Hi Ladies, goodluck to you all on the upcoming surgeries!
I had my TLH and removal of both ovaries on 5/28, and found this amazing site 2 days before. I found a lot of useful info, such as important things to pack for the hospital - this really helped me!!
Several things I will suggest to take to hosp:
A bag with the following:
Large panties so it's loose fitting on waist (or ask for maternity disposable panties at the hosp, I use these and ask for 5 pairs to take home)
Body pillow (u will need this bc the CO2 they pump u with will make it extremely uncomfortable to lay down- also helps with car ride home)
Loose pants for going home
Any pain meds u r currently taking
Cell phone, iPod, chargers
Eye mask and ear plugs (if u have to share a room, u will need these to keep ur sanity)
Fitted tank (u will not want to wear a bra during hosp stay or on way home- too painful)
Heating pad (helps w gas pain from CO2)
Comfy robe
Comfy nightgown
For when u get home, I suggest a tummy binder. I use the Belly Bandit from Pea in the Pod bc I had it from my c-section. This helps get ur tummy to shrink back down faster and helps to hold everythig in place. Actually feels good to wear it (after day 2 when ur not as sore)
2 things that saved me ---
1- having my mom at the hospital. U really need an advocate there with u 24x7. She refused to leave and slept on the floor next to me. The nurses were withholding my pain meds although there was a dr order for them. My mom fought for my meds every 3 hrs around the clock. U will not have the energy to do this.
Also, when I pressed the help button I was ignored so mom helped me go to the bathroom, and walk the halls.
If u don't have someone who can do that, u can hire a private nurse for $18/hr. trust me- it is totally worth it!!
2- having a walker when I was at home! This was my saving grace! U can rent one from a medical supply store and even some pharmacies. It's hard to walk and u want to be able to move around and a walker makes it SOO much easier!
I used one with a bench, so when I got tired from walking I just sat down. Wish I thought of that for my previous surgeries!!
That's all- I hope this was helpful
Big hugs !!!