as I prepare for surgery Jan 12th

Hi Jenn,

I just had surgery on Tuesday the 5th and got home Thursday night the 7th.  Now that I've been home for 3 days from the hospital... here are my thoughts.

Wear something light and easily packable to the hospital when you go to check in.  Your husband will need to take all of your clothes with him while he's waiting for you.  They do typically offer lockers, but I just felt better knowing Ryan had my stuff in a duffel bag by his side.

Don't wear any jewelry or wedding rings to the hospital.  This was hard for me, the last thing I wanted to do was take off my wedding ring - but my hands were swollen enough even after getting home from surgery, that I'm just starting to wear them again today.  Better that they are home safe and sound than potentially lost in the hospital.

Use a ton of lotion on your skin/legs/feet a couple days before surgery.  I was too sore to put any on and frankly could have cared less while I was in the hospital.  But having lathered up before arriving to the hospital seemed to help my skin be okay.  I have really sensitive skin and the last thing I wanted to be dealing with on top of the incisions and adjustment to everything is dry, cracked skin! Maybe hubby can give you a lotion rubdown? ;)

Burtsbees chapstick was a GOD SEND!  I wasn't up brushing my teeth or anything else, but that peppermint chapstick helped keep my lips in good shape and gave me a "fresh breath" feel... although there was truly no fresh breath to be had!

I packed a few changes of clothes, a long sweater to wrap myself up in, pajamas and slippers and extra pairs of big comfy socks.  Out of everything that I brought - here's what I actually used: Deodorant, Toothpaste and toothbrush, facewash, hairbrush, ponytail holder, chapstick, slip on New Balance Running shoes (the tread was a big help when I first starting walking - they carry them at Sears), extra pair of comfy socks, a pair of sweatpants/comfy pants that I could roll down so they weren't touching my waistline (I have 3 incisions on my waistline where my pants normally sit, so ones that would stay rolled down was really important) my digital camera, cell phone, 1 People Magazine (took me 3 days to get through that), my own small pillow for my arm on the bed and my own big pillow, and finally a blanket that I love to sleep with at home.  The blanket was the most comforting thing for me, made the strange place with all the strange noises feel somewhat normal and safe as I was in and out of sleep those first few days.  If sleeping with a light on bothers you, I'd recommend a sleeping mask.  I didn't have one, but did wish at one point that I did.  Then again, the nurses are constantly coming and going and it might of freaked me out to not be able to see them coming in.

Now that I'm home - here's what I'd recommend you have prepared.  Solo brand carries little 3 oz. cups, I've been drinking out of these religiously.  It helps me keep my fluids in a quantity that is not overwhelming, but is more than that 1 oz. cup I started with at the hospital.  I found putting any liquid in an 8oz. container my first few days home almost wanted to make me cry.  I just kept thinking "there is no way that is getting in!!!"

Things to get from the pharmacy ahead of time: Liquid Tylenol, gauze/pads, paper tape to help cover your drain incision.  My drain incision was the only one not covered by steri-strips after surgery and is the only one I still have covered.  I've been using the liquid tylenol to help with the pain and uncomfortable feeling from my incisions these last few days.  I only used the prescribed liquid pain killer from the hospital at night when I sleep.  It causes constipation and I don't want to get used to be drugged!

The only thing I've had a problem with after getting home is sleeping.  My husband was exhausted and was out like a light the first night of being home.  I couldn't get comfortable and my sleep schedule was all off.  I've now had 3 nights, and last night was the first time I slept for more than 3 hours in a row.  What I'm finding is that I'm up until 2 or 3 in the morning, but then could sleep/nap until 11 or Noon.  Luckily I don't have to go back to work anytime soon - so I'm not worried about getting my schedule in check, I'm just worried about resting and getting my fluids in - everything else will eventually work itself out.

We bought a rocker/recliner prior to surgery for me to sleep in when I got home.  The most I've slept in the chair is 4 hours at a time.  The 2nd night I was stacking pillows at an angle trying to lay in the bed.  It has been a hard adjustment because I normally sleep on my stomach/side and to need to sleep on my back at an angle so my incision sites don't pull.  Each night it's getting better and less painful  - but I cannot wait for the day that I get to sleep on my side!!!!

I think that's it - please feel free to ask any questions you might have.  I was very practical and almost cold about everything before surgery.  (not in a bad way, just a matter of fact "what do I need to have lined up", but at the end of the day - those last hugs with my husband were the most important thing in the whole world.  Good luck in the next 2 days as you prepare!

I can echo a lot of what Melissa wrote from a guys perspective.  I had surgery the same day at Abington Memorial.  The hospital 2 hours from home and took way too much.  Luckily my wife stayed in a nearby hotel and handled all of that. 

I just used the gowns the hospital issued, they had snaps and covered me up well.  I am still VERY uncomfortable from the drain and have yet to make it through a full night at home.  I normally sleep on my right side and that is where the drain is.  Sleeping on my back is a drag.   My best freind the first day and night was my ipod.  the music will drown out the hospital sounds and put you in a happy place.  If you don't have an ipod get earplugs, they are a MUST. 

I had no trouble wearing sweat/workout pants on the way home but take a loose sweatshirt or fleece and maybe a blanket for the ride home.  It was the slowest 2 hours of my life and I slept through some of it.  I did not like the liquid Tylenol (loaded with high fructose corn syrup).

Drinking 64 oz a day is a chore especially trying to get protein down.  Keep at it you can do it.  I cannot wait until the drain comes out so I can at least sit comfortably.  Don't be brave, if you need pain killer take it. 

That's all I can think of...GOOD LUCK!