How to prepare for the hospital

[chasingchloee 58]

Hi! I start my liquid diet September 9th, it's two weeks and my surgery is September 23. Also, I have to drink soothing to cleanse my bowels the day before surgery, how does it taste? And last, what should I know about pain, hospital stay, and what to bring! I'm 18 and really excited but nervous.

[southernbelle256 101]

You really don't need anything at the hospital. Your phone and a charger. I discharged in the clothes I wore there. I did love having my own pillow. Extra pillows are hard to come by. I stayed on a schedule with my pain and nausea medications every 4 hours. Walk as much as possible to help with the gas from surgery.

[Dream4tc 192]

I have a fan that I keep in my SUV (I take it to Zumba classes), however I found it very useful when I had recent surgery. It was very warm in my room and I was on the 6th floor. My hubby ran down and got my fan and I was very comfy the rest of the time I was there

[chasingchloee 58]

Awesome! Thank you both!

[Daisee68 2,493]

Take chopstick / lip balm of some kind. Your lips do get a little chapped.

[Knitchic 97]

Hi! I start my preop diet September 9th, it's two weeks and my surgery is September 23. Also, I have to drink soothing to cleanse my bowels the day before surgery, how does it taste? And last, what should I know about pain, hospital stay, and what to bring! I'm 18 and really excited but nervous.

We are a day apart on both our surgery date and our liquid diet. I'm sure I won't feel the same on the second or third day of the preop diet but I can't wait to get started... I guess because that means just two weeks to the start of my new life!

[toasty 371]

I'm wondering whether I should bring my laptop to the hospital to watch movies? Will I be awake and aware enough to watch movies while I am in the hospital? Will they even let me have a laptop in the hospital?

[Knitchic 97]

@@chasingchloee how was your first day on pre op? I am on day 4 now and when everyone says it does get better I think they're right. Days 2 and 3 were horrible. I think my body was screaming for sugar haha.

Keep us posted on your progress. I am so happy for you and your journey.

[Dream4tc 192]

@@toasty I can honestly say, the last hospital stay I had, I didn't even bother turning on tv. I slept off and on, and had pain control issues. I don't think you will be watching much except the inside of your eyelids, but you can.

[chasingchloee 58]

@@Knitchic Today was pretty awful, being the first day of preop all liquids. Hopefully it gets pretty! Let me know how yours is going!

[toasty 371]

@@Dream4tc Thanks, that is what my wife and mom say too. I think I will leave it at home.

[RKS1983WI 49]

I started my liquid diet on the 7th, I'm having surgery September 21st. Day 1 was rough, especially cooking for my children, my husband is super supportive and doing the liquid diet with me. I definitely recognize my head hunger vs physical hunger. I'm really not starving, but I think about food and what I want to be eating, so I just keep busy and try to keep my mind on other things. I also cook yummy healthy Soups, strain the broth for now, freeze the left overs for puree stage.

[GBLady41 393]

@@toasty, I think I'm going to bring my laptop when I have surgery. If I don't use it, that's fine. But watching movies relaxes me, so even if I'm able to watch one movie, it'll make me feel better.

[ChunkyChocolate 38]

I'm scheduled for the September 21st, liquid diet starts tomorrow , Keep me updated.

I was wondering the same thing, i was thinking my cell phone, charger, ear phones and carmex would be fine

Edited September 11, 2015 by ChunkyChocolate