pre-op shopping list?

I too am scheduled for my TAH on 1/25 and I just - this moment - had a bit of a crying spell thinking about it. These hints are very helpful to me and my husband. The answers weren't directed to me - but I am thankful on so many levels for this site and you ladies for being so caring and sharing your ideas and support. The closer it gets, the more ill at ease I am becoming although I know it is the best thing and i'll feel better when it is all said and done.

Thank you all so incredibly much!

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Charlene in Southern, California

Okay gals, won't we have an IV in making the robe hard to use? I know every hospital stay I have ever had they wait till the last minute to pull it out "just in case".

Same thing with underwear in the hospital, I remember every nurse having to come in to take a lookie to make sure things were alright down there. Any point in bringing them to wear there or just have a pair to wear home?

Lastly, do we bring the stuff with us (our overnite(s) bag) and pillow or have a family member bring it after we get to our room.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Hopefully Okay gals, won't we have an IV in making the robe hard to use? I know every hospital stay I have ever had they wait till the last minute to pull it out "just in case". Same thing with underwear in the hospital, I remember every nurse having to come in to take a lookie to make sure things were alright down there. Any point in bringing them to wear there or just have a pair to wear home? Lastly, do we bring the stuff with us (our overnite(s) bag) and pillow or have a family member bring it after we get to our room.

My IV was removed within 36 hours of surgery. I took underwear to the hospital but never wore it. Since I came home with my lovely catheter, I didn't wear undies home either. I suggest you take undies to wear home. Not everyone is as lucky as I to come home with a catheter. I took my overnite bag and pillow to the hospital. My family held onto these things until I got to my room. I guess you could leave these things in the car and then have your family bring them to you after surgery.

Best wishes and 's

The hospital provided some lovely mesh numbers that they called panties that worked great for the hospital. Really the only thing I needed panties for was to keep the sanitary pad they provided to hold in front on my incision in place!! That kept the staples from rubbing up against my gown. I too just used the hospital gown until the last day. I was in bed until they removed the cath and the I.V. which was in the first night. They kept the needle part in my hand "just in case" until I left but I was free from the I.V. to walk around and I did alot of walking due to unpassed gas pains. I brought all of my own toiletries since I didn't want to be charged by the hospital and my husband brought them up after I was settled into a room. Don't forget chapstick. My lips were really dry.

The nurse pulled my robe around me, and I walked with the IV stand. I was there 2 nights, and had the IV removed when I was ready to leave on the 3rd day. Mesh panties here also from the hospital, and used their gowns. Got blood and fluid from the belly button incision all over the gown, so was glad I didn't bring my own.

I took my own pillow for sleeping.

A friend told me to take my own pillow, but I never used it. Just one more thing my family had to take home that I didn't use.

all of the above are definately great ideas...i too used the panties to hold the pad inplace over my staples. soda crackers and gingerale are the best things i took for nausea. as the nurses are somewhat busy it seems.lol

I would not bother with taking too much with you. Someone can always bring some things later if needed. I know I did not want anyone bothering me, felt so nauseated from surgury. Did not use anything hardly at the hospital, could not eat, drink or anything, just felt sick and dizzy. Was only overnight stay in hospital for me. Not much was needed at all. Hear the other ladies using so much stuff, walking around and all that - they must be super ladies LOL.

They say I will only be there one day which I am assuming is my surgery day so I am just wearing my sleep pants and top to the hospital and then wearing their stuff and then wearing my sleep pants home. I will bring some stuff to wash with but I think that is it.