What to bring to hospital

[lasel22]

Hi Selma, in some of your posts you have referred to a list of things others have found helpful to bring to the hospital listed in the Health Pages.  Where can I find this?  I'm having trouble.

Thanks.

[selmaS]

  That is really strange that they didn't listen....when I had the issue after a surgery for something else...all I had to say was it felt like I was eating sawdust when they gave me crackers and soda....I said it felt like my mouth was filling up after a very small bite and said it was the beginning of thrush and gave me something for it right away.....

[Emme80]

I kept asking-every time I saw them! And my nurses. I remember bringing up the swelling up to the the Neurosurgeon's the first time I spoke w/them (alert enough) I remember sticking my fat tongue out & they said it didn't look swollen. Dismissed it. Another time one of the NS team said it could be a little swollen  (I knew, my mom knew it was MORE than a "little" swollen)  due to the position & tube. But that was it, as far as any slightest care...I mentioned it to nurses as it was hard to swollen my thyroid & gabapentin (oh yeah, that one was a nightmare!) but it wasn't looked & I wasn't given anything for it. As I said, it even continued when I got home. Eventually, it went away...

[Emme80]

Well, my tongue took a long time to get back to normal- it was still swollen when I was at home, for a week @ least. I thought the roughness and discoloration was from being swollen then then reducing to regular size... Hmm.

[selmaS]

  Are you sure it wasn't thrush? I know the tongue swelling like that is due to thrush...what happens is they scratch the inside of the throat when placing the tube and an infection sets in.....

What did they say caused your tongue issue and what was given to help it?

[Emme80]

That was my problem...not thrush, but my tongue swelled double the size. Couldn't talk, eating was an issue-I didn't eat. I couldn't swallow pills...I forgot about my tongue. My nurses had a hard time understanding me, especially my mom who knew the way I spoke and it was not with a gigantic tongue lisp. Ugh, that was an aggravating factor.

[selmaS]

  We are all placed on our stomachs for the PFD surgery and our heads placed in a halo...you are lucky the issue only lasted a day....

My roommate while in the hospital had surgery the day b4 me and she had  severe  thrush due to the tube....her tongue swelled and she could barely talk....it took days to calm down....

[Emme80]

I had my mom bring throat lozenges ASAP. 7 or 8 surgeries & this one was surprisingly not as bad as a hernia repair surgery as for the throat....but, I remembered it quickly when I woke! Many thanks to my mother. At 40 years old, you still need and want your mommy.

[Vyurech]

I had open heart surgery in 2003 and do not remember having throat pain like I had this time around (if I had, I assure you, I would have packed the lozenges first!).  The anesthesiologist said it was because I was on my stomach and they apparently had a tough time getting me positioned correctly.  It only lasted a day, but it was still uncomfortable.

[selmaS]

  Sorry I missed the question on the pillow....for everyone what pillow is good for them is as individual as we all are....for me I used a lumbar memory foam pillow by Homedics and it was perfect for me....others got a Chiari pillow....one that is specially made for those with Chiari......

@Emme80 Awww that is sweet you have something to help calm you...no matter our age we all need something, I will add this to our list ....and if it helps I say do it : )

@ Vyurech- I had a surgery previous to my decompression and had issues with the  tube...and when I went for my PFD I spoke with my anesthesiologist in the OR as he was prepping me....I told him of the issue and promised to use the smallest tube possible....and I did not have any issues with my throat....I know others developed thrush due to scratches from the tube placement or removal.

But that is a great add on to our list and I will add it to our list !

[Vyurech]

Hi, 4 weeks post surgery and the one thing I wished I had immediately was throat lozenges.  The sore throat I had from the breathing tube was almost as bad as the pain at the surgical site.  I asked the ICU nurse for some and it took forever to get them, so probably better to bring them yourself.

[Emme80]

I always brought a handkercheif(bandana) with me. When I woke from this surgery they already had it in my hand. Yes, I'm a 40yr. Old woman w/a little blankey. It also always helped w/tears or a migraine(to cover my eyes). But...yes, it's my safe place..my blankey.

[lasel22]

Thank you!  And thanks for all your help with everyones questions.  It really is nice to be able to come somewhere and know you can talk to someone who's been through it all.

What kind of pillow is a special pillow?  Do people tend to like the neck pillow you can snap closed in front to rest your head in?  I think my head would just sink to the bottom anyway, my head is so small.  (ha, I guess I wouldn't be in this situation if my head was normal size!)

[selmaS]

  Sorry, but MH has removed the Health Pages feature for now....so I have the " lists" or pages in my journal...I copy and paste the info when someone requests it..seems to be the easiest way to handle for the time being.

Tips for the Hospital Stay


- change for vending machines
-small snacks; tea packets
-book light
-hard candies
-hand wipes/facial wipes
-special pillow
-light weight PJ's that r loose or button down in front...V neck over sized  shirts
-a hat or scarf to wear going home
-toiletries
-CD player for relaxing music and audio books
-the nurses created a tube of blankets to wedge behind the back to keep from rolling.And they can also create a u shape smaller to be used for the head as well.
- earplugs for the noisy night staff.

I will post your Prayer thread on the 12 so it is up the night b4....just know I am sending all my thoughts and prayers for you even b4 you head in <3 If you need anything else let me know <3