What do I need to have at home after surgery

I need advice, as my time grows near to my surgery date of 1/17/11, I wonder if I have all the things I need to have at home to feel more comfortable.

I have the protein shakes/drinks, popsickles, broths. But I read all the new entries in this group on a daily basis. I see some have liquid vitimins, and tylenol. I hadn't thought of that. I have all the over the counter pain meds but they are in pill form. I suppose I go out today to get those them in liquid form.

What else will I need to get through the first 1-2 weeks. My husband is legally blind and does not drive so I need to make sure I have everthing I need at home to make my life easier for those first 2 weeks before I can get around easier.

Thanks,

what about crystal light, bottled water, or sugar free koolaid? i have nt had mine and will in late spring or spring sometime. good pillows? a book, movies for when u are more awake? not sure what else. i hope someone can help you.

Hi Sam,

Yes, I have crystal light, bottled water and sugar free kool aid. I do need to invest in a body pillow I read somewhere that will come in handy. From what I have read so far I think my first week I will be sleeping more then anything so I am not sure how much reading I will get done, although I am a avid reader ( I always have a supply of books on hand)

My husband will be a great help, he does pretty much everything now, cooks, cleans, laundry, takes him a little longer but he does it. He has retired and took over the household, he just does not drive
:( due to his eyesight.

Thanks,

It sounds like you have done a pretty good job of getting your supplies.  I don't know how long before you go on full liquids but that usually includes things like SF pudding and oatmeal.  Jello is a clear liquid so if you enjoy that it may not be a bad idea to get that.

I mostly cleaned the last week before surgery so I wouldn't have to deal with all that while trying to recuprate.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Colleen

Hi Colleen,

I did also get sugar free pudding. Not sure about the oatmeal, wouldn't be to soon for the oatmeal the first 2 weeks after surgery? From what I have read it been tough for most people to just get the liquids down. I do have lots of oatmeal on hand though, my son eats alot of that.

Thanks Colleen, I will post when I can after surgery.

Do you know yet what your eating plan is for after surgery?  I'm on clear liquids for 1 week, then I start soft proteins... I haven't gotten any of that yet because the grocery store is across the street (and I needed things like eggs, ricotta cheese, yogurt, etc. not to go bad)... but you should know what you'll be allowed to eat and when so you can have a plan for getting it.

I didn't buy liquid tylenol (I actually looked for it in the store yesterday, but I don't think my store carries it).  I was sent home with a prescription for liquid percoset, and I've been taking that.  Crystal light and decaf tea (decaf coffee if you can drink it without milk or if you're allowed to have milk right away; I'm not and therefore I'm not drinking it).  How are you going to make your shakes?  Blender bottle, blender, good whisk?  Whatever you choose, do you have it?  

When will you be able to drive?  My doctor doesn't allow driving for the first week, but after that I can as long as I don't take the pain meeds.  If you won't be able to drive in time for your first post-op appointment, do you have a plan for that?

Do you also have whatever food you'll need to cook for your family when you get home?  (Not sure if you generally cook for your husband or if you have kids, but I have an 8 yr old daughter, so I had to make sure everything she needs for the week was here too).  I chose simple to prepare foods - microwavable meals, plain pasta with butter, hot dogs - things I can make with little effort or that she can fix for herself.  

One thing I wished I had thought of was to have some snacks on hand for guests.  I don't do a lot of entertaining, but I've had several friends drop by or plan to.  I realized yesterday that I had nothing to serve them (not even milk for coffee), so I went out to get milk and some small pastries.  If my daughter hadn't been with me, I would have had a problem carrying the milk.

Good luck with your surgery!  I'm 5 days post-op, and happy to answer any questions!

Hello Lisa,

I am glad to hear that you are getting around so well, I hope I am as lucky. I too am on clear liquids for  a week to 10 days,  then its pureed and soft foods for 4 weeks. I am hoping to be driving after 1st week if not my sister, brother or parents  will be able to take me where I need to go.

I am blessed to have a husband who does all the cooking ( I am the baker). I can cook I really just don't like to and he is a much better cook than I am anyways. My kids are teenagers as well so they can fend for themselves if needed. I have the decaf coffee but no tea, I may need to buy that, cause I am always cold.

I just ordered the wolfman puck immersion blender for my shakes and purees, but I also have blender and food processor as well.

We shop at Sams and BJ's so we buy in bulk alot so the pantry is full for the family.

I haven't told many people of my upcoming surgery. My family of course and my best friend. Thats it, so I am hoping not to get company for at least the week of surgery. But you have a good idea, I will pick up somethings to offer company just in case.

I have been following your progress and you are doing great. Please keep posting it helps the rest of us newbies.

Hey girl.  How did it feel to get out of the house?  I was out again today. 1st to go get my paycheck, ca**** and pay some bills.  then to get the puppy.  Then to take the puppy to see my future MIL.  Really just wanted an excuse to stay out longer.  Boy was I paying for it when I got home.  I've been driving, but only because of not taking the morphine cept when I go to bed.  Think the getting in and out of the car that many times flared my muscle pain.

Got my fluids in today! Still didnt do protein.. didnt have FF milk.  Got that fixed now.. Will start first thing in the morning with that!

Hope your mending as well :)

Sounds like your off to good start.. I would be careful using a electric blender.. it adds alot of air and will be harder to get in your protien.. I bought a blender bottle and helped so much better.. Also keep blankets around, you may get cold while everyone is pretty comfy...  If you read the past posts, you will see others listing their items and such.. it will be a big help..sounds like you been reading and doing your homework.. sometimes Drs dont give all the info and good to read what we can from others themselves. ..becareful with pills, I was not allowed any, had to be crushed.. but then I just cut them up in small pieces.. lol.. I also tried the liquid vitamins.. GAG.. there are other forms.. but try the one that works for you best.. now I am on chewables.. taste is now getting to me.. and calcium.. I take liquid brand welless from walmart its like $6.00 and tastes good and has all the stuff I need... Good Luck with everything!

Protein
chewable vitamins and chewable calcium
Several different types of SF drinks in different flavors ( u will get bored easily)
SF jello
Maxi-Pads if you still get ur period..  (I've been spotting since surgery.. **TMI**)
I'm finding i like the cotonelle wet wipes (it is hard to wash up, but that helps keep u feeling a bit fresh)
extra pillows I'm using all of mine cept one.  Poor fiance got the flimsy one
Gas-X strips or liquid (check with ur surgeon b4 taking)
MOM (my surgeon says not to go more than 3- days without bm.. no problem here)
Liquid TYLENOL ( thats the only OTC pain meds we can take) ..  I use it during the day and take my pain meds at night to sleep. 
Drink cup w/ measurements on it (Rubbermaid has one and its 16oz.. got mine from walmart)

Sorry that this is long.. but these are the things that I need the most right now. I'm not quite a week out from surgery.  Also do not waste your time packing a bunch of PJ's to take to the hospital.  I didn't wear them.  The gowns were much more comfy.  When I got the Foley out, then I had some lounge pants that I put on when I went walking (so i wouldn't flash anyone).. when in bed I was more comfortable without them.  Was more the fact that they would rise up and twist as I moved and re-adjusted myself in  bed.  Take some slippers that are a little big and easy to just slip into without having to bend. Also Vaseline or chapstick is a MUST.  Your mouth will feel lie a desert and your lips will be so cracked right after surgery.  Stile using my vaseline at home too.