What Should I pack for my trip?

[Tobeycat1134]

I am having surgery on June 22 at House Ear Institute.  I will be traveling from Florida.  What should I pack?

[ColleenS]

Hi there, I have put together a list from various lists I have seen on this forum. My list has additional things since I will be staying at a hotel for 3-7 days since I am traveling from out of state too... Hope it helps 

Hospital & After List:
1)   Lip balm
2)   Neck wrap – microwaveable
3)   Popsicles, saltines, chicken soup, lollipops
4)   Button up shirts/ pjs
5)   Music & headphone
6)   Phone & charger
7)   Baby wipes
   Toiletries
9)   Hair bands
10)   Slippers – non slip
11)   Sweats
12)   Walking clothes and sneakers
13)   Kindle – for audio book – will not be able to concentrate to read
14)   Snacks/drinks for family for the waiting room
15)   Sunglasses – sun will be too much
16)   Front zip hoodie
17)   Pillow from home
18)   Small basket to put “stuff” in by my bed
19)   M & Ms
20)   Frebreeze
21)   Lotion
22)   Ear plug
23)   No tears shampoo/conditioner
24)   Music/phone band for walking
25)   Trekking sticks

[mandihester]

Pack dry shampoo!!!  You aren't suppose to get the incision site wet for a while so washing your hair will be very hard if not impossible.  Dry shampoo was a life saver for me!

[researcher]

Take a pair of cheap sunglasses and break off the arm on the side of your AN. That way the sunglasses arm will not bother your incision site.

I have long hair. One of the folks that prepped me for surgery braided my hair in small braids near my incision. They also use some bacitracin ointment on the incision. It is like petroleum jelly and is hard to wash out of your hair. So, I would also suggest a wide tooth comb.

I also had a shawl that I would wear over my head to keep the incision area cleaner when I went out in public. You could also have a very clean soft hat or beret.