What should I take to the hospital?

[RickKiem]

I am well on my way to getting things at home prepared but just realized that I have no idea what I might need or want to have with me at the hospital. I know that all you guys and gals will have some advice on what kind of things I might take to make things a little more comforatble while I am away from home.

I didn't get to take my boys to the zoo yesterday as my older son had a halloween party at his school but we did go to that and had a great time. We did spend the rest of the afternoon playing together and had dinner with their grand parents last night. I am going to take them to the Zoo tommorow if they aren't to sick from all the candy they will eat tonight. They are really exicted about trick or treating and I think we will let them stay up as late as they want! My wife is holding it together pretty well and is even trying to get me to take care of some of the things on the hunnydo list before the surgery.

Well I better get a little more climbing in as I still haven't made it to the top. Thanks again for everyone's support!

Rick

 

[tommy]

Rick,

The hospital will provide your necessities.

Bring something to help occupy your mind - book, mag, your favorite toothbrush, something comfy to wear (unless you like hospital fashion), a pair of socks and slippers to keep your toes warm. Assuming you live close, your wife can bring anything else that you may need on a return trip.

Leave your valuables at home. Take off all jewelry including rings at home or they will yank them off in pre-op.

Relax as best you can. Bring a sense of humor and patience.

We will be thinking of you.

 

[pillarpaul]

Rick,

You are doing the right thing keeping busy beforehand. As for what to take, I suggested to Christina to take "trash" magazines. I took books but just couldn't quite focus long enough to read that deep meaning of life stuff . I highly recommend Entertainment Weekly, my secret trash reading. Actually, it's very funny and extremely well written. Tom is right - all necessities will be provided. Phone numbers of anyone you want to call would be good. You know, it's amazing - I'm only six months out and I can barely remember being in the hospital! Best of luck to you.

Paul

 

[JetService]

When I went in for my actual surgery, I took nothing at all except some paperwork they told me to bring and my medications. The rest can be brought up later by a loved one AFTER you get to your regular room. Otherwise you have to have someone schlep it around until then. I did pack everything myself prior so I knew what I had. The things I valued the most during my stay was my own clothes (a MUST) which included lounge pants and T-shirts (make sure your pants have pockets so you can put the heart monitor transmitter in it when walking around); a CD player & my favorite CDs; and fishing magazines. That's all I needed to be perfectly comfortable. The hospital provided the rest. The theme here is comfort and alleviating boredom. People were up to visit a lot and I knew that I could always ask someone to bring anything I decided I needed later. Good luck and I hope you get back home soon!!!

P.S. The magazine don't have to be fishing magazines, but something you like

 

[MelissaM]

My favorite is travel board games - mindless, yet interactive and entertaining. . .

 

[hensylee]

Most of the time you will be sleeping or exercising. You won't be able to concentrate, as others have said, long enough to read much. Go home in a button down the front shirt or extra, extra large tshirt so as not to bother your sternum incision - its a bit touchy. I was provided with everything I needed, except underwear.