.

[Bildmouse]

You might want to take a box of tissues. The ones that you usually get at the hospital are like sandpaper. Can't think of anything else that hasn't already been mentioned. If you're not going to be in a regular room right away you might want your family to bring your things after you get to it (less chance of things getting lost or walking away). Prayers and PD coming your way.

 

[arminnie]

I've had way too much surgery - the last being my emergency appendectomy when I was at WDW in December.

Toiletries - all of those personal hygiene things like toothbrush, brush, comb, deoderant ,etc.

Froggy's idea of the cell phone and charger is good too. You might want to call people that are long distance and that can be a problem with the hospital phones. don't forget the phone numbers of people you might want to call.

I never really felt like reading material. These days by the time you feel like reading you are sent home.

Make sure that you have houseshoes or sandals that you can slip into.

I wish you all of the best.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

No, I haven't....good luck Pembo!

 

[Disney Doll]

I am a nurse, and after years of watching folks be in the hospital, here is what I would bring:
~Real tissues
~My favorite pillow in a VERY bright pillowcase(so it doesn't accidentally go to the hospital laundry)
~Slippers
~Easy on/easy off bathrobe
~I wouldn't bring my own jammies because the johnny coats make it easier to deal with checking incisions etc. and if you have bleeding/drainage, why ruin your own jammies?
~Cell phone, if it doesn't interfere with anyof the monitors. Check with your nurse.
~Fan, but if it's electric, the biomed dept may have to come up and OK it
~Clean underwear
~Hair care products, if you want more than enema soap which is all most hospitals have in terms of shampoo(although I will say, castille soap, which we use for enemas, does leave the hair nice and soft and it smells nice!)
~Magazines or word puzzles, crosswords etc. After a while, the TV gets boring

 

[Kallison]

Pembo I'll be praying for you this week.

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

I have had two c-sections, the hospital gave me a list of things to bring but I did bring my pillow and slippers. Good Luck and get well soon!

 

[candykisses]

Most of what I was going to say has already been listed. But after DH's numerous surgeries and hospital stays this is what I usually bring for him

a favorite pillow...in a case other than white. Besides feeling good, it isn't as hot as the hospitals. I can't tell you how many yeast infections Ray has had on the back of his neck.

a small list of telephone numbers...meds can sometimes leave you alittle 'foggy'

your own toothbrush, brush, tissues and moisturizer

your favorite music...even in the trauma center the music was allowed and was very relaxing

audio books...sometimes it's easier to listen to a story than to read it.

a watch...without glasses or on meds sometimes it's hard to see the time from across the room.

 

[Pop Daddy]

you jst show up and let the docotrs do everything else, its gonna be alright. And still praying from a little bit south of ya

 

[Pin Wizard]

Hugs and prayers for you, Pembo! I hope everything goes well. This is quite a list everyone has going. I can't think of anything else. Hope you're back home and up soon!

 

[hogie1]

I had neurosurgery last year to remove a tumor. The hosp was so packed they couldn't find a bed for me so they sent my wife & my family home and she had to take my bag of stuff with her. Then they found a room for me. But there was no phone and you needed a phone to order up the tv!! I'm a 28 yr old firefighter and I had nothing to do!!!! If you have people going w/ you and for some reason they get sent home, see if they can pass your stuff to an RN who can get it to you later. I wish you well and a speedy recovery. I'll keep you in my prayers!!

-Hogie

 

[Serena]

Pembo, I can't think of anything else to add. But you also have our good thoughts and prayers. A few hundred if not thousand people will have you in their thoughts and prayers.

It will be ok. {{{{hugs}}}}

 

[laurie31]

The only thing I can think of that hasn't been mentioned is your insurance card/info. You may have pre-registered already, in which case the hospital already has the information, but if not don't forget to take it along.

Prayers and pixie dust that everything goes well and you are soon home

Laurie

 

[mamajoan]

oh my lots of surgeries here... and have had lots of rehab patients....

my suggestions are:

Comfortable clothes... while at the hospital I had dh bring me 2 pairs of shorts and t-shirts that were really big as I had to get them over alot of splints etc... button up shirts work the best if you are having an IV. The shorts/sweatpants make you feel among the living and you don't have all your "parts" hanging out.

comfy bra's! No kidding..if you are endowed.. bring the bra's!
comfy panties too!

If you are going to be having any PT bring a pair of tennis shoes.. PT's HATE loose slippers.... LOL

Bring some bottled water.. the kind with the pull up spout... makes life much easier.. and sometimes hospital water is awful..

It is ok to be nervous, if you are so inclined you can ask for the hospital chaplin to make a visit ... I admit this helped me a great deal on several of my hospitalizations.

My Best wishes, thoughts and prayers go with you too.

 

[N.Bailey]

I did not read what everyone else said to bring, but my husband had stints put in his heart a couple of year ago and he was in a room with a man that snored like crazy (as if my husband doesn't?), but I saw someone suggested ear plugs on page one. If I were you, this is something I would make sure I had! This hospital had them on hand, but I'd have my own, just in case! Another thing, and it too may have been mentioned would be money for cable TV. I don't know how this works through out the country, but it is something my husand had to come up with the money for daily.

I also want to wish you lots of luck and a speedy recovery.

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

Dont forget the chapstick! Hospitals can be soo-- dry. How about Bath & Bodys, Vanilla Sugar. Its delish and feels good on your lips.

Sending you more Pixie Dust!! ~~**~*******~**~*~**~****~**~*~***~***~*~*****~***~*****~**~*~*****~*~**~**~*~**~*~*~~~~

 

[snoopy]

Keeping you close in my prayers, Pembo.

 

[Hopefully]

Good Luck Pembo!
Most things have been mentioned, but I am a nurse and have cared for many patients. My Suggestions:
Easy On/Off lightweight Robe. Slip on slippers, I don't think I would bring my own PJ's - the robe can do the "Coverup" when you are up, Personal Toilitries, Lotion - the sheets are so rough on your skin, A Watch, My own Pillow, Mints, extra Eyeglasses if you have them, A list of Telephone Numbers. Leave valuables at home - things sometimes disappear.
Prayers and thoughts with you!

 

[Pembo]

Thanks everyone! I have a great list of things to take.

Some answers to your questions.

My surgery is to remove a benign 3 cm acoustic neuroma(tumor) in my skull. So I doubt I'll want to read or do anything that I have to think too hard about.

I will be in ICU the first day or 2. Total hospital stay is 4-6 days, minimum. My dh is staying at a friends house closer to the hospital as we live 45-60 mins away. So I can leave my bag in the car and he can get once I get to a regular room.

I am taking a picture of my kids. DS#2 offered up one of his blankets for me. I'm going to ask DS#1 for something from him. And I'll probably take a little toy from DD.

Thank you all for your kind words and suggestions. Less than 24 hours to go.......this countdown is no where near as fun as one to WDW!

 

[Towncrier]

Continued prayers for you Barb. And for Mark and the kids too. If there is ANYTHING that Sue or I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

[dizneenut]

Prayers on the way for you, Barb. If you or Mark need anything, you have my number. Don't hesitate to call.