Questions for the ladies?!

Hey ladies -- Anyone have any ideas on what i am going to need at the hospital?  Like can I wear my own PJs or do I get to take a shower...?  How about things after... like protien powder and I heard that I can use crewable tylonel and melt in your mouth gas-x.  Any other hints or tricks...?  I am soo excited.  Does anyone know how early I start my liquid diet?  I go to have all my test done tomorrow!  Yeah!  Oh wow... I am rambling!

Do not even bother taking any of your own night clothes because you will have an IV while you are there and if you have any type of discharge from your wounds you will not want to get it on your own items. They will give you a gown as many times a day as you need them. I did not even take my own robe I used another gown put on backwards as a robe. Do not take any meds or food items they will distribute what they want you to have. You are in controlled enviroment and they want to know what is going into your mouth and they will dispense and chart it all. Each doctor has their own protocol as to when you go on a liquid diet and when your go on foods. You should find out from the doctor's office what to expect. I was not able to have a shower until after I was taken off of an IV but was provided everything I needed to wash up in the morning before that.  You might want to take your own pillow, reading material(s), slippers, glasses, toiletries, chap stick (your lips get really dry), cell phone/charger, phone numbers of friends, small amount of money to purchase a newspaper if desired (no more than $3-5), CD/radio listening device if desired insurance card and photo ID. You will need the last two to prove who you are when you check in for surgery. Leave your jewelry at home. That is about all I can think of right now. Christine

I totally agree with Chris, leave your jammies at home.  You will leak and they will poke and prod at the incisions.  YOu can use another gown as a robe.  I did not even wear my slippers as I wore the slipper socks they provided.  You are in and out so quick that you don't even need that much reading material.  I slept, walked and sipped.  I don't even t hink I watched much tv while in.  Chapstick is important as your lips feel icky.  I don't think I got to take a shower before I left. One thing I would add is to bring along of very comfy and loose pants or skirt for going home.  I was quite bloated and needed those baggy pants.  Bring old ones because you will leak or bleed on them. Don't bring any meds, if you use a cpap, you will need to bring that, but otherwise the hospital will provide all that you need. Best Wishes, Mary

I agree with Christine.  There is little you will need in the hospital.  I took: Carmex (or take chapstick if you prefer) Slippers with non-slip bottoms Hygiene items (soap, shampoo, deodarent, hairbrush etc) Yes you will be able to take a shower My own pillow - just cause I can't sleep without it My Bi-Pap Machine (I had sever obstructive sleep apnea then) I think that's all I used while there - and I was in for 4 days. They will send you home with liquid pain killer so you don't need the tylenol.  The gasx is a great idea. You should probablly have things like: Low sodium, low fat chicken broth, beef broth, vegetable broth. Sugar free Jello Sugar free popscicles Some type of unflavored protein powder that you can cook with - I used AnyWhey Crystal Lite or other low/no calorie drinks Low Calorie Fruit Juice I also had Zero Carb Isopure in the pre-mixed bottles.  Alpine Punch was my favorite. I'm sure there is more but this is a great start.

Go ahead keep rambling I will more the likley do the same thing, you start you liquid diet two weeks before your surgery , Did you already see the nurtritionist at the Dr. office Yet? If so she should have given you a list of foods that you will be on two weeks before surgery I should say DRINK  good luck tomorrow, let me know how it goes

Gina, I am so glad you asked this. I was wondering too, even though I know its been online lots of times. You and Janet have the same Dr.

Over the years, I have found that no matter what you pack for a hospital stay, take 1/2 of it out, and you still don't need it all.

I am taking the following.

My pillow Chapstick Vitamin E oil ( For scars) Cell Phone and Charger Face care products A couple of $$ A book Other then that, I will wear the same thing home as what I wear to the hospital.  I go for my preop testing  on Thursday.   

Thank you so much for the tips.  I guess I am feeling a little overwhelmed.  I always try to plan more than I should...be extra ready.  Have a great night everyone :)   I will let you all know how my testing goes tomorrow.  -gina

don't feel too bad.... my surgery is the 11th and I am fighting the urge to pack my bag now..... Cindy