Packing for Surgery

[clere]

Hi Everyone,
I am leaving Minnesota for California and surgery...... scheduled for January 16 at HOUSE  (unless I have a nervous breakdown first).  This seems a little trivial but can anyone make suggestions on what to pack?  Are there things you brought you didn't need or things you wish you would have had.  Do I need head gear to cover the incision area?  Translab is the option chosen. Thanks to all.

[mindyandy]

Your choice of place to have surgery is a great one. You will be in good hands. I had retro & I did not need anything to cover my head. I do suggest comfy clothes. Tops that you do not have to pull over the head.
At least the weather in LA is nice. We just got back from Disneyland. You will be do great. They do a wonderful job taking care of their patients. Please do keep us posted.

Mindy

[Jim Scott]

Clere ~

My advice is to remember this is a hospital visit, not a vacation so don't pack as if you were going to be socializing a lot (except with doctors and nurses on your case).  Your favorite robe & slippers, some lip balm and comfortable bedclothes along with basic hygiene items such as toothpaste and such should be fine.  Sunglasses for going outside and of course 'street' clothes to wear at discharge.  In short: don't over-pack and keep it simple.

Jim 

[kcarloy]

I stayed at Seton for a bit after I was discharged from House before returning home. I did bring regular clothes, it was nice to go to the pier on the beach and a few shopping outings. The incision was not an issue, and I felt no need to cover my head. I had beautiful weather last month, but now snow and cold at home in Idaho.

[staypoz]

Clere, I always take the following with me when I know I am going to have to stay in the hospital:  a picture of my family and a photo of my garden.  I put them in a cheap double plastic frame so there are no worries about anything breaking.  I am also a big believer in aromatherapy, and I hate hospital smells, so I also bring a little lavender sachet.

Good luck to you!

staypoz

[cceekkoo11]

I cannot give you advice for what to pack,I am still pre-op and I actually have the same date for surgery as you - Jan 16th. So I just wanted to wish you good luck, be strong, and fast recovery!

[v357139]

I asked for, and they gave me shower caps that I used for my first shower at Seton.  Then they just had me hold a washrag over the wound while I washed the rest of my head.  Worked out fine.

[clere]

cceekkoo11

Good luck to your also!!!  This is no fun but we will soon be able to look back and say "WE MADE IT". 

[Kathleen_Mc]

Earplugs, if you're inclinded to use them, nurses can be noisy at night! (I'm a nurse, lol) and so can roommates
Slippers, not the flip flop kind but something that stays on your foot
Socks
Pj tops or night gowns that have short sleeves and button up verses pull over (short sleeves better for IV's blood work etc)
lip balm, hand/body cream
Kleenex
cards or something to help pass the time
if you like listening to music your MP3, or whatever you use
Best of luck and speedy recovery
Kathleen

[MG]

Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery to both Clere, and cceekkoo !

[james e]

I have a little lap dog that I truly love. My daughter bought  a stuffed animal that looks just like my little dog, but she did not tell me about it. When I woke up in ICU I was a little disoriented and she gave me this wonderful gift. I tucked it under my arm and it was better than the drugs they were dripping into me. Other than that, I just took the usual overnight stuff. Still have that stuffed animal from 4 years ago. Good medicine.

James

[TexasSprinter]

Best wishes for tomorrow!