ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: Kate B on February 03, 2008, 09:00:27 am
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Some questions have universal information. This topic is one of them started back in 2005. Atlhough it is located in the archives, it deserves a repeat for those considering surgery now.(Many people posted suggestions back then)
Let me start the dialogue again.
Oftentimes people want to know what to bring to the hospital in order to prepare for surgery. This is the start of the list. Please add what you found helpful so that others can go prepared.
The rudimentary beginning of a list:
1. Button or zippered top to change into when leaving the hospital
2. Slip on shoes.
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More items for the hospital.
Lip balm
Refresh Liquigel in case of dry eye for daytime use. I was only given "tears" which weren't strong enough.
May need to take bow off glasses as may not fit over bandage
I used a cosmetic bag to keep things together as the bedside table isn't real big
Face cleaner wipes were handier than face wash. Face lotion. Forget make up. You won't feel like it. Soft compact toothbrush as may have sore jaw.
Robe for walking in the hall.
Picture of kids or grandkids! Helps brighten the spirits.
Cheryl R
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Lip balm for sure!!
photos of family and friends
and those disposable toothpaste things that go on your finger, I forget the name brand.
Oh and deodorant is a good thing too.
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A comfortable pillow that doesn't make squishy, crinkly plastic noises when you put your head on it.
Sunglasses to wear home. You won't believe how bright it can be out there when you can't close your eye!
And have someone bring you some ice cream to stash in the nurse's freezer. Very soothing on a sore throat...
I second the deodorant! :D
Lori
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I found the previous thread with suggestions from previous surgery patients.
I hope this helps as you pack.
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=34.msg154#msg154
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i just got out the hospital, all i used was slippers and lip balm even though I gad other items packed, since I was in ICU for 3 days no change needed, on the 4th day I was released
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I found a bathing suit or swimming trunks were needed to help my son shower. This could also be helpful for those that have to stay longer and have balance or dizziness problems. You don't have to wait on a nurses aide to help when you come prepared. Teenagers do not want someone they do not know helping them shower anyways. We also found it helpful as he stabilized and started sleeping through the night that some tylenol pm was great for us to get some sleep. Also a shower cap if you have an incision that can not get wet.
When he was transferred to inpatient rehab we decorated his room with some of his posters from home. We also put pictures of him doing all of the things he could do before his surgery and stroke on the door to his room. We had an unexpected result and everyone started to treat him differently and this really suprised us. They did not see him as a brain tumor, post surgical and stroke patient and started to treat him like a normal teenage boy. I did notice when we left all the doors had the same sort of tribute on them. I am glad we could help the staff see how much the kids just wanted to be treated like they were still just the same as before on the inside anyways.
We also talked to the nurses and got the OK to bring in his wiener dog for a short visit. However the Neurologist came in and caught us as Sammy Little Wiener decided it would be good if he protected him and started barking and growling. It really was good for our Son and lifted his spirits more than anyone had anticipated. I don't know if I recommend this without approval. ;) 16
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Didn't find PJs necessary - basically wore the hospital gowns the entire time - but slippers and a robe were very helpful for walking the hallways; something you'll have to do before they'll release you.
And as Lori said, sunglasses for the trip home were essential.
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In regards to the hospital, how was the car ride home from the hospital? Any words of wisdom to make it a gentler ride home? We live about 30-40 minutes from the hospital and I was just curious in regards to balence and motion if the ride home was difficult. I have to get home some how, and I have warned my husband when the time comes, to please dry gently!
Hope
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My car ride from the hospital was approximately one hour. I felt nauseus most of the way; I think it was due to the motion of the car. But keep in mind I hadn't ventured outside of my hospital room - except to briefly walk down the hall - for 5 days. I also had a big issue with nausea post op, so maybe my experience wasn't what others experienced.
The ride did get better the longer I was in the car - probably my body getting used to the movement of the car. I wasn't horribly uncomfortable, but it didn't feel "normal" either.
As Lori suggested, wear sunglasses - even if the day is overcast. For some reason my eyes were very sensitive to daylight post op; the sunglasses were a huge help.
