AlexMichelle wrote:Oh my, that's a lot of attachments. My doctor said to plan on six days due to open surgery as long as no complications.... too long. Last time my hospital room was so small that maneuvering the IV pole around things to get to bathroom or to walk hallway was challenging.
Maggie Nell wrote:Hello AlexMichelle,
At least six days in hospital - I was in for eight days and being emergency surgery didn't have time to pack my bags and
bring in books, magazines, not even the charger for my mobile phone. My roomies had laptops with Kindle books and their
best jammies (PJs) and snacks - they had their favourite snacks! Soo......how are you preparing to occupy your time,
got a book you've been meaning to read but don't have the time....what about something for that 'annoying' roomie who wants
to dump their problems on you? Earplugs iPod......
What goodies are going in your hospital bag. Christmas is around the corner, good time to get your cards done and ready to
be mailed out. I'm a quilter and if I'd had the time, I would have packed some handpiecing to do but as I didn't, I just had to
content myself with watching the movies on this massive flatscreen TV - and that was like heaven-on-a-stick because I don't
have a flatscreen at home.
I didn't have time to get way anxious but I went into that surgery with full-blown Panic Disorder/Agoraphobia riding shotgun
and I know a thing or five about how to shift focus off the 'last time' and roll into a future experience with trust.
Forget about soldiering on - this aint the Army, it's civvie street.
So.........whatcha packing?
AlexMichelle wrote:... Any words of wisdom you can share for my open surgery in five days would be appreciated. I'm so nervous. My anxiety level is so high, but I keep trying to take deep breaths.
AlexMichelle wrote:Maggie Nell, your post made me laugh. Yes, ear phones an absolute must! I even slept with mine in last time because hospital is so noisy. Great for blocking out chatty roommate and sad sounds from other rooms. Ok, your post made me realize I need to pack pretty, comfy pajamas and a robe. Will be nice to get out of hospital gown. You asked what I'm packing for entertainment.... I have several audio books, my kindle with loads of books, my iPad where I can go on Facebook, Pinterest, You Tube, Netflix, Instagram, Pandora, and FaceTime with family. I was considering taking my laptop to also be able to do all those things but was thinking it might not be comfortable to maneuver after open surgery. Wish I knew if it was good idea or not. I also have a nice silk eye mask to block out the world when I need to do so. Was your surgery open or laparoscopic? You must have been so ready to get out of there after eight days.
Yes, NHMike, I bet it is annoying to the nursing staff that they have to tap us because we have our earphones in, but such a necessity.
Tammylane, I did plan for those smells. I bought a nice light citrus spray where I tiny squirt is a game changer! Last time, I didn't have anything and I became nauseous many times from odors.
Thanks, guys! Anything else I should pack?
AlexMichelle wrote:Tammylane, were the pain meds able to control most of the pain after your open surgery while you were in hospital and when you returned home? Was the pain a lot more intense with the open? Why did you have open surgery? You mentioned you had both laparoscopic and open. How difficult is it to take care of the stitched area? Were you able to wear stretchy type pants home from the hospital or should I plan on a long maxi dress so that nothing is touching my stomach? Thanks, Tammylane.
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