TAH: the count down begins

really starting to get nervous now. was told today that they will be doing a total hysterectomy but will try to keep ovaries. the bladder sling is nothing according to the doctor a total of 3 aprox. hours in o.r. wondering what i need on wed and should i tell my 5 year old that mommy wont be home for a couple of days any ideas out there?

I would definitely tell your child that you'll be having some surgery and won't be home for a couple nights. You don't need to give a lot of details or make it sound worrisome though.

Here's what I took to the hospital - some pj's for after the surgery. I wore loose, comfy clothes there and wore the same thing home. I took my IPod, cell phone, throat lozenges, gas-x, lip balm, peppermint tea, toothbrush/paste, hair brush, shower gel, hair clip and mini-pads. I put all the things I'd want close at hand into a fanny pack and clipped it to the side rail of my bed. It made it very convenient to not have to reach for the stuff and kept my tray table less cluttered. I wore flip flops to the hospital and home. They give you skid-proof socks to wear and I used those while in the hospital.

Best wishes.

I would let my child know I was going to be away for a few days. That way she would be prepared and not worry about an unexpected absence. Maybe leave a small gift or surprise for her to help her accept it better

I really didn't use much in the hospital the few days after my surgery. I wore the hospital gowns and saved on laundry, my hair & tooth brishes, chapstick, my favorite bed pillow from home, a tummy pillow and ear plugs to help quiten the hospital noises.

Good luck on your upcoming trip to the castle.

I didn't use much of what I brought with me either other than I changed into my own gown the next morning. I used my own toothbrush and hairbrush and the lip balm. I did wear my robe for my trips down the hallway. They provided nonskid socks, so I didn't even use my own slippers. They also provided really comfy mesh panties (they gave me a couple of extra packages to bring home - YAY me!!)
Someone had mentioned bringing baby wipes. GREAT IDEA!!!! I felt so-o-o-o-o greasy and the baby wipes were so refreshing.

I did bring my own bed pillow and tummy pillow. I used the tummy pillow more as a support for my back so I could lie on my side. And I brought my own soft blanket!

I also had the bladder sling done (Dr said that part took about 10 minutes) I was in OR approximately 3 hrs total and recovery approximately 2 hrs.

Before you know it, you will be on the other side and feeling absolutely fantastic!!!

PS - My bladder sling works GREAT!! I have had NO leakage at all since Day One!! I should have had that part done YEARS ago!!

thank you all for all your support I still remain nervous and great idea about a gift for my daughter. I guess my husband and i will have to tell her i will be away a couple of days thank for all your advise.

I took so much stuff with me, but really only used my robe, my crocs (wore them to, from, & there - 1st overnight trip I ever took with only 1 pair of shoes!), my own pillow, a tummy pillow, cheap mp3 player for soothing music, lip balm, peppermints, wide toothed comb, cell phone, a spiral bound notebook & inkpen to track nurses visits & medications, & my toothbrush.

I took a candy assortment to encourage the nurses to visit my room - next time I'll include Fiber One bars, cereal bars, etc. so the healthier nurses will also stop by.

My DH brought me some oatmeal, a bolona sandwich with lots of fresh tomatoes, pretzel sticks & some ginger ale (I like a specific brand) from home. The castle's food wasn't very appealing to me, so the only thing I got from them was a fruit plate.

I also used my own medications from home (*my Dr had given me approval beforehand*) because the castle's pharmacy just could not get it right - they kept bringing me the wrong allergy pill & didn't even bring my nasal spray until the morning I was dismissed.

Your child might appreciate coming to visit you at the castle for a little while - especially if she gets to pick out something for you at the gift shop.

I too brought a bag full of accessories to the hospital just in case I would need them and only used 1 or 2 items. I think though in hindsight, I'm happy that I brought them because it helped me feel in control of the situation and fully prepared for the unexpected. There's items still in a bag that I had left at home for my recovery that I bought at the pharmacy just days before my surgery that I haven't used and probably won't need to (I'm 3 days postop) and so I will be returning them to the store eventually for a refund, but again, I am glad I made the purchase, just in case. Take care and God bless.

Lumpygus

Thank you all for all your words of wisdom i too am thinking about bring a little extras to the hospital what is the worst that could happen i bring them home again. I decided to tell my daughter after the surgery so she does not worry that night when she stays at my brothers house. See you on the other side