Goin in Wednesday--please check my checklist

[shegiles]

Hi everyone. The toilet seat has been purchased, the grabbers secured, lights near my bed with the switch on the chord are in place. Got a cane, a tv tray and a breakfast in bed tray. Got a shower stool and a corner standing shower caddy. In posts I just read, I'm hearing that I should get some reusable ice packs. I've had a series of trusty heating pads for years already. I have pillows a plenty and extra blankets. Even a new cordless tea kettle to streamline the tea making process. Got a little notebook to keep track of meds, and a pill caddy--you know, a guy to follow me around all day with my drugs to tell which ones to take when. I keed. But come to think of it, my father will likely do that the first couple of weeks.

Is there anything I'm forgetting that you think I will need?

In case I hadn't already mentioned it--the automatic cat litter box that I bought to solve the problem of not being able to scoop the poop for months is a dream machine. I could not recommend it more highly. The litter robot.

[lelc2002@yahoo]

Holly-you sound well prepared. If you can get a large ice pad/pack, I would highly recommend it. I got mine from the rehab where I went after the hospital. I used it constanly in the rehab to help me sleep & at home too.
I have since passed it on to another forum member!
good luck with your surgery & recovery. Lynne

[bjmk18]

9/30/07

Dear Sheguiles,

Thank you for sharing the useful items list-- many of which we may have not thought about ahead of time. Our 25 year old daughter's surgery is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 29th at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC with Dr. Antonacci.

Will keep you in prayers. May all go well for you in every way.
Look forward to hearing how you are doing.

bjmk18

[Singer]

Don't forget chapstick! Keep it within reach at the hospital and at home. Best of luck to you!

[crepehanger]

Good Luck to you, dear! They will give you laxatives at the hospital and you'll have to keep that all regulated after you get home, and I liked feeling clean during that time. And you might have night sweats, so you might keep a couple of extra gowns nearby. The hospital gave me the eggshell mattress I slept on and I really liked the cushion it gave me. God Bless... Lisa

[trulyaries]

The TV remote. It will be a while before you can think about using your brain for anything beyond staring mindlessly at the tube. I keep a small basket on my bedtable with hand cream, chapstick, dental floss, fingernail file, travel size packet of hand wipes. I also kept a basket on the bed next to me with drugs, tissues, and bagged snacks, and a small cooler with extra bottles of water (I'm always thirsty). After the first week or so I didn't always have someone with me to "fetch," so you might not need all of this. We'll be cheering for you.

[flowerpower]

facial wipes to keep your face clean at hospital and home. They came in handy for my son. Best wishes for a successful, uncomplicated surgery and recovery.

Renee

[geo]

Sounds good Holly - I can't believe your time is here! I hope you are feeling good and ready to do this.
I'd second the chapstick, ice pack(s), wipes, laxatives, and remote. I really craved fruit when I got home, and I've heard that from others. So things like little packaged applesauces, mixed fruit or peaches or pears, and jello or pudding are great to have, besides being handy to eat while taking meds. I also got a large wedge pillow that I still can't sleep without, but you may have a different preference.
Can't wait to hear from you in the future!

[shegiles]

I'll follow up each one!

I don't know what I'd do without you guys.

Holly

[nzgirl]

I've got a list of DVD's and TV series that I want to borrow for watching during my recovery. I've sent it out to my friends to ask them to bring them, or any others that they think I might like. It's true, you don't feel like doing anything other than watch mind numbing TV!
I also have a notebook which I'll put a list of things that people can do for me when I'm not well, including things to help reassure me when I'm stressing out and in pain.
Best wishes for your surgery!

[rainbow2010]

Put a couple weeks worth of your favorite meals in the freezer. Then you will be able to zap them in a microwave and have them when you don't have any help. Stock up on your favorite comfort foods. The meds used during and after surgery can make you constipated, so have something on hand for that. My daughter and I both used yogurt for that problem. It helps to get your stomach back in shape faster. Good luck

[abhbarry]

I've skimmed this so I don't know if someone already mentioned it - but you'll need bendy straws! They are life savers for drinking and you will drink A LOT!!! I have this amazing icepack (am wearing it right now) that has a strap to go around your waist (or wherever) so you can wear it even if you're not sitting or laying down. It is truly a blessing.

I would also put together a list of emergency/contact numbers for those helping you out - including where your pharmacy is, etc.

Best of luck,
Anya

[suzyjay]

Don't forget laxatives and stool softeners - I used Senokot and CVS brand stool softeners. Make sure you get laxatives as soon as get out of surgery remind your nurses. For the hospital you may want to have a few pairs of shorts to wear under your hospital gown. When I was in the hospital I wore three gowns because every gown was missing at least 1 string so I had to tie strings from all 3 together to keep myself covered when I had to get up or walk in the hallway. My roommate had a pair of shorts so she didn't have to worry about covering up. There were always visitors and construction workers in the halls - the hospital was being and still is being remodeling and the room next to mine was being redone so we had a bunch of construction men outside our room they did stare at me everytime I came out of my room to walk, so I had to make sure I was always covered. Another thing about the hospital since the construction was going on next door from my room we had to listen to jack hammers and a bunch of banging for a good part of the day.

Sue

[Singer]

Regarding laxatives: the Rolls Royce of laxatives, in my book, is MiraLax. It's the only one that works for me without making me feel weird. Ask for it as soon as you're conscious and/or mobile enough to worry about such things.

[SoonerSonia]

HAHAHAHA! Rolls Royce of laxatives!!!! TOO Funny!