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I have a 2 1/2 hr ride to the hospital and have did fine with all my surgeries. I also sat up all the times as am not way to lay down in a car. I had no nausea. I did get kind of a weird feel in the head when we were going 70 and it felt better when drove a little slower. That was only the last trip after my 2nd surgery in 2 weeks for the CSF leak.
Hopefully it will go fine for you. Cheryl R
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I did not like my ride home from the hospital after my AN was removed. The streets were in bad shape and we had to go Interstate 95 with crazy people driving. I was nervous and anxious to get home. Each visit back to my dr got easier but it took several visits before I felt comfortable (take a pillow). I don't know how folks could travel far to get this done. I was about 45 minutes away from my Dr and it felt like a major trip the first few visits. When I had my eye operated on about a year later, I had to drive about 1 1/2 hours to my dr, didn't care for those trips either. Make sure someone is available to drive you back and forth for at least the first month or two. I didn't drive myself to the Dr until about 2 1/2 months. My husband wanted to go so he could be there with me when I met with the Dr.
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My suggestion is: don't over-pack.
Remember, this isn't a vacation at a resort and, in the immediate aftermath of surgery, even the ladies won't be concerned much about how they look. The nurses are used to seeing sick people and, aside from any medical concerns, hardly care about passing judgment on anyone's appearance. I realized this when my wife was hospitalized (due to undergoing back surgery) for 5 days the year before I was diagnosed and had my AN operated on. She never wears makeup and has very, very short hair, all of which were to her distinct advantage as she slowly recuperated in the hospital after her surgery. She did ask me to being disposable 'wipes' for her face but aside from that and some (low-calorie) snack food, she didn't need much and when my 'turn' as a hospital patient came, neither did I.
All I really needed in the hospital (4 days in ICU, ½ day in a semi-private room before a mid-day discharge) were my sneakers (for walking the hallways), a robe from home and a few paperback books that I hardly read, as my vision was a bit unfocused for the first few days after surgery. It returned quickly. I slept a good deal of the time in ICU and read or watched TV when awake. The 'pillow from home' is a good idea that I wish I had thought of. Still, with my post-op fatigue, I slept just fine. I think a lot of folks bring stuff they never need or use to the hospital while some don't bring what they should. This thread should help remedy that.
Jim
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The only things I found I really used from home were:
1) pillow (the hospital ones were horrid)
2) socks (ditto about the hospital ones)
3) slip on shoes (hospital floors are germ infested nightmares - you don't want to walk around in socks or bare feet and then put those in your bed!). I used a pair of Crocs - easy to get on-off, and when you get home you can throw them in the washing machine with hot water to kill all the nasty hospital floor junk.
Katie
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Hope~
I only had to go from the medial center in Houston out about 30 minutes (& then back a couple of times when they were afraid I had a leak) but the road was AWFUL (Pierce Elevated??). They have since redone it but it was TORTURE on my head -- probably when I went back more than when I initially came home. If at all possible, drive the route 1st and see if there are any horrible "bumps" and just plan a different route to avoid any extra unpleasantness!
K
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I cant speak for the young ones but if I go under again I'm definetly bringing a cell phone and a credit card this way I can order some real food and get phone calls 24/7 instead of the switchboard room thing, an iPod is a must also.
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Many people have offered some suggestions on what to take to the hospital.
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Hi there,
I even started a thread on this before my surgery! I brought pj's and a robe which I did put on once I got into my room. I packed but did not use slippers, reading material and other things. Here's what I would pack if I had it to do over:
Robe
PJ's only if the top has buttons
Underwear
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Mild pre-moistened facial washcloths (used them all over and they made me feel a ton better)
LIP BALM
Button shirt for going home since putting anything on over my head was an adventure and not a good one
Sunglasses with gauze for the part that goes on your ear. My incision was very close to that spot and the sunglasses made me crazy so I just closed my eyes for the trip home.
Make-up if you're a woman, just because you never know if you'll feel good enough to use it. I didn't but you never know...
