Lots of questions
on 6/26/08 8:46 pm
Wow-the spoon and toilet paper is a mind boggler.
The pillow for the tummy is just a generally good idea to keep around in case you cough, etc. If you can find one-a cornhusk pillow is nice, but a 2 pound bag of rice stuck in a pillowcase works too.
I had surgery Thursday and flew home from San Diego on Saturday. It was the band, but incisions are incisions, and while I wasn't doing cartwheels in the aisle, I was actually glad to be out and about in the world. The more you move around (within reason) the better.
Karen
____ Robe - Be sure it’s loose and comfortable.
____ Slippers - Be sure to use non-skid slippers that you can just slip
on and off your feet.
____ Lip Balm - Your lips can become very dry. (Needs to be non-petroleum).
____ Body Lotion – Can be very soothing for dry skin.
____ Telephone List - To let everyone know you’re fine!
____ Small Fan - You will be “melting” away. The hospital can also supply you one
if you like.
____ Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, etc.
____ Talcum Powder – This can make your bedding feel fresher.
____ Small Notebook and Pen - To write down questions and
information you receive while in the hospital.
____ Family pictures – This can be very comforting but keep it simple.
____ Camera – Some people want to record their hospital stay. Later this can be
a wonderful reminder how far you have come.
____ Clock – A clock with a lighted display is nice for when you wake up in the
middle of the night and want to know what time it is.
____ Very comfortable, loose clothing to wear home
____ A Pillow – Some people rest more comfortably with their own pillow. A
pillow is also good to hold to your stomach when you cough and
during the ride home.
____ Long Wooden Spoon and Wet Ones - You won’t feel like
bending over, so you can wrap a Wet One around the spoon to clean
yourself after you go to the bathroom. The nursing staff is available to help
you and do it all the time, but some patients are too embarrassed to ask for
this type of help.
You don’t need to take a gown or pajamas because you’ll wear a hospital gown the entire time.
They have large gowns at the hospital. If the one you are given is too small, ask for a larger one. You also don’t need to take underwear unless you want to wear it on your ride home.
Some patients take books, magazines, etc., but most never use them.
Be sure to leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
We strongly suggest packing at least a couple of days before your surgery so you can relax the day before your surgery and not be rushed the day you leave for the hospital.
I'm a 52.5 yr. old female with chronic illness ... exercising and riding a bike daily! : )
When God Makes a Promise, It remains forever true. When your disillusioned and every hope is blighted, Recall the promises of God and your faith will be relighted.
