What do I take.......

Hi everybody!! I am getting more and more excited as the days go by. I'm so ready for this surgery. I have a question for all of you who have already had surgery. What one thing was the most useful item that you took to the hospital with you. Also, just give me an idea of other things I will need to take. I have been in the hospital so few times that I have no idea what I will need or want other than my laptop..........Terry

Take your drivers liscense and insurance card, toothbrush and paste, hairbrush, lip balm (very glad I took that), slippers, something to read. I forgot hand lotion but the nurse brought me some when I asked. If you use cpap, be sure to take it with you. Check with your surgeon if he wants you to bring any meds if there are some you take daily. Do you know how long you will be in? I was there from Monday morning until Friday afternoon but they wouldn't let me take a shower, only sponge bath. If you have any of that dry shampoo, you might want to take that (I didn't have any and my hair got really oily, yuck). Don't take pajamas, just wear the hosp gowns, they are easier to deal with the IV's, etc... Don't take any jewelry or valuables. You might want change in case you have to send family members to the vending machine to get some peace and quiet. I took my cell phone and used it in my room (a few friends are long distance), check with your hosp to see what their policy is about that. My sister kept it during surgery so that she could call everyone once I got out. All the numbers were programed so she just had to go down the list. As far as your laptop goes, make sure that you leave it with a family member the day of surgery, you won't be in any condition to use it until the next day anyway. Good luck.

Thanks so much Toni. You have been a tremendous help.......Terry

I took some baby wipes and it was nice to wipe down (my husband did it) after the cath. came out and anytime I felt icky. Rachael

Rachael that's a great idea!!! Thanks..........Terry

HI Terry, take a fan with you. It keeps the air circulating, easier to sleep with, and it drowns out the hall noise when you want to sleep. I was in for 5 days, and couldn't take a shower, just bed baths and sponge off in the bathroom. I have three hospital gowns at home. Very comfortable to sleep in, you can take your own pillow, but leave everything with your family until after you are in your room after recovery. I took a book with me but never opened it. I just walked, and slept. I didn't know my potassium was too low, and the third day I had to have a pint of blood and stay hooked up getting potassium into me. I wish you the best. Love ya, kathy

Kathy you have been through so much yet you find the time to encourage others. Thanks so much. I definately will need a fan......Terry

Take a long handled wooden spoon or a pair of tongs to help with wiping. I had not had a problem with reaching before surgery but immediately after when I was sore and swollen I just couldn't reach. I had to have my hubby wipe me after using the toilet. I also took a pair of socks. But, I'm usually cold when others are comfortable so maybe that was just me.

Thanks Susan. I'll remember this. Just thyree weeks from tomorrow............WOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!