Shopping/packing/to-do list for surgery + recovery....
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don't forget to take a case for your eyeglasses.
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I took nothing, except the clothes on my back, to the hospital .
I was in only one night, got dressed the next day and left, wearing the zip-up bra the hospital gave me. They gave me a second one like that, and a tight little velcro-fastening tube top. My surgery was among the simpler surgeries that are ever done for any of us here, and I really needed nothing else. 0 -
I was in hospital 5 days so everyone plans accordingly if pack or don't pack. Two things that was a life saver for me was "string cheese". With the pain meds, drying meds and the breathing tube - my throat was very, very dry and trying to swallow a cracker just did not cut it. I thought I was going to choke on the cracker! So I asked DH to bring me some string cheese so I could take before the pain meds so to ward off the upset stomach and viola! it worked wonderful. My waterbottle that I packed does not leak even when turned upside down and I am a big water drinker. It was great to lay in bed and drink instead of trying to sit and sip from a bendy straw. The waterbottle is: "Camelbak"
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I was in hospital 5 days so everyone plans accordingly if one packs or doesn't pack.
Two things that was a life saver for me:
1) was "string cheese". With the pain meds, drying meds and the breathing tube - my throat was very, very dry and trying to swallow a cracker just did not cut it. I thought I was going to choke on the cracker! So I asked DH to bring me some string cheese so I could take before the pain meds so to ward off the upset stomach and viola! it worked wonderful.
2) was my "camelbak" waterbottle that I packed. It does not leak even when turned upside down and I am a big water drinker. It was great to lay in bed and drink instead of trying to sit and sip from a bendy straw. And, if I happened to fall asleep holding it, which I did - I wasn't drenched when I woke up.
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just had a DMX last week, the only thing I wished I'd brought that I didn't was a cheap little bamboo back scratcher!
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What a wonderful list and thread... THANK YOU!!!
This has nothing to do with anything practical, but I just got a new toy that I'm excited about having in the hospital with me... an iPad. I've been loading it up with classic literature (nearly all free!), movies, TV shows, etc. so I have plenty to keep me from getting bored during the hospital stay. My hospital has wireless so I can surf the 'net too. Of course, I may well not feel up for doing anything, but it's nice to have plenty of entertainment and hundreds of books at my fingertips, just in case!
Thanks again for all the ideas... I would NEVER have thought of a lot of this.
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Julia ~ my husband bought an IPad a couple months ago and I totally teased him for buying such an expensive "toy". However, I'm having to eat my words a bit now!
That's the FIRST thing I thought of bringing to the hospital with me and has been a nice distraction in the various waiting rooms already! Plus.. it will be much easier to use an IPad than a laptop when I am sitting in bed recovering..whilst my hubby and son wait on me hand and foot. 
Is it wrong to kind of look "forward" to the surgery? 0 -
Not at all. It's nice to be pampered. Even if it's for all the wrong reasons. Enjoy it while you can. It never lasts long enough.
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Susan, isn't it the best?? and yes, what a difference it makes in waiting rooms and just about everwhere else (I sometimes read under the covers if I can't sleep... nice to be able to do that without waking hubby up)!
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That's right, leisaparis... we should enjoy it while we can!
Julia ~ I have used the IPad SO many sleepless nights lately too! Usually to browse bc.org! lol! ..though for some reason I can't "reply" on this forum from the IPad? Are you able to?
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No, I'm not able to either -- weird! Drives me crazy, and once I wanted so much to reply that I got out of bed and typed it on the computer! LOL
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As I find myself on this forum all the time now, I can so relate to your need to post and can imagine the frustration when you can't. I don't have an iPad....but my 18 y.o. son is an Apple computer specialist at Best Buy....I'll ask him if he has an answer to the iPad and not being able to post. I just use my laptop and will be taking that with me. Don't know if I will feel up for using it, but my best friend and hubby will I'm sure. I'm also getting a pair of noise canceling headphones.
