pre-op shopping list?

Hello Girls,

my TAH is scheduled for 1/26 and I went shopping last weekend to by the 'essentials for recovery' (never hated shopping that much!!). Anyway, I would be greatful for any input on what else you would suggest as 'must have' to make recovery as bearable as possible:

I got
- loose fitting nighties
- pyjama pants with draw strings
- oversized men's t-shirts
- a bed tray
- a 'grabber' from Home Depot to pick up things from the floor
- oversized briefs

If one has to go for walks (which I love!) how do you tie your sneakers? Or am I too optimistic and I would have to use no-lace-shoes for the time being??

thanks much

Maybe panti liners. Use clogs to walk in. Good luck!

My surgery (TAH)is scheduled for 1/26. I am ordering a swelly belly belt. Plus, I went to TJ Maxx and treated myself to comfy, slip-on slippers. The only other thing I am getting is a new bathrobe for the hospital
Good luck!

You might want some kind of bedside clock (with batteries) for the hospital. The clock in my room was behind me and while I was glad that I didn't have to watch the minutes crawl by I did want to know what time it was when I woke up in the middle of the night.

Hi Annapurna

I found this link on the site to be a tremendous help with all it's tips and what to bring

It's the Hints and FYI for your Pre-Op Preparations Forum

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/forumdisplay.php?f=215

Wishing you a good surgery and quick recovery

Deb

This is what I took and used:

Robe, slippers, toothbrush, toothpast, brush ups, comb, brush.

I was cathed so the brush-ups came in handy for when I couldn't get out of bed.

I took along a back loofa but didn't use it as I was only at the castle for 2 days.

I wore the designer gowns they provided.

I bought a toilet seat riser at the drug store. Cheap and just sits right on top of your toilet at home. What a life saver!

I'd also recommend this and you probably already have these things at home: a little notebook to write down when you take your meds at home. Its surprisingly hard to remember while you are on pain meds and you don't want forget or take too many. Bendy straws for your drink glass are wonderful when you are reclined and just too sore to sit up.

My DH and I used walkie-talkies too. That way he could be elsewhere in the house without worrying I would need something and have to wait for him to show up by chance. Worked beautifully.

Wishing you an uneventful recovery.

A donut pillow if you are having posterier repair.

One of the things that I took to the castle, that I had read on this site, was a fanny pack. I hooked it to the bed rail and in it I kept my chapstick, mints, mp3 player, lotion, etc. It was so nice to have everything within arms reach.

Stock up on books and magazine when you are home. Also lots of movies to watch!

If youare able to freeze meals ahead of time that will be really helpul too. I was able to put a few meals in the freezer and my sister came and made about 40. Just this week I am cooking full meals for my family and plan to use some of the frozen ones once I return to work!

Once you are home, log in daily to this site. It is such a wealth of information & support.

Best of luck to you!!!

I'd like to suggest the following:

tummy pillow for coughing, sneezing, and security (I like to hug things)
back scratcher - the back always itches at the most inopportune time
slippers should be the ones with the back out so you can slide right into them when you get out of the bed
lightweight robe - I wore a hospital gown and put my robe on for my walks. I figured I'd mess up the hospital's gown not my own. Didn't make a mess after all.
your own bed pillow from home to take to the castle

When I got home, the one thing I made quite a bit of use of was a walking cane. I used that for balance since I would be alone most of the day.

Best wishes and 's

Baby wipes or handi-wipes for the hospital. You get your food tray and you can't hop out of bed to wash your hands. The handi-wipes are great for that as well as for your face. I used the ones that Wal-Mart sells.