I need help with everything for tomorrow?

Question

I am getting surgery tomorrow. What do you wear, bring, need, etc.?

I am SO confused! Please help SOON!!

-Meghan

Answer 1

Just wear comfy clothes like jammies or even break away pants if you have them. You can button them up around the surgery sight and even leave them open where they may rub and bug you.

Also a pillow is a good idea. You could bring your iPod or what ever if you want. The time you check in is not the time you go into surgery. They have to take your info, set you up with iv and so on. So it may be a couple of hrs and if you have to share a room you and your roomie may not always agree on what to watch.

Also don't bring your own snacks. The hospital will have a certain order s to hgow you can start eating or drinking again. Starting with clear liquids, then moving to crackers, then real food. Most hospitals will have snack trays ready with a cold sandwich, fruit, juice and a sweet snack.

And you can also use your phone in most hospitals. I haven't been in one yet that hasn't let me have my cell.

Answer 2

Sweetie, I cannot imagine your surgeon would have been so remiss that she/he did not provide you with some basic info – maybe you just misplaced it – but in any event, BREATHE. The worst thing you can do is worry – so don’t.

Obviously, you cannot sleep – but just let yourself be still [body and mind].

Treat yourself: watch your fav dvd; listen to your fav music [the kind that always has a calming affect on you]

Here are links I found that [even though they specify what to bring for overnight - they may be offer you some insight to be better prepared]

http://www.greenspoonortho.com/files/pat...

http://www.davidlnelson.md/PatientSurgic...

if you’re concerned about what to bring in your overnight bag:

Packing Necessities for Your Hospital Stay

•  Insurance cards. You will need your insurance cards and any other certificates, such as those you may have received for blood you have previously donated.

•  Important Documents. Your living will and durable power of attorney! Bring several copies. Do NOT forget this, even if you are not terminally ill. This is so important!

•  Medication list. Make a list of all the medications, over-the-counter and prescriptions, you are currently taking. Bring several copies of the list with you.

•  List of important phone numbers. Don't forget phone numbers of family and friends. You will need to communicate with them during your stay, especially to bring you some good food!

•  A draw-string bag. A sock or draw-string bag filled with change for vending machines, newspapers, etc. is good to have. I would avoid a change purse as this may be a target for theft.

Comfort Items for Your Hospital Stay

In General:

___ Health plan card

___ Robe and nightgown

___ Slippers

___ Toiletries and cosmetics

___ Shorts or sweat pants

___ Pen and paper

___ Phone numbers

___ List of medications

___ Reading material

___ Crossword puzzles

___ Games

•  Comfortable clothing. Choose clothing that do not have metal zippers or snaps in case you will need a CT or MRI. The clothes should be loose fitting so as not to interfere with sutures, and shirts should be short sleeved to accommodate IVs. A shawl is good to bring along to keep your neck and shoulders warm and it can easily be removed.

•  Warm socks and/or slippers. Hospital floors are very cold, so you will be much more comfortable if you bring treaded socks and/or fitted slippers with you.

•  Night shirts. For women, bring one or more long night shirts.

•  Boxers. For all, bring a pack of boxers to wear when you need to wear a hospital gown.

•  Eye coverings. If light bothers you, bring along something to cover your eyes. Eye coverings for sleeping are a good way of blocking light.

•  Toiletries. If you have a particular soap or lotion you like, bring those types of toiletries with you. Don't forget your toothbrush!

•  Family photographs. Reminders of home are always good to have. You may want to bring photographs of your family, friends and pets, and some pictures your children have drawn for you.

Entertainment Items for Your Hospital Stay

•  CD player. If noise bothers you, or if you'd just like to escape the noises of the busy hospital outside your door, bring a portable CD player with headphones and some CDs that you would like. If you can, pack the CDs in a nice flat, padded CD case so you can bring 30 or more.

•  Computer, portable DVD player or portable gaming device. If you have a portable gaming device, such as a Gameboy, or if you have a portable DVD player or laptop computer, you will have hours of entertainment at your finger tips.

•  Books, magazines and catalogs. Now's the time to start reading that novel you haven't had time to read. Take several good books, magazines and catalogs with you. The selection of TV channels may not be the best.

•  Knitting, crocheting, or scrapbooking supplies. If you enjoy a hobby that's can easily be transported, such as knitting, crocheting or scrapbooking, be sure to take your supplies with you.

•  Writing supplies. If you will be receiving treatment that may hinder your ability to talk, bring a Magna Doodle, small write-and-wipe board, or pad of paper and pen to communicate with others.

•  Journal. A pad and pen or journal is also good to have for writing things down. If you have a journal, bring it. If you don't, this may be a good time to start one! It will allow you to write about your feelings and help reduce your stress!

Items Best Left at Home

It's probably best to keep the following items off of your hospital packing checklist. You don't want to risk losing any of your valuables.

•  Purse, wallet, money, credit cards

•  Jewelry and any other valuables

•  Scented toiletries

•  Cell phone - most hospitals do not allow the use of cell phones as they interfere with some types of electrical equipment.

•  Cigarettes - if you are a smoker, this is the perfect time to quit smoking. If you are going

Answer 3

If you aren't staying overnight... just bring yourself and you should be fine. I'm not sure if you cant eat before hand since they need to knock you out so you might want to bring a few snacks because you'll probably be hungry after the surgery. Good luck!!!

Answer 4

Make sure there's someone at home to look after you post-op and, if you don't live with someone else, make sure someone can drop in and check on you for the first few days (at least) after surgery.

P.S. When you arrive home, have your phone with you wherever you go (bathroom, around the backyard, wherever).  With ankle surgery, you can easily fall.  If you have your phone with you, you can call for help.  Good luck. =)

Answer 5

they are going to put you in a surgical gown anyway...so where something comfy...and no make up...also...no nail pollish and or fake nails.

i had surgery on my lip...and i still had to strip down and everything.

oh and i suggest since its on your leg and you have to get dressed afterwards..s wear something that will go over the leg easliy, like pjs or something.

best of luck =)  

Answer 6

I just had surgery on my arm this summer.  Make sure you don't eat or drink anything beforehand if they've instructed you not to.  That has to do with the anesthesia.  Also, I agree, you need to wear loose clothing and no jewelry! You might think about bringing a pillow for the car ride home so you can prop up your leg to reduce any post operative swelling.  Afterward take it easy on eating and drinking.  Sometimes anesthesia or even pain medicine can make you vomit (unfortunately, that was my case).  As long as you have a ride home and someone to help take care of you for a few days, you should be fine.  Good luck!