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When I got home from the hospital, my husband attached my Camelbak hydration pack (the kind used for hiking and biking) to the bedpost. It holds 100 oz of water and has a very long tube with a bite valve on the end. It saved me from having to sit up, twist and and try to lift a water jug. It also saved him from having to fill my water frequently. My mouth was incredibly dry for the first several days. He would fill it with ice water before bed and it would last all night. I think I did a much better job of staying hydrated because if it.
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I've been browsing this wonderful site in anticipation of helping care for my friend who is having a double mastectomy/recon 11/30. I pulled all the suggestions together and categorized them into sections. Hope this is helpful. Kudos to all of you for your spunk, resourcefulness and mutual support. Amazing women all of you...(and the humor!!! definitely now have some new favorite jokes from that section of this site!). Anyway, here's the list..
to do as soon as possible:
ask anesthesiologist for anti nausea meds
see if your insurance will pay for post surgery bras or camisoles (which hold drains)
laxatives/stool softener to combat constipation from pain meds –start taking a few days before surgery!
move stuff at home to low shelves, especially in kitchen & bathroom
To take with you to hospital….
Clorox wipes for hospital room/bed
squishy pillows for sides, underarms, knees
Magazines
Pen and paper
Camelback hydration pack so you can drink from reclined position
Extension cord so you can keep phone plugged in/charged
iPad
Sound machine so you can get better rest (Walgreen’s, etc)
Eye mask for same reason
Lip balm
Essential oils for pillow/eye mask
Lavendar spray mist because hospital rooms can smell funky
Plastic baggie to keep by your side for glasses/cellphone/chapstik/etc
Tote bag for keeping mags/etc handy and in one place
Before leaving hospital…
Ask doc to call in meds before coming home – have them ask for non childproof caps and call pharmacy to see if they did it right
To have in car for ride home…
3 pillows: 1 for @ underarm, 1 for under seatbelt
blanket for warmth
To have ready at home…
squishy pillows for sides, underarms, knees
cups with lid and bendable straw
recliner
C-shaped head pillow for sleeping in recliner
essential oils sachet
lip balm
journal
netflix!
bell or buzzer to ring and get someone's attention (a small hand bell or one of those buzzers from a board game would work - the game "Taboo" has a great one-it's so obnoxious they'll come quickly to shut it up)
zip up or Velcro short sleeved robe with pockets sewn in on inside for drains (from thrift store could work just fine)
PJs with buttons – no over the head tops
Silky PJ bottoms so it’s easier to get out of bed
easy to put on cozy socks
laxatives/stool softener to combat constipation from pain meds
notebook for recording meds/drainage amounts
alcohol wipes for everybody touching you, especially your drains/wounds
disposable gloves for person helping with drains
other drain options: fanny pack or pocketed vest for drains (borrow one from someone who fishes or is a photographer?!)
or lanyard (like for holding IDs) to hold drains
or use cut off socks(footies) with pins
big safety pins to attach drains
weighted basket for ipod and phone, etc so they are handy and stay put
list of exercises
werther’s or other hard candy (get the stuff you really like!)
shower chair (those cheap plastic outdoor chairs work)
long shower nozzle (cheap at the grocery store)
CVS “washcloths” (next to bandaids)
other thoughts: (sorry, couldn't figure out how to remove these font/fragment comments)
prepare a “post surgery” email before surgery and have it ready to go out
use a website like www.lotsahelpinghands.com to create a support community. it lets you communicate easier and it lets folks organize and coordinate their efforts (things like what night they will drop off dinner, transport your kids, etc) ask your family or friends to send you a daily favorite funny story or joke consider purchasing some inspirational books or this one: The Breast Cancer Survivor's Fitness Plan: A Doctor-Approved Workout Plan For a Strong Body and Lifesaving Results (Harvard Medical School Guides)0 -
dmoore, thanks for compiling that as a categorized list! I hope your friend's surgery goes great... she is very blessed to have you as a friend!