Good luck,
Marci
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I hate to differ, but I'd leave the makeup at home :P
The iPod also. I brought my iPod to the hospital and since I ended up being SSD from the surgery, it was very discouraging to try to listen to music the way I normally did. It wasn't until I got home and started reading this forum that I found out about a mono plug for my iPod and thankfully started listening to it again. There's also the matter of the huge mastoid bandage that lots of us wore post op.
The cell phone is a great idea, but make sure you ask hospital personnel if it's okay to use it. As you probably know, lots of areas of the hospital restrict cell phone usage since cell phones interfere with certain medical machines.
My best advice, is don't overpack. The hospital pretty much provides you with most of what you'll need.
Jan
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Sorry Jan, I'm a chronic over-packer. It's a serious issue for me. :D You are however, right. You really don't "need" to bring anything to the hospital, they do give you almost everything.
Marci (even over-pack my purse)
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Marci -
I generally overpack also. My brother, who travels a lot for business, gave me this tip. Pack your suitcase the night before then the next morning remove half of what you packed. I find this to be great advice - not that I ever follow it :D
As for the makeup, maybe I just can't fathom it because I rarely wear any. I was floored when my brother's girlfriend had to blow dry her hair plus put on a full face of makeup before heading to the beach last month ::) Guess I'm just low maintenance ;)
Jan
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Jan:
You're just like my wife! She has never worn makeup and has very short hair that requires little 'maintenance'. I think she looks great (and often tell her so). I wouldn't want her to change a thing. She's been hospitalized quite a few times for various problems, mainly spinal surgeries, and not needing to fret about her hair or be concerned with putting on make-up is a little time-and-effort-saving bonus. She has also learned to pack light and knows that if she really needs anything, I'll bring it to her. I followed her example when I had my AN surgery (first time hospitalized since I was eight years old) and it worked out splendidly. I had all I needed and if I didn't, she brought it to me from home. I recommend this approach in lieu of the long list of 'necessary' items some folks seem to think they'll desperately need.
I understand that ladies have some extra requirements and most use make-up and have concerns about their hair and general appearance - that's perfectly normal. I'm simply noting that having AN surgery and a hospital stay, some of it in the ICU, isn't quite the same as going away on a vacation. I also know that some women find the hairdo-and-makeup routine comforting and soothing. If that is the case, they should certainly follow that instinct. I'm just saying that for some women, there are other options to be pursued when packing for a hospital stay. I agree with you and others that 'packing light' is a very practical idea.
Jim
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Jim -
sounds like your wife is a woman after my own heart - no makeup and very short hair means we have a lot in common 8)
I was too busy post op dealing with double-vision, nausea, and dizziness to give any thought to my looks - despite the fleeting idea that there might be some very attractive, single doctors present ;) LOL
Jan
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Marci~
I am an overpacker too and married into a family of VERY LIGHT packers (they also have traveled a LOT more than me). I always have what we need when we go on these big family trips though!! I was VERY proud of myself this weekend - I only took ONE pair of shoes for the whole weekend!! Can you believe that one?? I took 2 pair for each of my girlies!
K ;D
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Kay,
If I only took one pair of shoes on a vacation I'd have to buy a pair. I just couldn't do it.
M
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Marci~
I have to come clean and say that it was at a Hyatt Resort that has a Lazy River and that is all we do. I just took some kind of nice looking flip-flops (black Privo! w/ cute white polka dots) - that is about all I wear in summer anyway! We did go out to the really nice resort restarant the last night (just adults) but they did fine - the dress said "Business Casual" but they obviously didn't enforce it since all our guys only had shorts or jeans! I looked better than some...
K
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Ditto what Jan said on leaving the make-up at home! The way I see it, when you've got a giant bandage on your head, goop in your hair, a black eye, IV's and drains sticking out of you - no one is going to be admiring your make-up!
I can't honestly say that while I was working as a nurse, I ever walked into a hospital room and said "Well, she looks like death warmed over, but her makeup is fabulous!".
I tend to overpack for vacations, but for me, packing for the hospital requires a toothbrush, some pj's, undies and socks and chap stick! Other than that, if they don't provide it there, I probably don't need it. Of course, there is the usual request for ice cream once I'm settled in a room. Can't really pack that in advance!
Lori - truly low-maintenance, although my husband won't admit it.