What do I need at the castle and after?

I have just a few shopping days before my coronation. What do you all recommend I have on hand at the castle and also when I come home to the summer palace? By the way, this site has been such a huge help to me in not being so scared! Thank you all sisters!

In regards to what to take to the hospital, there's a list on the drop down menus on the Hystersisters homepage, but if you ask me, that's way too much stuff.

Here's what I took with me for my trip to the castle and what I actually used.


What I used:
My own pillow - a must!!!
Tummy pillow - another must!!!
Gown and robe - nice to change into when you're feeling better
Slippers - a must!!
Cotton granny panties - two sizes larger than what I wear
(I wore home what I wore to the castle, a loose jumper and slip-on shoes.)
Chapstick - your lips will be dry from the anesthesia
Baby Wipes - great for freshening up between showers
Sleep mask - helped block out the light when the nurses came in to check vital signs at midnight
Cosmetics - nice to put on when you're feeling better
Trial size toiletries - castle does provide, but I like my own stuff
Panty liners - I took them, but only used a pad that the hospital provided, and after the first couple of hours, I didn't need anything. (And haven't needed one since!)
Candy for nurses (they loved it!)
My own pain med for my migraines. Only one thing works, and I wanted it with me - just in case! (NOTE: Be sure to check with your doctor and hospital before taking any medications to the hospital with you. They must know what, if anything you are taking!)
My driver's license, insurance card, and check for the hospital. Do NOT take valuables or purse, they can sprout legs and wander off.

I took, but did not use:
Magazines and book - I slept for two whole days, so couldn't have concentrated on reading if I'd tried
Backscratcher - Didn't need it
Socks - Didn't need them

I also bought one of those inexpensive ($10) small rolling suitcases (pilot's cases) at Walmart. It was wonderful, didn't have to carry it, just popped up the handle and took off and it held everything I needed perfectly.

Around the castle, you'll probably want prune juice, cranberry juice, small water bottles and stool softner. I had quick, easy-to-prepare meals (Lean Cuisines, since I'm on a diet), a TV/VCR combo next to my bed with a selection of video tapes, books, magazines, a bed tray for meals, a plastic chair for the shower, a packet of thank-you notes, etc. Get things you enjoy to help kill time - cross stitch, needlepoint, crafts, sort pictures into albums, etc.

Best wishes and lots of s,

Lisa

I agree with Lisa's list EXCEPT do take a backscratcher --- I got an itch under the compression socks and would have died without it!

s

I've copied and pasted from one of my earlier posts. Hope it helps!

THINGS I DID USE:
- TUMMY PILLOW!!
- backscratcher
- lip balm
- slippers
- my own night shirt/sleepwear
- oversize cotton 'unders' (comfy panties)
- pads (also used to protect my panties from the incision site drainage)
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- shampoo and conditioner (try to get trial sizes)
- comb/brush
- facial cleanser (I don't use soap on my face)
- Q-tips (to swab my ears after the shower)
- deoderant/antiperspirant (for after shower)
- lightweight cotton robe
- lotion
- ponytail holder (something to keep your hair from bugging you)
- some gals have also suggested bringing a PHONE CALLING CARD – great idea!

things I did not use:
- mirror (I did not care what I looked like!)
- socks (because I brought slippers)
- book to read (never felt like reading -- I was asleep every 20 minutes or so anyway)
- game to play (didn't feel like playing - TV kept me occupied between snoozes)
- change of clothes (I wore the same clothes leaving the castle as I wore when I checked in -- I just did not worry about the fashion police at that point)

...and I can't think of anything I should have brought but didn't...

NO VALUABLES!!!

…And Some Advice from Carol (from the Ladies In Waiting Pull-Down Menu)

* Take notes
* LISTEN when doctor speaks ... take notes or tape record ... say thank you
* Ask for copies of your file
* Be 'nice' so the nurses fall all over you
* Be proactive with your care
* Let staff know your needs (complain loudly if necessary)
* Make friends with kitchen staff (to satisfy cravings)
* Write thank you notes to medical staff


Best wishes for you as you approach the castle!

Like everyone else....I read this list and still had some things I needed and didn't have and lots that I didn't use.

I forgot the backscratcher, and even in my I ask DH to find it and bring it to the castle the day after surgery. My legs were itching and I couldn't reach them under those compression socks! It was like having long heating pads that pump up & release on your legs for blood clots or something. Anyway, the backscrtcher was a lifesaver!!
Also, I had terrible back spasms from having to walk bent over for the Tummy Tuck. My back was the most painful part of my whole recovery so far ( I'm 7 days post op). The DR said to use a cane and I wondered why he didn't mention it before, since now I can walk as straight as I am comfortable. Having something to lean on for support going to the bathroom, or just for the first few walks would have helped me alot!

Good luck!
Linda

- Stock your fridge, freezer and pantry with foods you like and that are easy and quick to prepare, including juices and bottled water.

- Prepare the room you think you'll spend the most time in.

- Arrange a side table to set: telephone, TV remote, meds, etc.

- Lots of comfy lounging clothes

- Note Cards, postage stamps (to send Thank Yous for helpers, flowers and well wishes...)

- Your Hystersisters Journal (to keep your symptoms, feelings, thoughts, questions.... documented)

- any OTC meds you think you might need: ibuprofen, stool softener or laxative (check w/your DR before taking any of these)

- LOCK the closet where you keep the vacuum cleaner and other cleaning supplies, as you are better off bidding farewell to these items for a few months

Hope this helps!

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I took a "suck-up basket of candy for the nurses, too! What a respomse I got from all the nurses. They loved it, and I think they knew that I was a , because that's they way they treated me.
Just a funny thing about the candy...The first day I was out of it But you know how some things just stick in your mind??? Well, My DH, DD & DS said everytime I woke up I would ask if they were giving the candy to the nurses, like that was the most important thing I was in there for They would just howl laughing at me, and I remember thinking that I didn't see what was so funny!!

Linda