TAH: What things should I have ready before surgery.

My surgery is scheduled next friday 1/10/14, my pre-op tomorrow morning (via phone). I am wondering if anyone knows what I should have before I come home from the hospital. I will be traveling a couple hours to stay with my parents for a week or two and don't want to have to keep sending my dad to the store because I need something that I didn't know I needed. I have read about binders...is that the kind pregnant women wear to support their bellies (belly band)? Will the hospital supply me with one? What about reusable ice packs? Heating pad? I have no clue. Just don't want to be unprepared. I am thankful that I have the day off before surgery so I can get things done and keep busy.

I am curious about this too! Looking forward to someone giving us some insight!;-)

The hospital supplied me with a binder , but I think every hospital is different you can ask ahead of time. The most important will be lots of pillows and yes a heating pad, I had a sore back because it took me awhile before I could sleep on my side. Also little snacks to eat with medication like Motrin , I took every six hours on the dot for 1 week. The most important medication will be a stool softener. And foods like prunes or whatever helps you go. Wishing you a speedy recovery

I used the reusable cold packs. Get the ones that are soft plastic outsider they feel squishy. I had 2. Don't put it in the freezer. Put it in the frig. I had 1 in the frig at all times. This helped with the swelling whether it be tummy or lower pubic area. I never put them directly on my skin but over my panties or gown. Otherwise, you get too cold before it gets a chance to do the job. This was truly a lifesaver for me.
Have very loose clothing. I stayed in a night gown or Jammie's most of the time. I wasn't prepared for the swelling. I put on a nice robe when the kids came to visit. I had 2 pair sweat pants that I could wear to the doctor and when I got to where I could take walks outside.

I wasn't supplied a binder nor did I purchase one. My doctor didn't mention it either.

You may want to ask during your preop tomorrow what your doctor feels about the binders. You could purchase one and return it unopened if you don't need it. Ask first if it is allowable.

I can get the ice packs easily, and I will check with my dad about a heating pad, he may have one. The puzzle books are a great idea. My biggest worry is my dog jumping on me. She is a 45 lb 1.5 year old puppy. That is the main reason I am going to my parents. I will have help with the dog, they have a huge yard she can run in and I won't have to take her on walks or the dog park. I have a body pillow that I have been anxious to try out and my mom will love having me visit for a couple weeks. I need to figure out when my follow up appointment will be since I will be two hours away, they do have a kaiser hospital in there area though in case of emergency. I have filed my FMLA paperwork at work already and will fill out the disability papers online next week. I am hoping to drop the paperwork off in the financial office before I even leave, and have the dr. fill in her portion of the fmla before I leave the hospital.

I would suggest a gown or very big pg bottoms. I wore my dad's XL just for comfort. I also work XL sweat pants when had to leave house. Get you an insulated cup with a straw to drink from. The first 3-4 days I constantly drank water and cran-grape juice. The first day I had a regular glass and ice kept melting, so i had to keep refilling. The 2nd day I was smart enough to switch over to my New Orleans Saints thermal cup. I didn't have much of an appetite the first week or so, so I'd recommend things like peanut butter or cheese crackers (we call nabs) and chex mix. I ate several grilled cheese sandwiches.

I would suggest magazines or light reads for the first week if you are a reader. I couldn't concentrate on anything heavy due to anesthesia and pain meds.

Make sure you have gas-x, stool softeners and miralax. Start the stool softeners and gas-x as soon as get home.

You will do fine! Feel free to private message me if you want.

I bought new pj's, a size larger than what i normally wear. I am also hoping to be able to buy slippers before surgery too. I did my laundry already, may do some more again the day before surgery to make sure all my sweats and pj's are clean. I just keep remembering all these things as each day goes by. I only have a week left.

I'm hoping to get a robe!