going to castle may 9

ARIAL BLACKDARK GREEN
I am having a tih on may 9, wondering if anyone could give any tips on anything special to take to castle to make the stay easier. How many pillows do i need when i get home. does a heating pad help any advice would so be appreciated.

Hey, lakelover! You're going in the day after me. It seems to me there's a list on this site somewhere regarding what to take with you. I'll look around, and if I locate it I'll be back to post it. A few "musts" from my own previous hosptial stays are:

1. Lip balm--I swear by Carmex
2. My own pillow because hospitals don't have feather pillows LOL!
3. Toothbrush, hair brush, toothpaste, disposable face cleansing pads
4. Im' also taking my Hystersister pillow for holding against my tummy when coughing or laughing.
5. Loose clothing for the ride home and slip-on shoes
6. Cell phone
7. Bag for hanging on the bed with all the small things I'm taking so it's right there when I need it.
8. Paper and pen to keep track of visitors and people I want to thank and general notes because my mind goes foggy when taking pain medication.
9. Goody basket for pre-op staff and the nurses working the unit where I'll spend my days in the castle.
10. Gown to change into after that post-op shower and a robe and slippers for roaming the halls during those much-needed post-op walks.

I leave all my valuables at home.

Maxine

Hi lakelover64 and Maxine0508!
Along with what Maxine0508 mentioned, (I had a TAH on April 12th, 2006), I also took my own pads (the ones in the hospital don't have any sticky on the bottom to stick to your underpants and weren't that long), and cotton briefs. I got one size larger cotton briefs as I knew my belly was going to be swelly! I also didn't wear ANY jewelry.
You'll both be celebrating no more periods and happy New Life!!!!

I took very little and still had to much stuff.

1. Own pajamas to change into
2. Own socks with grip bottom
3. Cell phone (a must)
4. Toiletries, toothbrush, shampoo, makeup, etc
5. Book to read (never did read, watched tv instead)
6. Clothes to wear home

I think you should take whatever you think you will need. I tried to take very little as I knew I would not be there long. I also knew that I would have quite a few flowers to take home also.

I had a hard time staying in bed (anxious to get out) that I spent little time in bed. I was walking the halls, sitting in a chair in my room, sitting on the bed. I usually only laid down when I was napping or sleeping in the evening.

Maxine0508, what did you put in your goodie basket for the staff? I like to do things like that. My grandpa always had me bring goodies to the hospital so he could give them to the nurses and he got excellent care. Of course, he was a real charmer and looked like Ronald Reagan and that didn't hurt.

tahoma2medium turquoise
Thank you all so much for the suggestions. I am making myself notes on what to take to the hospital. I want to wish everyone else good luck with their surgery.