dVH/RALH: Surgery now scheduled, putting together a list and looking for suggestions

I think you've got most of it covered!

I second the hand lotion for hospital. The air is really dry in there and my hands were suffering. The scent also helped make me feel refreshed.

I also used a flat cushion to put over my abdomen for when the cat decided it wanted to jump on my abs.

I bought some Ensure (the one with high protein) for days when I didn't have much of an appetite. It keeps the calories and protein up when you don't feel like eating.

I'd also recommend some GasX for when you get home.

Putting things at waist-level is definitely a good idea. For the first day or two, it was painful to even reach up enough for me to do my hair.

schedule, thanks for the advice on letting dogs smell the incisions! i have 3 dogs at home, but my dog is very in tune to my moods and knows when i am hurting, so if i am in a lot of pain she thinks she has to guard me! i think if i let her smell my wounds, she will understand! i also have 3 cats, and my 3-legged one likes to sleep on my side, so i will try the same thing with her as well!

i have been cleaning like crazy the last couple of weeks, but 2 days left, and i finally gave up- i will do a few last minute things, but other than my specific needs, the kids and DH can pick up some slack and help mama out!