Traveling for surgery-recliner for hotel room? What else will I need to bring?

Hi Everyone,
  I am having revision surgery with Dr. Keshishian on Aug 30th.  I fly out to CA on Aug 27th.  I am wondering about a recliner to sleep in in the hotel once released from the hospital. What did other people do?  Any thoughts on what I should bring with me?  I will not be leaving CA until Sept 13 so I have a lot of time in a hotel.  I don't know what the heck I am going to do for the whole time.  Will I feel up to going out and about?  My sister is going with me so just wondering how I will be feeling after I am out.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Lori

You can rent a recliner for the motel. 

I don't think anyone can really tell you how you are going to feel. Was your last surgery open?  You may feel about the same as then, maybe worse, maybe better.  You just have to play it by ear.

Make sure the motel has a kitchenette.  Your sister can pick up most of what you will need at the store.  Take comfy clothes, maybe books, laptop, shoes that you can slip on so you don't have to bend over.

If I think of anything else, I will PM you.

There are some DS'ers that live in the area, I believe, maybe you will get to meet some.

HTH,
Michele

I second the kitchenette! You may want to make sure you have etxra pillows brought up as well the first few days are the hardest.
I brought my computer and a bunch of movies to pass the time, but after a few days I was ready to get some sun and went shopping for a few hours!
I wish you good luck! But I'm sure you won't need it! You'll do great!!

Susan

Lori,
  I stayed in a brand new hotel and there was no recliner, which really sucked.  I'm not sure how you can get one.  Maybe check into one of those rent to own places that'll let you rent one for a week?  I just sucked it up and had my DH prop me with pillows.  I'll bet I had eight pillows shoved around me.  Just make dang sure you have a fridge and a microwave, if not a little mini kitchen area.  To tell you the truth, I packed a whole suitcase, and it was a waste of time.  Only pack a few changes of clothes.  Your sister can do wash at the hotel when you need clean clothes.  Don't forget your personal toiletries, and your slippers.  I didn't feel up to going anywhere, except home.  I never even put my makeup on the entire trip.  I packed so many things that I never used.  Keep it simple.  You'll thank yourself.

Just make sure your hotel doorway is wide enough for the recliner you rent! Mine had to go back when the guys could not make it in the door!

I lived just fine with lots of pillows propping  me up.

Nicolle

Hey Lori, I'm so glad you're going for the revision.  I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

I spent a week in a hotel too. I just propped myself in bed with a bunch of pillows. The first couple of nights were the worst and then it got better. A fridge and microwave are a must. I agree with packing light. Just comfy stuff that's easy to get in and out of. I thought I would be most comfortable in a nightgown but the sheets were so bleached that it irritated my skin and I ended up in silky pajama pants. I was so glad that I had packed a couple of pairs.

 I walked around the hotel as much as I could. It was the dead of winter and freezing cold in Scranton but I did venture out anyway. I had a rental car and once I stopped the pain meds a few days after surgery I drove to the local mall and walked around a bit even with my staples still in. I ordered some egg drop soup and mostly just people watched. I was alone, so getting out lifted my spirits. I was very homesick. It will really help having your sister with you.

I was at Walmart the day I was released from the hospital and was walking at the mall or other stores every day afer. I didn't have a recliner in my motel room but I did have a couch and coffee table so I put my feet up on that sometimes.

I was mentally a mess but physically I could walk pretty easily. Reading, watching TV was out of the question. So I just had my daughter drive me somewhere and we walked and sort of shopped a little.

By the end of my stay we were sewing curtains with a little portable sewing machine I bought. haha. I'd forgotten about that.

I was wondering- i haven't had the surgery yet- why everybody is staying at hotels after surgery? Is it because of traveling far for the surgery or was it mandatory, Dr's orders?

Most doctors require you stay close for at least 7-14 days to make sure you are well enough to travel.