Re: Packing

[Guest guest]

Wenoka:

Thank you so much for your kind words. You reminded me that I'm going to have

all those boxes sitting around -- who's going to unpack? I've been packing

two boxes per day, very casually and making up for that work by making sure

to nap during 's nap. Though today I'm on e-mail instead! But I haven't

packed anything. Once I started, even that slowly, I felt like the pressure

was off. It's getting done very slowly, but others will just have to help if

it gets down to crunch time.

Fortunately much of our stuff is still in the mold remediators' warehouse.

Unfortunately, all that junk will be arriving at our " new/old " home in the

first week of August. Hope DH understands that we're parking one car outside

and putting that stuff in the garage until I can get to it! We had four boxes

come in that still smelled like mold when we originally moved back, I'm not

having that in my house until I can check it all.

I took the time to think of every closet and room in the house, and when I'm

packing I'm not packing based on where stuff is coming FROM in our condo, but

where it's going TO in the house. So I have boxes marked Upstairs East Hall

Closet, etc. So at least if I can't unpack things will be in the spot they'll

stay, whether somebody else unpacks or they sit there a bit.

What bad timing!! I'll only be 32 weeks and believe me, I want to behave. So

far I feel a sense of calm and peace, not stress. It will get done somehow,

and I can then park my butt in the kiddie pool in the backyard and take it

somewhat easy! I can't wait. The place is older and needs a little work, but

it will be ours. The wall oven looks original, but hey, if it doesn't work

well, that just means I don't have to cook!!!

(mom to , age 3. Currently has polysaccharide antibody def,

previously had transient IgG, IgA, t-cell & other defs)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/8/2003 10:07:53 AM Eastern Standard Time, cholesteatoma writes:

MY 6 year old son had his packing out

on Friday March 7th and it was terribly painful for him.

Hello . People have posted before about pain/discomfort on packing removal, it seems to be aggravated if the packing is allowed to dry out & get "stuck". Is your son's doctor an otologist? My 1st surgery I had the packing that must be removed but for my 3 later ops (3 different doctors, 3 diff hospitals) they used the dissolving packing. You don't get the removal issues with the dissolving kind. There may be a reason why they didn't use it on your son, perhaps his age or something specific to his ear, but it might be worth asking your doctor why that type of packing was used. If your son needs further surgery, you might want to discuss the type of packing beforehand so that hopefully you could reassure him that he will never have to go through that particular ordeal again. Take care, I hope he's feeling better. I have a 5 y/o son & I'm very grateful that it is me & not him that has this problem.

[Guest guest]

Hi Steve

As I am fresh from the " Packing Removal Room " I feel qualified to

answer your question but, please, understand that I can only describe

the packing that was in MY ear - it may NOT be the norm.

As mentioned in an earlier posting, mine was removed yesterday and I

had the benefit of being able to monitor the procedure via the

surgeon's tv screen.

The packing in total consisted of 7 separate pieces. The piece

closest to the outside (ie the fresh air) was much the largest - it

was several inches in length. The remaining smaller pieces were

tucked well out of sight if you understand what I mean.

I don't know the name of this instrument, but an inverted cone with

holes at each end was duly inserted into the ear canal. It was then

possible to see the inner reaches of the canal and, lo and behold,

the other small pieces of packing which were then retrieved one at a

time and checked, numerically, against the operating notes.

Hope this goes some way towards answering your question.

> Hi. I have been reading a lot about packing on this site and

getting

> it removed. Does this packing only go in the canal or is it also in

> the middle ear. If it's the latter, how is it removed from the

> middle ear without re-opening the scar? I was just diagnosed and my

> surgery is next month. Thanks.

>

> Steve

[Guest guest]

While I was trying to find a good sleep position last night.....involving a flat pillow, a puffy pillow, and some contortions, I got to thinking about some of the things I would have done differently when packing to go to the hospital, and thought I would pass them along.

First: The first couple of days, you and your suitcase are not accessable to each other, no matter what's in there. If you have relatives or friends visiting, they can fish things out for you, and the staff can be helpful, but you don't want to call on them too many times for this sort of thing. Here's what I would do if I were to do it now (hindsight).

