Question:
Approved and need to know what to have at home post-op?

Hi Everyone, Im having this surgery April 8 and I just wanted to know what I would be needing when I get home (like food or medicine or anything). What was thing you wish you had but forgot or the things you really needed? Thank you for answering my question I know it will be very handy in the up coming weeks.    — Teena P. (posted on March 13, 2003)

March 13, 2003
hi there :) congrats on your upcoming surgery! some things i needed and found to be very helpful were. chap stick(got very dry lips while in the hospital) lotion for dry skin,wet wipes or baby wipes for tidying up if your not up to a shower. you wont be eating much at first but i had things ready like sf popsicles, sf jello, bottled water, crystal lite,broths, chewable vitamins,those one ounce elixer type cups i got from the hospital to measure intake.maybe a good book to read while your healing or some good tunes, music always helps!i was also glad to have a nice comfy recliner cuz i slept in it for like 5 weeks, it hurt to lie flat for a while! remember to walk walk walk, keep the blood circulating! best of luck to you!
   — carrie M.

March 13, 2003
The best advice I can give is not to go overboard with the broth, SF Jello, etc. Yes you will want some, but you can use such a limited amount that you won't need a lot of it. And, if you're like many of us, by the time you can finally get to full liquids or pureed foods, you'll be thoroughly sick of broth and jello. One other thing to take to the hospital is your own slippers. Most hospitals will give you slipper socks, but if you have some that you can just slide your feet into, you won't need someone to help you put on the socks. You probably won't need a robe, because you can use a second hospital gown. Since they often have snaps over the shoulders, they're easier to get on and off over an IV. Make sure to have something loose and comfy to wear home. Even if you have your surgery lap, you won't want anything binding around your middle.
   — garw

March 13, 2003
Hospital: Bring tongs - you can use them either to help with butt wipping or just to grab the sheets, call button when it falls, or what not. Back Scratcher - My back and butt itched like crazy but the amount of itch will depend on how long you are in. Toothbrush - Don't let your teeth rot while you are in. EAR PLUGS - Very important because your roommates might not be very quiet.. also everyone constantly gets checked on. Eye Pillow - Block out the light when your roommates get their nightly blood draw or vital check. <p> HOME: Condiment bowls (3oz) - help you with portions, Babyspoon - help you with taking small bites, Handblender - for the protien drinks, Tupperware bowls (3oz). You might also consider a recliner or make a ramp for your bed to prop your head up. When I came home I had a hard time lying flat on my back. When I woke up I would have problems breathing. I solved the problem by sliding in a plywood board under the mattress and up on the headboard then I pushed my mattress up over my very short headboard. Now I sleep well and wake up fine. <p>Take Care, Be Well, Be Happy!!
   — John T.

March 13, 2003
I just had my surgery on 3/4/03. I brought everything that I thought I would "need" to the hospital but was so out of it, I didn't use any of it. I did bring a large, personal robe for walking, that I was glad of. At home, it's important to have the food that you will need for the first couple of weeks, or at least have someone that is willing to go to the store for you. Important items: sippy cups and 16-24 oz containers that you can mix juice or protein drinks up in and keep ready. My family would make up my drinks in the smaller containers and then I could transfer what I wanted to the sippy cup and drink from that. It is a good way of keeping track of what you are intaking also. I brought home the small one ounce cups from the hospital that helped with first feedings and medication. I have graduated to cottage cheese and soups and had purchased small, one cup containers with lids that my family fills and I just need to take out and reheat or eat. The most important thing to have at home is help. Even with the little things, like when you get all comfy on the couch and realize that the remote is out of reach!!
   — Sandy P.

March 14, 2003
I am also having surgery on April 8th and wanted to say goodluck and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
   — C. Zibrowski

March 17, 2003
Congrats, one thing that I was very happy that I had on going home was an ice shaver/snow cone maker. I also had a lot of broth and decaf tea. :-)
   — sharon E.