Roseanne37
Member
What items did you find most helpful in the hospital, post surgery. Or wish that you had taken them with you. Thank you in advance.
Surgery Hospital Needs
- Thread starter Roseanne37
- Start date
dianeseattle
Member
If you have sleep apnea, you should insist that they let you bring your own mask and even your machine. They put me on some kind of weird double mask that covered my face and they did not know the setting I needed. It was so rude. I really would talk to your doctor in advance and make sure that your prescription is sent to the hospital or that you are allowed to bring your own, which is unlikely in this age of COVID.
They also would not let me bring my own meds which was even Ruder. I remember this nurse treating me like I was a child trying to break my pill up into powder and mix it into grape Jell-O. Let me say that again. Grape Jell-O. The pill was extremely bitter oh, the grape Jell-O was awful and did not cover the taste, and the nurse literally shoved the spoon into my mouth and would not take it out until I chewed the pill.
Man, I must have blocked that out. But I remember it now. I also was unable to adjust my bed and I was slouching down and it in such a way that it was affecting my ability to get oxygen and my pulse-ox dipped dangerously low. I had the world's greatest surgeon. But in retrospect I am now realizing that I had the world's worst nurses. And you guys know how wonderful I think nurses are. These nurses just shove me around, ignored me, bullied me and treated me like dirt.
I had a full shoulder replacement a few years ago and what a difference time makes. Everybody on my surgical team from the orthopods to the nurses to the physical therapists bent over backward to make sure that everything was correct, including my medications, and every detail of my medical history was included.
They also would not let me bring my own meds which was even Ruder. I remember this nurse treating me like I was a child trying to break my pill up into powder and mix it into grape Jell-O. Let me say that again. Grape Jell-O. The pill was extremely bitter oh, the grape Jell-O was awful and did not cover the taste, and the nurse literally shoved the spoon into my mouth and would not take it out until I chewed the pill.
Man, I must have blocked that out. But I remember it now. I also was unable to adjust my bed and I was slouching down and it in such a way that it was affecting my ability to get oxygen and my pulse-ox dipped dangerously low. I had the world's greatest surgeon. But in retrospect I am now realizing that I had the world's worst nurses. And you guys know how wonderful I think nurses are. These nurses just shove me around, ignored me, bullied me and treated me like dirt.
I had a full shoulder replacement a few years ago and what a difference time makes. Everybody on my surgical team from the orthopods to the nurses to the physical therapists bent over backward to make sure that everything was correct, including my medications, and every detail of my medical history was included.
missyinacage
Member
Girl, I took an entire bag, like I was staying in a hotel for 3 days, which was my expected hospital stay. At least take a robe and slippers so that you can walk the halls. I actually took PJ's too because I hate wearing gowns. I also took my own pillow and my own toiletries. Basically, if I use it daily at home, it went with me.
3momchaos
Member
I was JUST thinking of posting this same question! I need to ask when I can change into my own clothes, so I know what to pack as far as that goes. I’m packing facial cleaning pads, ear buds, slippers, lotion, charging cord, and I am going to ask if I can bring my own decaf tea. I have an herbal tea that I love, so if I can bring my own I’d be happy. I want to focus on myself while I’m there, so beside my phone, I’m not bringing any other form of entertainment. I want to rest and recuperate while I’m there.
dianeseattle
Member
like I said, 13 years ago they would not let me bring anything. In fact, they removed a golden ankle bracelet given to me by my boyfriend and which I swore I would never take off. I taped it up with surgical tape and ask them to cover it so it would be safe, but not to remove it.
But on the subject of what to bring, I think we should mention what not to bring. I think you should leave all your jewelry at home. And even though I have brought a computer and cell phone with me at other times, they wouldn't protect them and told me bringing them was my own risk to assume.
With RYGB, I just kept pressing that magic button on the morphine machine and slept a lot. That really took the edge off the pain I would have felt. And they did come to my room to make me walk escorted down the hall until the last day. On that day they walked me down the hall to this little model of a wooden staircase and instructed me to go up one side and down the other. That was pretty good advice.
And I keep forgetting to say this, but you should check the height of your bed and perhaps elevate it on bed risers so it is easier for you to get in and out. I also had one of those plastic toilet seat elevators that you could stick in the toilet. Easing the movements of getting in and out of bed and on and off the toilet also really reduced my pain.
I didn't have to pay for this stuff either. My local Lions Club keeps a storage room full of walkers and toilet seat elevators and crutches and canes that are donated to them. All you have to do is make a phone call and tell them what you need and they will deliver it to you.
You definitely need to take an abdominal binder for your post surgery I bought mine from Amazon for less than $20. Believe me it’s a life saver. I had the nurses help me put it on right after my bypass surgery and it made the movement and pain more tolerable. It’s like a security blanket for adults after surgery. I’m 17 days past my surgery and I still wear it.
dianeseattle
Member
You are absolutely correct, Lulu. My surgeon sent me home with one. But I've heard about a lot of people buying their own these days. It might be worth asking your team if you will be receiving an elastic binder.
But seriously folks, Lulu is preaching the gospel here! It is extremely painful, especially if you have an open procedure, not to be able to bind your abdomen together. There's also a possibility of busting your stitches or staples if you aren't wearing some kind compression garment. And like anyone who's ever had a hysterectomy or a C-section knows, you want to put a pillow on your lap and hold it to your stomach if you are doing any laughing sneezing or coughing. Good tip Lulu!
But seriously folks, Lulu is preaching the gospel here! It is extremely painful, especially if you have an open procedure, not to be able to bind your abdomen together. There's also a possibility of busting your stitches or staples if you aren't wearing some kind compression garment. And like anyone who's ever had a hysterectomy or a C-section knows, you want to put a pillow on your lap and hold it to your stomach if you are doing any laughing sneezing or coughing. Good tip Lulu!
3momchaos
Member
Really? I would have never thought of that. I’ll have to look into one. Thanks!
Roseanne37
Member
Thanks for all of your great suggestions. I never thought of or even heard of an abdominal binder. I am having a gastric sleeve procedure. Is it also useful for this. I asked the Dr. if I would be staying more than the overnight hospital stay (due to my age) and she said that the age doesn't have to do with staying an extra day or so but if I can keep down my liquids and drink the required amount. Also, the first day (surgery) I get nothing to eat/drink. The second day I have to have a Upper GI series to look for leaks and other problems. If all's good, I get a tray of liquids. water, tea, jello, broth to begin my "diet".
Hi there.
I'm actually posting from the hospital. I'm only here 1 night, but items that I took and are using...
Phone/charger
Ipad/downloaded book/earbuds
Robe or house coat for walking
Toothbrush/paste
Deodorant
Face wash/towelettes
Spirometer
Clothes for going home
I brought my own pillow case, but not necessary just wanted it.
I just had surgery about 12 hours ago. They actually put a binder on me after surgery.
dianeseattle
Member
RM, thank you for mentioning the binder. If anyone is pre up, make sure you talk to thank you for mentioning the binder. If anyone is pre up, make sure you talk to doctor about an abdominal binder. They have them at the hospital. Make sure your needs are covered by getting one after surgery. You will so regret it if you don't.
But first things first. Are you a boy or a girl? Welcome to the group. Do you have a name you would like to be referred to as? It's really hard to type out all the letters that people have in their handles. You can address me just as Diane.
But first things first. Are you a boy or a girl? Welcome to the group. Do you have a name you would like to be referred to as? It's really hard to type out all the letters that people have in their handles. You can address me just as Diane.
Hi Diane. I'm Rhonda. Thank you for the welcome.