When you came home from the hospital after surgery...

[JerseyGirl88]

what did you wear? I know this is a bit trivial, but I am packing my overnight bag for the hospital after my surgery on Wednesday. All my winter stuff has a regular neckline, or a turtle neck. Do I need to go shopping for v-neck sweaters? What are all you recent surgey veteran wearing?

[NellyM]

First of all I hope all is well!
I didn't care about what I would wear, and how the scar would look. It's a tiny scar. I was wearing low colar tops, as the turtle-necks irritated my scar.
Wear somthing you can be comfortbale in.
All the best!

[Jez777]

while in the hospital for my TT I was so happy for anything that was mine and didn't allow the general public full access to various body parts that popped in/out of sight. My favorites were button up shirts (flannel) while in the hospital and believe it or not any sort of pants with an elastic waistband.  I never really liked covering up the incision with scarves or turtlenecks unless I went outside, depending on where they cut a round neck (crew neck) T-shirt might be all you need to cover it up or camoflage it. Once the incision healed for me( 4-5 weeks) I have a necklace that I wear that pretty much covers the whole thing up. You'll want to make sure that your skin isn't sensitive to any jewelry you might wear, mine is gold so there is no nickel irriation or other chemicals rubbing off on it and it's fine & loose so friction is minimal, don't sleep with it, but it helps get used to it being there. Mostly being self-concious is normal for the first few weeks, but eventually you'll barely notice the incision.

as for calcium, I was on supplements for almost a month post op, during the week after my surgery I felt some spasms and tingling but it went away and only came back a little bit when i was going hypo for RAI.

Good luck with your surgery, all the best.

Jez

[Lightsmsb]

Here in SOCAL I wore sweat pants and a teeshirt with a University of Michigan sweatshirt.  No problems for me getting home with that.  Be a comfortable as you can.  
Happy Times!
Scott

[utahmomma]

Sweats and v-neck tops.  I switched to turtlenecks shortly after the first surgery to hide the bandages and scar but found scarfs nicer.

You'll do great

[hazelhurst]

I was really glad I took my own slippers for the hospital. They want you to get up and walk around the hallways (pulling the i.v. on wheels) not long after surgery. If your gown flaps open, ask for some drawstring surgical scrub pants--they are really comfortable, and really make the outfit!

[JerseyGirl88]

I remember the drawstring pants from my laparotomy surgery (I practically gave birth by c-section to a lovely fibroid!) they were quite comfy and you are right they do complete the outfit nicely!

I've got my slippers packed for the hallway IV pole shuffle, thanks!

In regards to the possible parathyroid trauma, did most of you come home with directions to take calcium supplememts? I am really bad about calcium right now, I am NOT a milk drinker, I do try to get in some yougurt daily but that's about it. Should I go get the Viactive Chews now too? I have to call my surgeons office on Monday for my surgery time and further instructions, but I figure it can't hurt to ask the experts on this site and beat the rush.

So, any other tips?

[JerseyGirl88]

Thanks for the replies. I am in the mood for some shopping today, so I guess I will go for some soft v-neck sweaters and maybe some scarves, haven't had any of those in years, other than the winter type! Never thought of a button down, that would probably be best in the beginning, no over the head at all. Duh?!

Had my presurgical testing done on Thursday and my arm is still sore from the blood draw, not a good sign of the pin cushion I am sure to become next week. I remember from my fibroid surgery and labor and delivery that the worst part was the blood draws and the IV insertion, for some reason I am a hard stick. God willing, however that will be my only complaint this time too!

I am sure I will have more questions and concerns as the "big day" draws nearer, so thanks for the support!

[azqtpies]

Hi 9 days post op... they told me to bring something button up.. makes getting dressed much easier!!! they will have it covered up. If you are in the cold Iowuld suggest one of thoses chanel scarfs/// really soft ones.. Best of luck on your surgery, its not that bad at all =) you will be great! Take care

K~

[ChitChatNine]

Great ? .. I wore a V neck for about a week.  I'm still gunshy on turtlenecks; prefer to wear a silk scarf against the incision .. mine is a bit bumpy, red and still healing looking .. rather sensitive to anything touching it.  However, others may be better healed at this point .. everyone is so different.  By the end of the day I take off the scarf and enjoy letting the air hit it.

Also, if in cold weather .. watch the zipper to your Winter coat .... :0

C~