ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: kimberly on April 18, 2008, 08:04:28 am
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Hello :)
I am having surgery in May and am not exactly sure of what to bring to the hospital with me. I think I saw it on this site some where else at one point, but am unable to locate it today. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate them.
thank you,
kimberly
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Hi Kimberly-
I'm headed to the hospital in 12 (gasp!) days myself. I asked during my pre-admit meeting what I could/should bring and here's what they said:
toilety items (moisurizer, etc - whatever I want to bring)
slippers (if I don't want to wear the sockie things they provide)
pajamas (only if I don't want to wear their festive gown the entire time)
They said no jewelry (even wedding band), so I'm leaving that all in the safe. I got the impression that if I brought nothing, it would be perfectly okay - the things I am planning to bring are more for my own comfort (emotional and physical) than anything. I'll be interested to see what others have to say on this.
Debbi - getting ready in NJ...
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How odd - I remember that thread too, and planned to check on it before I went in....but now I can't seem to find it when I search! I think it was even titled the same!
Any help on finding it? I remember it was pretty comprehensive...
Tamara
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Any help on finding it? I remember it was pretty comprehensive...
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=34.0
:)
Phyl
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Hi Kimberly
I am sure the list Phyl provided was comprehensive. My best advice -- PJs and a robe and comfortable shoes, slippers -- you'll be spending time walking the hospital hallways.
Please don't forget to add your name and surgery date to the calendar so we can all be there pulling for you.
http://my.calendars.net/an_treatments/d01/05/2008?display=M&style=B&positioning=A
Best wishes.
David
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.... most recent/updated thread, found in "Microsurgery" forum....
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5830.0
Ok, I'm done searching..... :)
P
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Phyl -
what would we do without you? I couldn't find these posts when I searched earlier today either.
Jan
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Thank you everyone! that was most helpful :)
kimberly
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Kimberly~
I can't live w/o chapstick - I always want it in the hospital! I also really wanted my Ironman watch -- I am legally blind w/o correction so I could hold this right up to my face (& the indiglo was great at night)!
K
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Kimberly -
don't know if it's on the list or not, but having a bathrobe that you can wear when you have to walk the halls is a good idea. Those lovely hospital gowns just never seem to cover the backside ;)
Jan
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Hi Kimberly: One of my coworkers gave me her 4X4 mirror - I was very happy to have that. Also, some hard candy came in handy !
(I personally like the organic candies !).
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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definately chapstick and a toothbrush
I also had my cell phone since the phone in my room never worked
my own pillow was also comforting
Hope
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I found the lists on all sites very helpful.....I've got 24 days to go, btu I always plan ahead....So I have started gathering things I know I will want to have with me: comfy pj's, a robe, slippers, chapstick, mositurizer, suckers, a cozy pillow, my favorite cozy throw blanket, a picture of my kids, hair scruchies, my heated neck pad, dry shampoo, adn other necessary toiletries.
I've seen lots of posts and great suggestions.....
Melissa
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The hospital I was in wouldn't let me have chapstick because of the oils in it. I had oxygen for 3 days. They will give you a special lip moisturizer in the hospital if you need oxygen while you're there.
Just wanted to let you know.
Dani
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Hi all! I would definitely recommend that you bring a pair of sunglasses for when you are discharged from the hospital. My left eye was bothering me because of my facial weakness and the sun was not my friend.
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Mary-
So glad you reminded me/us of that - I've just added it to my packing list! Since I'll have a 90-minute drive home, this will be very helpful.
Debbi (B minus Three)
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Not sure if it's been posted yet...but a pillow for your ride home is useful.
PS - don't let your father-in-law drive you home, mine hit every pot-hole on the streets on NYC.
Joe-
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You might want to check on cell phone usage in the hospital. If theres a telemetry (heart monitoring) unit anywhere nearby, you shouldn't use the cell phone. They'll be able to tell you though.
I have to say, I really didn't use anything I brought with me - except my pillow, my sweats and my chapstick. They have toothbrushes, hair combs, soap, shampoo, powder, lotion.. pretty much anything you'd need. I really didn't care much how I looked in my lovely hospital gown - I just threw my sweatpants on underneath while walking the halls so as not to give anyone a free show. Besides, I figured it was less laundry for me to worry about when I got home.
Sunglasses for the ride home are definitely needed though!
And Joe, husbands can hit a lot of potholes too! I think mine even backed up to hit one he had missed the first time on my trip home!!
Lori
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My one thing that bugged me in the hospital every time is that all the nurses gave me in the day was just natural tears. That first surgery in 2001 I used a bumch of it. Of course in time I found that we needed the heavier Refresh Liquigel and that has been my favorite ever since. I make sure and take it with me when I have surgery. I am just amazed that one needs eye drops usually when has the AN surgery and they won't give us the stronger kind. At night I was given the right heavy overnight type. So anyone coming up with surgery soon might be in better shape to have the Refresh Liquigel with you when you go.
Cheryl R