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I'm a recent mastectomy/reconstruction patient now survivor (2 years on December!). Try Pink Pockets for holding those drains. Simple - affordable. I invented them myself and wore them after my reconstruction surgery in May. Patients love them - so simple. www.pink-pockets.com
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I am working off of the lists & suggestions on this thread for my surgery on monday. I think I've covered most of the necessities, trying to pack light, but not forget the essentials for the hospital, and as far as home goes, I am "sprucing" up my bedroom with the recliner & moving in more plants and candles etc to make it feel/look good, I have a feeling I'll be spending a bunch of time resting in there and might as well make it a tranquil place to be ;-) . I got the neck pillow today, it's a memory foam chenille covered-one, I think this is a great idea for recovery & rest. The other items I might not have remembered are dry shampoo, at least if I can't get a wash soon after surgery, it can "seem" fresh, I still dont quite know how anyone is going to handle my long hair, guess it's to the salon for a wash/blow-out post-surgery! Got my candies, socks & gathering the extension cord, too - great idea, I would have never thought of it! I'm sure I will be back here a million more times!
Thank you to all of the ladies on this thread and their great ideas!
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Am going through this helpful list. Thanks to all. Spent New Year's Eve painting the bedroom and my husband is fixing lingering things around the house that will bother me if I have to stare at them all day. Off today to search for some extra pillows and bolsters. Anyone on the other side have anything to add to the list?
Thanks again,
Kelly
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I don't have anything to add ... I went over these lists quite thoroughly and felt well prepared for the journey!
I wish you a smooth and speedy recovery, Kelly!!
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thanks susan!
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I had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with DIEP on December 29th and one of my most prized possessions while in hospital was a small hand held fan as it was so warm. I used lip balm and hand cream constantly too as my lips and hands were so dry.
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One item I would add for the ride home is a small pillow--I got 2 MX pillows from the American Cancer Society--they are supposed to be used under the arms but I put them across my chest so that the seat belt doesn't rub up against me. I'm 4 months out from my BMX and I'm still using them. Have a joyous day.
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Thanks so much for this thread, it has really helped me prepare for my BMX. Has anyone ever thought about compiling this into a list, and suggesting it to your PS/specialist?
My PS gave me a folder of handouts, about caring for drains, etc. He gave me a list of people to call as his references. But he didn't give me a list to prepare me for surgery, like you ladies have done!
THANK YOU!
~ Cameron @~;~
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My essentials post surgery:
Miralax
pinkbra.com (found one with pouches for drains that can be velcroed to any bra) order larger size than normal so you don't feel like you are in a vise.
soma.com pajama separates "cool nights" bamboo/spandex, the best ever.
Cindala (2 weeks post BMX with TE)
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Pink Pockets for drains - one size. These pockets fit inside your own clothes. No pinning, no sewing, no velcro. Peel the adhesive and stick to the inside of your pjs or gown or button down shirt. Fits 2 JP drains on each side - roomy enough to store comfortably and discretely. www.pink-pockets.com Endorsed by Austin Plastic Surgery Institute's Dr. Scott Haydon for patients after surgery. Remove the pocket from your clothing when done without damaging. No holes, no velcro to remove. Simple and affordable.0
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The small pillows have been awesome. Both for the ride home and for bring on the recliner all day and night. I got numbness in my arm if it didnt have support while I am sleeping. That was a simple fix to have it slightly elevated!
I would also sing the praises of hoodies (zip ones). Robes are great but when you really have to pee, you dont want to fiddle with taking the robe off....so Ive been living in my hoodies. I thought about making a slit behind the pocket to slip the drain in as well but have been getting by fine with the safety pin on my pajamas.
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SuebeeBC - While recovering from BMX & DIEP, I loved my zip up hoodies, too. Try wearing it in-side-out and you'll have built-in drain pockets!0
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Sophie - BRILLIANT!
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Inside out hoodies. LOVE IT!
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Hmm, and I was thinking about sewing in pockets with a decorative stitch showing from the right side of the fabric. Does that make sense? Maybe with a cute patch framed by the pocket stitching.
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