I would arrange things in bags with strings. I say with strings, because to reach them while you're in bed, its convenient to hang them over the bedrails. Of course, you realize that there is a jungle on your bedrails already......phone, call button, bed operation device, maybe a morphine pump thing, maybe the controls to CPM machine, etc.

One bag would have my writing things, books, reading materials, glasses, pens, stamps, etc. Address book and phone numbers. One of the disasters i had was that when they took my wallet to the hospital safe, they had the one phone number I really wanted.....my snowbird friend in Minn, whose phone number I didn't have memorized.

One bag would have all my morning ADL's stuff......toothpaste, toothbrush, make-up, comb, etc.

I also, later, found the need for a bag to put dirty clothes into.

I also had a decorated oatmeal box from a friend to put pieces of fruit or snack stuff into.

Because of all the hospital related stuff people leave on your bedside table, and the need to be able to find space for a food tray, you can't keep much on that table. This is why those bags with strings that allowed me to get them out of the way, but also get hold of them when I wanted them was so important to me.

Remember......when you come out of the OR, and for a couple of days, you're literally covered with STUFF.......catheter, IV's, drain, oxygen, possibly a BP cuff in place, cryocuff with lines for icewater, intermittant pressure cuffs on both legs, and a CPM machine if you're TKR.

If you bring clothes for rehab, they should be easy to put on, remembering that you'll have dressings, and that you won't be able to manuever that easily. Don't bring a lot of lounging robes, etc....as you will be dressing. Comfortable shoes with non skid bottoms, too, even though you might want to have a slipper that's easy to put on....

Probably you already knew all of this, but just thought I would pass it along.....I;'ll bet some of you who are post op would have some things to add.

y

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/17/2004 3:59:53 PM Central Standard Time, sallyeller@... writes:

Should I take a grabber and foot lifter to the hospital? (For THR).

If you already have a grabber, sure....take it. A loop to lift foot isn't something they'll give you. However, a grabber is. The hospital I used to work at automatically issued a "THR Kit" to all THR patients. It contained a dressing stick, grabber, long handled sponge, and long handled shoehorn.

If you have a walker, you might take that as well, but they'll issue you one at DC if you don't have one....and will provide one for you to use while there.

y

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/17/2004 4:22:19 PM Central Standard Time, sallyeller@... writes:

Of course I am also anxious about what I need to do to get the house ready for my return, but that is another question. I am fretting about chairs, exactly where grab bars go in the shower, etc.

______

I just put a couple of grab bars on my tub, but I did it for specific functions. I put one on the side of the entrance, where I could hold it on the way in a long time ago, and that one has saved my butt a couple of times. I added one of those you attach to the rim and one low and slanted on the opposite wall so that I could use it getting in and out of the tub. If you don't get down in the tub, you'd want yours higher.....I did mine on a slant and got the kind with the textured pipe, 18". But go see what's available. Also, consider whether you will stand in a shower or use a shower chair or even a shower bench that you slide across. Where the best place is for a grab bar is quite individual. Oh.....and get a hand shower with a long hose to use with any of the chairs or benches.

y

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/17/2004 4:27:32 PM Central Standard Time, sagebush2020@... writes:

I kept a diary of what was happening to me on the cmputer.

_____

I meant to mention this. Its kinda fun to do a diary of what happens, and you'll probably have some trouble remembering later if you don't write it down as it happens.

y

[Guest guest]

Hi Sally

I had both my hips replaced in 2001. By the time I was going thru the second recuperation, I pretty much confirmed the following:

--A hospital bed for me was a must, just for convenience and good sleeping

--A good chair in the living room was a must.....actually have a wood rocking chair and

all that had to be added was a big pillow to the seat of it

--Good weather was a must.....just so you can be outside or also so you don't have to

worry about slipping in water.

--A commode with arms on it was a must.....it actually fit right over the toilet.

Other things I found helpful were things I had alreay done to my house because of my disabled condition (pre hip replacements):

--Had bathtub taken out and walk in shower installed with 3 grad bars (1 on each side and

a long one in the back).....also has a molded seat in it.

