advice for hospital stay?

[JesVS]

I am scheduled for my Chiari decompression surgery on (this!!) Monday with Dr. Heffez in Wisconsin.  I am in the process of packing for the trip and wondering what others who've had this surgery have found helpful to have in the hospital.....
I am traveling to Milwaukee from Upstate NY.  My boyfriend is coming with me for the surgery and will stay for a couple of days, and then my mother will fly out to stay the rest of the time.  There will be a couple of days between their visits that I will be alone in the hospital - I'm ok with that, but want to make sure I'll have everything I need - no one to run errands for me!!
Thank you for any advice... I am so grateful to this forum.  I don't post much, but I read everything :)

Jes

[selmaS]

What u r experiencing is from all the meds...slow down...it will come to bite u...

Ur mom is right u need to heal....too many times I have seen people say they felt great started doing too much and then suffered a set back.

I am so happy to get ur update and I pray u continue to feel as great as u do right now.

"selma"

[JesVS]

You commented that the first week you felt on top of the world - that it how I would describe what I'm feeling right now.  Did that feeling last? I am PRAYING so.....

My mom keeps reprimanding me because I am trying to do too much for myself.  I have to remember to heal.

Best,
Jes

[JesVS]

Thank you all for the comments!! Selma, your list was so inclusive, I was totally prepared at the hospital.  I am sorry that I did not have my bf post immediately after surgery.  The weekend was a flurry of activity and travel, and then after (obviously) it wasn't first thing on my mind!
The first couple of days were very rough, although they gave me anti-nausea medicine, I still vomited quite a bit and was in a lot of pain.  Then on day 3 I turned a corner and started feeling better again.  I was discharged yesterday, and - along with pain medication - am feeling awesome.  For the first time in a loooooong time, I have no pain in my left arm and shoulder.  For some reason, that was my most debilitating symptom.  
I still have pain from the surgery, but it is nothing compare to what I was dealing with only a week ago.  I am feeling very positive about recovery now :)
I am taking it easy and resting quite a bit - fortunately my children (13 and 16), boyfriend and parents are excellent caregivers and I feel no pressure to rush anything.  I am just so thankful that there might be a resolution to the chiari symptoms!!
Best to everyone!!!
Jes

[blondeballerina07]

CHAP STICK was the number one thing I used that I took! A couple pairs of pj's, I only took one thinking I would be in a hospital gown the first two or so days and be released a day or two later that did not happen, my suggestion take extras in case! My friend brought me socks with the no slip on the bottom those were nice too.

[selmaS]

I forgot about that...I did not use the TV either...or the phone...save ur money do sign up for either...

Well have a few good ideas to add to the current list.....

Oh  walker...if ne one in ur family has one u may need it the first week u r home...the hospital tried to get me to "take " one...I know that would have been a pretty penny too, but I had one already from surgery on my leg.....

Oh and a bath chair/bench....to help bathe at home with risk of falling.....

[*Stormy*]

Well Monday doesn't give you a lot of time...but...call all your family and friends and request frozen dinners for the freezer!! (Maybe they can do a good housecleaning for you while you're gone too..lol..)

I don't know what the hospital is like there but I remember the first thing I asked for was some fresh fruit!! Oh and I loved these mouth wipes (soaked in scope or something) b/c they wouldn't let me eat or drink at first and my mouth was so gross and dry.

Did someone already say slippers? Soooo important.. as my feet were always cold and you want them for when they get you out of bed.

Other than that, just expect to want to sleep. I wasted money on renting a TV, I think I watched about 10 mins in the 4 days I was there.

GOOD LUCK!
Carolyn

[mvittorio]

Well prior to my surgery I made certain that my house was immaculate. I picked up extra pillows as well as a body pillow. For the hospital I took with me sweat bottoms, pj bottoms will work as well. You are going to come out of your surgery with a cathater which they kept in me for two days and an iv in your arm so clothing other than hospital gowns might not be an option the first day or two. Every hospital, surgery, patient, experience is different, please keep that in mind. Plenty of fluids, soup, soft foods is a good idea. Ummmm...I'm trying to think of what else. Wipes, lysol, be careful of hospital borne infections. I think that was it. The surgery and recovery was not bad at all. The first week I was on top of the world, void of many symptoms and free of headaches. Button down tops/zippers are essential. Prior to surgery make sure that everything is a waist height in your home. You should not reach nor bend. Good luck and please update!

[selmaS]

WOW Jes !! Congrats...we have 3 members having surgery on Monday!!
Please have someone post updates on ur progress and know we will be sending good vibes ~~~ and prayers to u and all in charge of ur care : )


http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological-Disorders/Tips-for-the-Hospital-Stay/show/1136?cid=186

Tips for the Hospital Stay

Ideas 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 oversized  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.

There may be a few more to add....

Good luck
"selma"