Hi Wendy,
My surgery ( translab) was last year on Oct 24th at UAB in Birmingham, Alabama. Surgery was on a Thursday, I was moved out of ICU on Sunday afternoon and discharged on Monday afternoon. Your husband will sleep a lot during the first few days. I suggest books, magazines, iPads, etc for you and your daughters to pass the time (I am assuming your daughters are older- if not, I suggest games you all can play together).
If your husband's facial nerve is damaged and he is not able to blink, he will want something for his eye to keep it moist. I was provided gel drops in the hospital but would have preferred eye ointment. If he wears glasses, take the arm off the AN side so he can use them when he has his bandage on (it will be lopsided, but at least he will be able to see). He may also want a patch to put on his eye. There are self adhesive patches you can purchase at the pharmacy (you don't want the kind with the elastic band). I also wanted lip moisturizer as well. I did enjoy magazines when I felt up to reading something. I didn't even attempt to use my phone in the hospital since I figured my texts probably wouldn't make much sense anyway!
A wedge pillow will be a big help if he is not already using one.
I am glad your daughters will be with you as I think that will be good for all of you. I hope all goes well with your husband's surgery and his recovery! Please let us hear from you
Anne