--Had bought 2 bar stools to sit on.....1 in the kitchen and 1 in my bedroom to sit on while

I did my hair and makeup

--Adjustable chair for my office.....very eash to heighten the seat

Now, 3 years I still sit in my wooden rocker, still use my bar stool in the bedroom and wish I had my bathtub back.....although the walkin shower is very nice. I don't need a stool in the kitchen as I can stand while I cook. My office chair is the same but in a lower position and very comfortable. I can do most anything and thank God every day for giving me a second chance at life.

Please feel free to ask any questions.

May you be as blessed as I am

Sally

[Guest guest]

HE LIVES!

things I would have done differently when packing to go to the hospital, and thought I would pass them along.

I'll bet some of you who are post op would have some things to add.

Yes. We got some of the snap hooks like climbers use, in a Dollar Store, I think--something like fifty cents each. They worked wonderfully well to connect a canvas bag to the bed rails. I had brought my own wheelchair and walker, which the nurse had marked with wristbands with my name on. I asked her for two more of the bands and we affixed them to the grabber and the foot lifter. I kept those hooked onto the bed rails, too. Autonomy is the name of the game.

Marge

He lives!

[Guest guest]

Thanks, y, for those suggestions. I am havng THR on July 30

and today I am in a dither as how to prepare for the hospital/rehab.

Your suggestions are very helpful.

Of course I am also anxious about what I need to do to get the house

ready for my return, but that is another question. I am fretting

about chairs, exactly where grab bars go in the shower, etc.

Anyone who can refer me to earlier posts would save you all

responding to this redundent questions.

Glad to have found this group,

Sally

upstate NY --- Finger Lakes

[Guest guest]

I asked her for two more of the bands and we affixed them to the

grabber and the foot lifter.

Should I take a grabber and foot lifter to the hospital? (For THR).

Yes, autonomy... I'm fearful about losing it.

Sally in the Finger Lakes

[Guest guest]

Sally in the Finger Lakes:

I took a grabber, and I found it to be one of the most useful things I

had taken. However, perhaps I drop things more than average!

Staninfr

> I asked her for two more of the bands and we affixed them to the

> grabber and the foot lifter.

>

> Should I take a grabber and foot lifter to the hospital? (For THR).

>

> Yes, autonomy... I'm fearful about losing it.

>

> Sally in the Finger Lakes

[Guest guest]

I asked her for two more of the bands and we affixed them to the grabber and the foot lifter. Should I take a grabber and foot lifter to the hospital? (For THR).Yes, autonomy... I'm fearful about losing it.Sally in the Finger Lakes

I was given the grabber and the foot lifter in the hospital the first time. It might be an idea to call the floor nurse and ask if they do that at your hospital. Or you could just take along your own. Now that I do have them, I bring my own. I like my own shorter grabber better than the one they gave me. I now have grabbers in three different colors so the one I use in the kitchen has not been used to sort the laundry. I have them in two lengths-one for the top cupboards and one for dropping things under the computer desk. They fit across the walker's rails, just under the handles. Or also, they hang down and do not fall off if you slip the grip end through a narrow space on the walker, so the handle's projections catch on to something. Then you never have to be without it.

I tied a fancy scarf on my walker and I could see which was mine clear across the rehab room. This is nice for when you have to leave your glasses in your canvas bag that is affixed to your wheelchair handle with climber's snap hooks.

This time I am taking my digital camera and will have daughter unload it every other day.

Got more questions? Try to focus on the day after surgery. Your joint will not hurt. Incision pain is one thing, but what you have now will be totally gone!

Marge

He lives!

[Guest guest]

One has to try to be reasonable in what she, he, or it

takes--something difficult for me--but I was glad that I took an MP3

player with lots of songs and audio books on it. I also took my

digital camera and a laptop computer.

(Remember, I was gone from home for three weeks)

I was able to transfer and see my photos on the laptop. I also had a

lot of films on the hard disc that I watched in the evenings. I kept a

diary of what was happening to me on the cmputer.

With all my electronic toys, I never got a chance to get bored. I

didn't even sign up for the TV.

Staninfr

> I asked her for two more of the bands and we affixed them to the

grabber and the foot lifter.

> Should I take a grabber and foot lifter to the hospital? (For THR).

Yes, autonomy... I'm fearful about losing it.

