question

[nadav]

Girls,
i was wondering ...............what would i need in the hospital?What kind of stuff should i bring with me?Can you shower there?I am trying to pack some things for tomorrow but i don't know what to bring with me or what would i need there that it may be useful.Thanks!

 

[OldManEmu]

Yes you can have a shower at the hospital, I had one on the third day and it was great! The only girl specific thing that was mentioned on the information sheet sent out before surgery was an old/looser bra to help support post operation. You will need the normal grooming items soap, shampoo, deodorant etc. You also will need slippers and some kind of gown to wear over your PJ's when they get you up and walking.

 

[Mary]

I took a shower the second day; a wonderful young nurse helped me--bless her heart forever! I was able to use a blow dryer, but you don't want to pack a heavy one; that would be too much weight.
I took Tampons because I started my period a few days in advance of surgery and continued for two weeks afterwards.
I didn't wear a bra at all for a month, but I did pack one.
Geebee suggested loose pants and an easy to button shirt. I was still very swollen by the time I was released, but I had packed thong/sandals to wear home so that was ok.

 

[Ross]

Girls,
i was wondering ...............what would i need in the hospital?

No Playgirl Magazines!

 

[Georgia]

I wasn't able to shower in the hospital so I suggest getting a dry shampoo to take with you just in case.

I'm real picky about pillows, so I took my own, with several cases. Also had it cleaned as soon as I got home (lots of perspiring and you exude the chemicals - ugh).

Magazines or short stories - concentration is a real issue, so novels are a waste of space.

A cd or tape player with soothing music for use in intensive care - VERY noisy and I found it distressing.

Oranges or tangerines - they'll have you on restricted fluids for a few days - and oranges aren't considered liquids (and don't anyone tell them).

Chapstick.

I never wore anything in the hospital except their duds, but slippers are a must.

I used a cell phone while I was in the hospital - but I think most places don't allow it on the ccu. Why I was allowed is beyond me. If you can use a cell, it's great and generally it's really hard to reach the phone on the bedside table.

Best of luck.

 

[jeffp]

Like Georgia said, slippers are a must, but make sure they have a non slip bottom. The last thing you need to do is take a tumble!
I had a long bout with lung issues afterwards and couldn't take a shower. I felt like my hair was a birds nest! ugh! Never did get into the shower in the room but did have one nurse help me wrap my upper body in a plastic bag from the spare pillow and take a sink hair wash. Take a hair brush (and tooth brush)
Also, as weird as it sounds...Take something like a back scratcher with you. Or a drumstick (the music type, not the chicken type). In the hospital I was in, the contols to adjust the bed were on the side at about elbow level. I had a terrible time getting my arm twisted about to get my hand to them and wound up using the end of the suction hose (for sucking the phlegm out of my throat) to get to the controls. Then they took the hose away. Had my son bring one of his drumsticks from band to me. Worked great. Also was good for threatening the vampires that would keep comming around to steal my blood The constant blood drawing and the food were the worst parts of the hospital stay!

 

[Mike]

CPICU at Upstate offers country & western and at least soft rock on the radio in your bedside control---there may have been more stations, but it was adequate for comforting noise for Mike for a couple of days; then we had the TV turned on for him and it was a good distraction. The non-slip footwear is a must for laps in the hallway. Mike had sponge baths while there and waited for home to get a decent shampoo. Loose-fitting fasten-in-the-front robes and tops seemed to be the fashion-right thing for the ladies there. Take whatever you think might make your mouth feel fresher; there's hot water for teas always available out by the frig in the hall---Mike liked soothing no-caffeine teas. Your tummy will be dictating what goes in your mouth. They always have ginger ale and ice cream available, too.
See you soon on the other side of the mountain; Mike and I will be up early tomorrow morning praying for you---and your sweetie as he waits.
Diana

 

[Karen7]

Top Three for Me

Top Three for Me

Girls,
i was wondering ...............what would i need in the hospital?What kind of stuff should i bring with me?Can you shower there?I am trying to pack some things for tomorrow but i don't know what to bring with me or what would i need there that it may be useful.Thanks!

I just had surgery and the three most useful items were

CHAPSTICK -- those ventilator tubes rub and the medicines dry you out.

PAJAMA BOTTOMS -- they want you walking in the hallway soon.

MENSTRUAL PADS -- even if you're not due. The heart-lung bypass machine apparently starts it in most pre-menopausal women. I found this out three days post-op when it "showed" and the nurse told me. I thought they should have mentioned it in advance because at the time, it seemed like the "last straw "

 

[nadav]

thanks

thanks

Thank you all for your useful advices. Talk to you soon.