Question:
what should i have?

hi, i know this question has been anwsered many times before, but i just got a call at 4:45 tonight and was told that i can have surgery this coming wednesday (YEH HA!!!) but i would like to know what i should do to be prepared. what should i bring to the hospital and what should i have when i come home. thank you one and all. :)    — jessica B. (posted on June 7, 2002)

June 7, 2002
congrats on getting a surgery date so soon! to the hospital you bring minimal things: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodarant, slippers, robe, underwear and that is basically it. everything else will be supplied by the hospital and jewelry and such should be left at home. Once you get home, you will need to have a recliner, or alot of pillows on your bed to prop yourself up, as well as a good protein supplement. Make sure you have your vitamins as well, B-12 and Flinstone chewable(instead of Centrum)is usually always needed, so is calcium, too. Most importantly, make sure to get in all your fluids. I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery! I am 1 week post-op, so i am new at this as well! goodluck! :)
   — Lezlie Y.

June 7, 2002
Hi...Congratulations on your date! There is a member of this site... Brenda Singer, who has some incredible lists on her member page and I and many others have used those lists of what to take, what to have, how to prepare, etc. Go to peers, look up Brenda Singer and you've got it. My best to you!
   — AJC750

June 7, 2002
Take very little...I took a bag full of stuff and only used comb, toothbrush and slippers. Here is the biggest tip of all....I didn't follow others advise on this one until I got home...take a long handle wooden spoon so that you can wipe yourself...Good Luck !!!
   — Sharon H.

June 8, 2002
The one thing I didn't take that I wished I had was a button up shirt. You might want Carmex or Chapstick for your lips. Post surgery lips feel like raw hide dog chews. Otherwise, don't take much.
   — Bobbi G.

June 9, 2002
The only stuff I actually used was: chapstick, slip on shoes for walking post-op, cotton duster/robe to wear over hospital gown that kept untying while I was walking post-op, very loose outfit to wear home, toothbrush and toothpaste, and soft earplugs. I also had my husband actually bring me a heating pad to the hospital because I had excruciating positional back pain post-op and the nurse couldn't find one for me ! We had a 3 hour drive home, so I wish I had had a protein drink with me for the drive home. I also used a pillow on the way home to hold over my stomach. It helped a LOT.
   — Kathy J.