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Post by Ginger on Jan 4, 2012 17:41:11 GMT -5
Hello all! I am preparing for surgery and I wanted to know a couple of things.
1. Should I bring anything to the hospital that would make my stay better?
2. After surgery what will be my wounds? I am having laparoscopy.
My situation is that I am coming from out of state to do the surgery so I need to be very prepared for after. I won't have the comforts of home.
Thanks in advance!
Ginger
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Post by Sharyn, RN on Jan 4, 2012 19:52:53 GMT -5
Hello all! I am preparing for surgery and I wanted to know a couple of things. 1. Should I bring anything to the hospital that would make my stay better? 2. After surgery what will be my wounds? I am having laparoscopy. My situation is that I am coming from out of state to do the surgery so I need to be very prepared for after. I won't have the comforts of home. Thanks in advance! Ginger The nurse in me says, "Please don't bring ANYTHING to the hospital. You will be provided EVERYTHING you need. You will be on major narcotic pain meds, so you won't be alert enough to read books or magazines. Also, God forbid, you don't want to junk up your room so badly that the nursing staff can't get to you in an emergent situation. Having said that, bring your cell phone, a robe, and some slippers. 2. After surgery what will be my wounds? I am having laparoscopy.Your incisions will be so minimal that they will be nearly nonexistant. After they completely close up, you might want to put some vitamin E oil on them to minimize them. Otherwise, they will need nothing. Afterwards, you will need your clear liquids ~ jello, diluted juices, broth, SF popsicles, etc. And a pillow to splint your abdomen for the return trip. |
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Post by stlfocus on Jan 4, 2012 20:04:07 GMT -5
Bring chapstick as you will likely be terribly dry.
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Post by Sharyn, RN on Jan 4, 2012 20:17:07 GMT -5
Bring chapstick as you will likely be terribly dry. The hospital will provide lip balm. ;D |
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Post by bigcoop on Jan 4, 2012 20:25:35 GMT -5
keep going I"m taking notes too
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Psyche
Full Member
DS ♦ 08/06/2009
Posts: 118
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Post by Psyche on Jan 4, 2012 20:37:26 GMT -5
My hospitals have never provided lip balm. Meanies!
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Post by Ginger on Jan 4, 2012 21:31:24 GMT -5
Wonderful, thank you! I can always use Lip Balm!  |
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wonkad
Junior Member
Posts: 52
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Post by wonkad on Jan 4, 2012 21:42:33 GMT -5
Ditto to what everyone else wrote. Great advice!
Bring some sanitary napkins...didn't happen to me but I've read that it's common to start on your period after surgery.
Fresh underwear.
A wireless bra. The wire could be uncomfortable on your bloated abdomen.
Gas strips...my surgeon wanted me to walk off the gas pains. Now that was a load of BS!
Good luck!!!
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Post by SLVinNorCA on Jan 4, 2012 22:19:01 GMT -5
I like having wet wipes close by. And someone mentioned bringing a small portable fan for those who are unusually warm. I'm buying new slippers (ones that easier to walk with). Can't think of anything else just yet.
But Congrats Ginger!
S~
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Psyche
Full Member
DS ♦ 08/06/2009
Posts: 118
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Post by Psyche on Jan 4, 2012 22:37:22 GMT -5
Oh gads, yes! Wet Wipes are a must! As are ear plugs. I loathe hospital sounds when I am trying to sleep.
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Post by So Blessed on Jan 5, 2012 8:56:31 GMT -5
Wearing loose fitting clothes and shoes that you don't have to bend over and tie will make your trip home more comfortable.
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paige
New Member
Posts: 38
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Post by paige on Jan 5, 2012 9:31:21 GMT -5
this is just me, but what bothered me most was my hair so bring in some spray in shampoo and clips to make yourself feel human! I was not under heavy narcs and was only given and only needed an IV combo of essentially ibuprofen and Tylenol and my hair bothered me! lol Other than that, def a robe and slip on shoes because you will be up walking the halls. I was glad to have my phone to touch base with my son but I was in and out of sleep for the first day so really could have done without it, if I did not have an anxious four year old at home worried for his mama.
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paige
New Member
Posts: 38
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Post by paige on Jan 5, 2012 9:32:22 GMT -5
Oh and I had the single incision laproscopic sleeve, or spider sleeve. I have about a 2.5 inch incision going just under my belly button horizontally.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2012 12:14:39 GMT -5
Only other thing I recommend is a pillow for the trip home. Keep things simple you won't need much beyond personal hygiene items, CHAP STICK is a MUST!
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Post by NHpod9 on Jan 6, 2012 16:32:57 GMT -5
Interesting how everyone's experiences differed.
1. Should I bring anything to the hospital that would make my stay better?
I didn't bring much: lipbalm, my glasses, and three magazines. I wore the same clothes (very loose) home that I wore in. I'm also glad that I had slip-on shoes. However, I wish I had brought more to do, especially more magazines. I couldn't have focused on a novel, but the magazines kept me occupied.
2. After surgery what will be my wounds? I am having laparoscopy.
I have five small scars from the lap. I have no recollection of them bothering me and they healed without incident.
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Post by Ginger on Jan 21, 2012 11:40:48 GMT -5
OK, I am back from the surgery and hospital. So, for others that are going to have it. I did not use the PJ's at all, I bought slipper socks that came in handy. The LIP BALM is a MUST!!! I would also bring an extra pillow for the hospital and the CAR RIDE HOME! You will need something to support your stomach in case you want to turn on your side or the bumps on the ride home. Other than Lip Balm, I needed nothing. The first day you are pretty much in and out so entertainment is not needed. The second day you deal with the upper GI and your first meal, I just watched TV and my hospital had internet.
Thanks for all the advice.
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Post by elenamurray1 on Jan 21, 2012 14:15:09 GMT -5
Hope your"re doing well!
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MEZ
Full Member
RNY 12/6/2011 James A. Harris
Posts: 111
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Post by MEZ on Jan 25, 2012 10:05:00 GMT -5
1. Should I bring anything to the hospital that would make my stay better?
The things I really used included lip balm and my cell phone.
The thing I really wished I had brought, was a small fan. It was relatively warm outside and they had already switched to heat, so no matter what I set the thermostat in the room to, I was hot all night. The nursing staff kept looking for a fan for me, but never came up with one (I'm guessing it was a pretty common request that day).
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