Re: Packing for the hospital and other ramblings

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/18/04 3:51:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

carolcornwall@... writes:

> What else?

>

Hi Carol,

There is not much else to pack, You are headed for major surgery, mine was

over 8 hours in the OR, and your recovery will be a major objective in your

life. It's likely you will have several drain tubes that must be serviced by the

nurses and they want easy access. They will want you on your feet walking as

soon as possible. This might be a major effort on your part. If it is, you won't

care if you are a hospital gown or a burlap bag. It's not a fashion show.

There will come a point when a shower will be worth $500.00 to you.

Again I wish the best of luck for you, and remind you that there will be a

point where all decisions are out of your hands and then slowly your decision

power will return. Take care.

Best wishes, Poncho - GA

[Guest guest]

Carol,

In my suitcase for surgery hospital stays are...backscratcher (for

itches from pain meds), my own pj's..just in case I'm allowed to

wear civilian clothing towards the end, knitting to pass the time, a

picture of my husband and daughter, toiletries, and anything else I

want to take. I might not do my knitting much, but it is there if I

can. I have done it around day 4 of my surgeries and been able to

concentrate on it at that time. If you wish to take your CD's with

you, by all means do. It could help you to relax and heal faster

having something you enjoy with you.

As for the no smoking...I used to smoke and quite heavily too. I

only had to stop the day before my surgery, and that was back in the

days when a surgery patient was admitted to hospital the day before

surgery was scheduled (in Australia that is). I thought it was going

to be a nightmare, but I guess the adrenaline of the upcoming event

helped me not even crave a cigarette. I kept off them 6 weeks after

surgery, but then I gave into the cravings once I was over my

surgery and feeling like my normal self somewhat again. It took

another 2 attempts and actually needing to do it for myself and

under MY wanting to quit to successfully give it up for good 11

years ago. Every other time was at my parent's requesting.

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol, I am glad that your so excited about your upcoming

surgery. I guess I am a veteran of surgeries now having had 2 big

ones in less then six months. I am also a nurse working (worked) in

a large hosp.

After a couple of days, and once most of the tubes and drains have

been pulled, your own soft sweet smelling gown will feel great.

HOspital gowns are not very soft, but the first couple of days you

wont care. Slippeers of course, you'll also want your toothbrush,

paste, and other toiletries as if you were going on a short

vacation. In most of the hospitals I have been in, the items they

give you are horrible.

Some peppermints would be nice too as you will have a ng tube and it

can leave a nasty taste in the mouth, so having a mint to suck on,

if your doc allows, can be kind of nice. I like those breathe

strips and most docs allow them when you are still nnpo.

Some hospitals have hair washing caps, yuck yuck yuck, if you can

find that spray hairwash, it really works, take that. I hate not

having my hair washed after 2-3 days. Powder because your back can

get very sweaty laying there all day. And dont forget to make the

ca's wash your back or you will go home with the worse case of back

acne you have ever had. And I agree with Poncho, by the end of the

week you will want to sell your very soul for a hot shower.

If you listen to your cds to relax, by all means take them. The

more relaxed you are the better you will heal. You can be

discharged in your nightgown and robe, that way when you get home

you will be able to go straight to bed without fussing with your

clothing. I live about an hour away from the hospital so it was

nice to finally get home, after filling prescriptions and such, and

lay right down.

I have this thing about drinking water, I drink it constantly and

have to have my water bottles with me everywhere I go. So I have a

large thermos type cup that I have in the hospital, and home, to sip

my water from and doesn't require so many fillings, less time

waiting for someone to come and fill it, and less time bothering the

staff.

I hope this helps, if I think of anything else I will let you know.

If you have any q's just ask. Good luck and I will keep you in my

prayers.

Chrissy

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol, I am glad that your so excited about your upcoming

surgery. I guess I am a veteran of surgeries now having had 2 big

ones in less then six months. I am also a nurse working (worked) in

a large hosp.

After a couple of days, and once most of the tubes and drains have

been pulled, your own soft sweet smelling gown will feel great.

HOspital gowns are not very soft, but the first couple of days you

wont care. Slippeers of course, you'll also want your toothbrush,

paste, and other toiletries as if you were going on a short

vacation. In most of the hospitals I have been in, the items they

give you are horrible.

Some peppermints would be nice too as you will have a ng tube and it

can leave a nasty taste in the mouth, so having a mint to suck on,

if your doc allows, can be kind of nice. I like those breathe

strips and most docs allow them when you are still nnpo.

Some hospitals have hair washing caps, yuck yuck yuck, if you can

find that spray hairwash, it really works, take that. I hate not

having my hair washed after 2-3 days. Powder because your back can

get very sweaty laying there all day. And dont forget to make the

ca's wash your back or you will go home with the worse case of back

acne you have ever had. And I agree with Poncho, by the end of the

week you will want to sell your very soul for a hot shower.

If you listen to your cds to relax, by all means take them. The

more relaxed you are the better you will heal. You can be

discharged in your nightgown and robe, that way when you get home

you will be able to go straight to bed without fussing with your

clothing. I live about an hour away from the hospital so it was

nice to finally get home, after filling prescriptions and such, and

lay right down.

I have this thing about drinking water, I drink it constantly and

have to have my water bottles with me everywhere I go. So I have a

large thermos type cup that I have in the hospital, and home, to sip

my water from and doesn't require so many fillings, less time

waiting for someone to come and fill it, and less time bothering the

staff.

I hope this helps, if I think of anything else I will let you know.

If you have any q's just ask. Good luck and I will keep you in my

prayers.

Chrissy