> Sally in the Finger Lakes

> I was given the grabber and the foot lifter in the hospital the

first time. It might be an idea to call the floor nurse and ask if

they do that at your hospital. Or you could just take along your own.

Now that I do have them, I bring my own. I like my own shorter

grabber better than the one they gave me. I now have grabbers in three

different colors so the one I use in the kitchen has not been used to

sort the laundry. I have them in two lengths-one for the top cupboards

and one for dropping things under the computer desk. They fit across

the walker's rails, just under the handles. Or also, they hang down

and do not fall off if you slip the grip end through a narrow space on

the walker, so the handle's projections catch on to something. Then

you never have to be without it.

>

> I tied a fancy scarf on my walker and I could see which was mine

clear across the rehab room. This is nice for when you have to leave

your glasses in your canvas bag that is affixed to your wheelchair

handle with climber's snap hooks.

> This time I am taking my digital camera and will have daughter

unload it every other day.

> Got more questions? Try to focus on the day after surgery. Your

joint will not hurt. Incision pain is one thing, but what you have now

will be totally gone!

> Marge

> He lives!

[Guest guest]

Your recovery would be a lot shorter if you had a good workout program. I have found a personal trainer who uses weights and Nautilus and water exercises to be very effective. I would also recommend that these exercise programs be used pre-op and post-op.

Pimentel7@... wrote:

Hi Sally I had both my hips replaced in 2001. By the time I was going thru the second recuperation, I pretty much confirmed the following:--A hospital bed for me was a must, just for convenience and good sleeping--A good chair in the living room was a must.....actually have a wood rocking chair and all that had to be added was a big pillow to the seat of it--Good weather was a must.....just so you can be outside or also so you don't have to worry about slipping in water.--A commode with arms on it was a must.....it actually fit right over the toilet.Other things I found helpful were things I had alreay done to my house because of my disabled condition (pre hip replacements):--Had bathtub taken out and walk in shower installed with 3 grad bars

(1 on each side and a long one in the back).....also has a molded seat in it.--Had bought 2 bar stools to sit on.....1 in the kitchen and 1 in my bedroom to sit on while I did my hair and makeup--Adjustable chair for my office.....very eash to heighten the seatNow, 3 years I still sit in my wooden rocker, still use my bar stool in the bedroom and wish I had my bathtub back.....although the walkin shower is very nice. I don't need a stool in the kitchen as I can stand while I cook. My office chair is the same but in a lower position and very comfortable. I can do most anything and thank God every day for giving me a second chance at life.Please feel free to ask any questions.May you be as blessed as I amSally

[Guest guest]

Just don't fret too much. For knees and hips my suggestion: Rest as much as possible and spend time with your family. After the surgery you will wear out pretty quickly and won't be very good company for a while. Take up throw rugs and such that might be in your way.

One thing I wanted to mention to all folks with knee problems-- while I was in rehab I was in the day room rocking in a rocking chair while I watched a little tv, when my dr. came in and praised me for it. He said that rocking was one of the best exercises I could be doing. So all you knee folks out there it helps with your range of motion. Rock at your own pace and comfort level. Take care, Kathi

Re: Packing

Thanks, y, for those suggestions. I am havng THR on July 30 and today I am in a dither as how to prepare for the hospital/rehab. Your suggestions are very helpful.Of course I am also anxious about what I need to do to get the house ready for my return, but that is another question. I am fretting about chairs, exactly where grab bars go in the shower, etc.Anyone who can refer me to earlier posts would save you all responding to this redundent questions.Glad to have found this group,Sallyupstate NY --- Finger Lakes

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the tips, y! I'm packing today, travelling tomorrow - have to travel as light as possible. I'll have 2 shoulder-bags (not suitcase).

I'll be going no-mail in about 24 hours from now - won't have email while I'm away, but HOPE to be back home about a week later. (not looking forward to the 3-hour ambulance ride!) My surgery is Wed 21 July. I'll be back on list as soon as I can sit at my computer, and will catch up then.

Best wishes to all.

Margaret in Israel

Re: Packing

While I was trying to find a good sleep position last night.....involving a flat pillow, a puffy pillow, and some contortions, I got to thinking about some of the things I would have done differently when packing to go to the hospital, and thought I would pass them along.

