Sleeved in 3 days! What to bring?
A positive attitude, and your toothbrush!
Ok, maybe some soap. They give you soap to shower with in the hospital, but I hated theirs, and wished I'd brought some of my own soap, shampoo and conditioner.
All I brought was: my hubby, my phone, a set of my biggest, roomiest, ugliest, most comfortable clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, Chapstick, shaker bottle, hair brush, and sneakers for when I walked around a bit. The clothes are for the ride in/ride home. Don't bring too much, and leave as much as you can at home. DON'T bring jewelry or valuables. I HIGHLY recommend that you bring a friend who can keep you company and bug the nurses if you need something, but, I know I could have made it on my own if I'd had to (although you'll need someone to drive you home, obviously). The hospital will provide most of what you need for your stay.
I also wish I'd gotten my hair cut prior to surgery - it was REALLY long and unruly when I went in, it looked bloody awful - but my stylist couldn't fit me in. I ended up going in and getting a fresh new cut the day after I came home from hospital, which made me feel LOADS better!
I was just sleeved on Tuesday and released from the hospital late Thursday afternoon. I used my eos lip treatment (summer fruit flavor). It's the one that's shaped sort of like an egg. That was a staple for me. My gorgeous hubby bought me a fluffy, soft, cuddly robe, gloves, and booty type socks at Bed Bath and Beyond. I used the robe almost every time I walked the hallways but my room was far too hot for booties or gloves. I had to share a room with 3 other patients so the privacy was AWFUL!
Uumm, take any particular favorite flavor of clear Isopure protein. The cafeteria only offered Alpine Punch and Grape Frost...but it came in much smaller bottles that were plastic and did not taste the same to me. The day of surgery before they clear you to sip by mouth was the worst for me. I had no problems with giving up the food but doing without liquids drove me insane!Gulp your water or favorite beverage now and know that after surgery it will be some time before you are able to take even medium sips. It's totally worth it though.
Let's see...my hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, Biotene mouthwash for dry-mouth, and large pack of disposable wash cloths were super handy. I buy large packs of them in the same aisle that the feminine hygiene and Depends type products are sold. I wasn't released to shower until the day after I came home so being able to clean up with those was priceless. I felt clean and fresh the entire time. Definitely some type of hydrating lotion as well as your personal cell and any entertainment you might choose. Entrust anything of value to the person you are trusting to escort you and help with your care, though. I was far too sleepy and drugged up to even watch television most of the time though. lol
I think that's about it? Of course my monthly visitor was there with me in the hospital but they provided pads and disposable panties. If I think of anything else I will post again. God bless you and I'll see you on the other side of surgery. :D
MK
Also, the hospital will provide those sexy, stylish booties with the rubbery feeling stuff on the bottom for extra grip. lol :D I walked in those because they were cooler and so I didn't use my own booties walking on dirty floors. You might want to take some cheap slippers if that suits you better? I had two pair of cheapies in my suitcase that I never even took out so I guess it's all in what you like. :D
Walk, walk, walk...and then walk some more. You won' feel like it...but dig in and make yourself do it. Make sure the nurses walk with you until you feel strong enough to do it alone. Also, make sure to sip those fluids as prescribed because you want to rehydrate and because they will not release you until you are able to take in adequate fluids by mouth. Listen to your sleeve though and go super easy on it. xoxo
