hospital, but for the ride home. It really helps to hold it against your stomach when you hit those bumps in the road. Best of luck with your surgery and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Mary

Hi Mary, thanks for the post! Yeah, I heard about the iPod...I don't have one though... My cd-player/radio tuner will do for me, I'm sure. Have a nice Sunday!! Dolly

Dolly, you can take the Gas-X to the hospital with you to the hospital if you want to, but I would really doubt that they will let you take it. I know when I was in the hospital, they didn't want me to take anything that they didn't give me. They said that you can't be taking stuff that they don't know about. That could be dangerous. Call me if you have any other questions. Joanne