[Guest guest]

Me too, Sally! That's my biggest fear too - I'm a very independent person. I'm certainly taking my grabber with me. (I don't have a foot-lifter - no doubt they'll advise me at the hospital if I need one.)

Today is my last day at home..... last day of driving..... I plan to go to the hairdresser and get a good haircut, as I don't know when I'll next be able to get there, and don't want my hair to grow into a mane!

Good luck,

Margaret

----- Original Message ----- Should I take a grabber and foot lifter to the hospital? (For THR).Yes, autonomy... I'm fearful about losing it.Sally in the Finger Lakes

[Guest guest]

What's a dressing stick? I already have the other irems.

Margaret

----- Original Message -----

If you already have a grabber, sure....take it. A loop to lift foot isn't something they'll give you. However, a grabber is. The hospital I used to work at automatically issued a "THR Kit" to all THR patients. It contained a dressing stick, grabber, long handled sponge, and long handled shoehorn.

If you have a walker, you might take that as well, but they'll issue you one at DC if you don't have one....and will provide one for you to use while there.

y

[Guest guest]

Hi Margaret ,

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck with your operation and let us know how your doing after your operation .

SusieMargaret Hayon <margaret@...> wrote:

Me too, Sally! That's my biggest fear too - I'm a very independent person. I'm certainly taking my grabber with me. (I don't have a foot-lifter - no doubt they'll advise me at the hospital if I need one.)

Today is my last day at home..... last day of driving..... I plan to go to the hairdresser and get a good haircut, as I don't know when I'll next be able to get there, and don't want my hair to grow into a mane!

Good luck,

Margaret

----- Original Message ----- Should I take a grabber and foot lifter to the hospital? (For THR).Yes, autonomy... I'm fearful about losing it.Sally in the Finger Lakes

[Guest guest]

Hi Sally,

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck on your operation.

SusieSally Eller <sallyeller@...> wrote:

Thanks, y, for those suggestions. I am havng THR on July 30 and today I am in a dither as how to prepare for the hospital/rehab. Your suggestions are very helpful.Of course I am also anxious about what I need to do to get the house ready for my return, but that is another question. I am fretting about chairs, exactly where grab bars go in the shower, etc.Anyone who can refer me to earlier posts would save you all responding to this redundent questions.Glad to have found this group,Sallyupstate NY --- Finger Lakes

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/18/2004 12:21:35 AM Central Standard Time, margaret@... writes:

Thanks for the tips, y! I'm packing today, travelling tomorrow - have to travel as light as possible. I'll have 2 shoulder-bags (not suitcase).

______

Just thought of one more little thing. If you have a small vasoline, you can use it after surgery when lips are dry. I needed it, at least. Or better still, remember there is such a thing and ask the nurses for it....they have little packets.

Best of luck to you....

y

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/18/2004 12:30:27 AM Central Standard Time, margaret@... writes:

What's a dressing stick? I already have the other irems.

_____

A relatively useless wooden stick with a curved hook at one end and something like a sharper hook at the other end. I don't recall seeing many people use it. If we had an O.T. on the list, I'm sure they could help tell you.

y

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all of you for the good suggestions! You are making me

feel much better!

I was not able to get to the hospital's preop session on THR, but I

will call them and see if I can go in and pick up any info, kits,

etc. That also would make me feel a lot better.

Husband is at Home Depot at the moment getting grab bars...

Are we allowed to sit in the shower or is standing better? I will

have a 6.5 step up and over the rim, but that can't be changed. It

is a large shower stall so I think I can step in with the walker and

then set it outside.

Thanks again --- I am still reading all the great suggestions!

Sally in the Finger Lakes

[Guest guest]

Good luck, Margaret!

I'm sure you will do fine (and me, too) but these preop days are

jittery, arent' they? I am not worried about the surgery, pain,

etc. but rather about being prepared to make the recovery as smooth

and fast as possible.

And I totally agree about the hair cut! AND I am getting my

Standard Poodles groomed very short --- that will make life easier!

I will be eager to hear how it all goes for you!

Sally in the Finger Lakas