Tips for Hospital Stay/Recovery?

[Guest guest]

As many of you know, I was just approved for surgery last Thursday. I

should get my date tomorrow or Wednesday. I'll let you know what it

is as soon as I know.

My question is this: Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I

should bring with me to the hospital? I've never stayed in a hospital

before and am kinda scared. Also, is there anything I should have at

home for easy recovery? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

I have found that just like when I go on vacation or even an

overnight trip I tend to overpack when I go to the hospital. (Just

ask my husband hehe)

I always think I will need and do a lot more than I ever need or do.

So, my advice is to pack lightly.

I wore ths same clothes home that I wore in and made sure the pants

were very loose at the waist because of incisions.

I also brought with me and used:

-toothbrush

-toothpaste

-brush

-shampoo

-deoderant

-a calling card

-undies

-my own jammies because I hate hospital gowns no matter how much

people tell me they are better to use because of the IV!

I think that is about it. I never read while in the hospital because

I am always way too out of it on pain meds and after effects of

anasthesia to read or do crosswords etc. I generally turn the tv on

and space out on that and never remember a thing I watched 10

minutes after watching it.

As for tips at home. I just suggest a lot of rest and make sure your

house is clean before you leave for the hospital so you won't have

to worry about it at home afterwards.

A good support person helps tremendously as well. As does a

recliner! I slept in mine the first few days home because it hurt to

sleep in my bed.

That's all I can think of for now! My best to you and

hope everything goes smoothly for you.

Colleen

Lap-RNY 11/03/03

315/195/???

> As many of you know, I was just approved for surgery last

Thursday. I

> should get my date tomorrow or Wednesday. I'll let you know what

it

> is as soon as I know.

>

> My question is this: Does anyone have any suggestions as to what

I

> should bring with me to the hospital? I've never stayed in a

hospital

> before and am kinda scared. Also, is there anything I should have

at

> home for easy recovery? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Carolyn