What to Bring?

[BigRed]

While I am still trying to figure out where I am going for rehab I just thought of another issue. What do your bring there? What do you wear? I only own dress pants and blouses that I wear to work and I have a few pairs of lightweight sweatpants that I wear going and coming form the pool where I exercise. My surgery is in 13 days so if I have to go out shopping, I need to do it now.

Any suggestions?

 

[Texas]

Hi I would say bring something like shorts or something that they can easily get to your knees...Nothing long...Maybe others will have suggetions. I didnt do out patient although it sounds nice............Good Luck and please let us know how you are doing.......

 

[Simon]

Hi

I would just get some workout shorts the kind with an elastic waistband that are easy to get on and off, some tee shirts, good tennis shoes, socks (I would go with the thick gym socks, men socks are usually better and cheaper). I sleep in old extra large tee shirts so I brought a couple of those. The hospital provided me with slipper socks (they look like socks but they have rubber on the bottom so that you don't slip) and they are great as you need something with good traction so you don't slip. The OT people put elastic shoelaces in my shoes so that I could just slip them on and off instead of having to tie that which was good.

A pair of sweatpants can come in handy for the drive home.

If you have some diet issues let them know ahead of time and bring some things like nuts, dried fruit or anything else you like to nibble.

The place I went to had a washer and dryer so I did not have to bring lots of stuff. If you are close to home, someone can always bring you clean stuff if you need it.

You never can be sure about the temperature so a sweater or sweatshirt can be useful.

Make sure you have copies of your insurance card, phone numbers for your insurance company including the precertifiction phone numbers, numbers for your pharmacy, primary care doctor, home health agency if you have a choice, surgeons number and his emergency number. If you have drug insurance have a copy of that number as well. Make sure to bring a list of all your current meds including dosages. Paper and pencil to keep track of anyone you call about coverage, notes and questions as they come up.

Simon

 

[ship4]

Welcome to BoneSmart BigRed! I agree with everything Simon suggested, but want to add a fleece jacket..... I had my surgery 6/18/08 and was told by others to bring one. I used it every day. I found I was cold and it was great after a workout in PT on the way back to my room. I also wore it to bed some times when resting.......
Mine was a zip front and soft and comfortable. Just what I needed!

 

[Sticker Lady]

Hi Big Red!
I found that the easiest thing to wear at rehab was a pair of hubby's gym shorts--they are big and therefore easy to ge on and off, and let the therapists see what my knees were doing. They also have roomy pockets which women's shorts often do not.
Also be sure to have undies that are loose enough to get on and off easily--dressing is such a challange in the beginning!
I have "swelling issues" and had trouble getting the sneekers that I'd brought on to my fat feet ( hubby said that my toes reminded him of Shreck to give you a visual) so he found a older pair that were wider and easier to get on for me to use.
When you first try to get dressed using the aids it is slow and combersome but it quickly becomes easier.
Blessings,
Irene

 

[Judles]

My standard line,Red is to pack your patience, sense of humor........and some stool softeners!!! And comfy clothes and sneakers of course! Don't forget clean underwear! I'd give my hubby a goody bag every day so everything was nice and clean!!! Remember LESS is MORE in the hospital!!! Also a comfy robe wouldn't hurt!!

 

[Josephine]

I practically took the kitchen sink in with me as I knew I'd have no visitors and had to equip myself with sufficient 'stuff' for the whole stay! But the thing I valued most of all was the portable dvd player bought specially for the occasion. I used that to the max!

Otherwise, things like fruit sweets, tissues and those moist toilet wipes which were handy as finger wipes the first day or two.

 

[loggon]

I think the type of clothing would depend on where you live. As far as if you will need for cool weather or hot.
In Texas you can not choose to go to rehab. You have to be qualified to go. (Even if your insurance is willing to pay) They evaluate you at the hosp. if you qualify under Medicare qualifications then you can go. (most folks don't) If you are in your 80's you can go, if you can not dress yourself and take care of your self such as get out of the bed by yourself. Most folks can take care of their self and/or have help. This was put into place about 2 or 3 years ago.
I had wanted to go and insurance ok'd payment but did not qualify.
Good luck and have a speedy recovery.

 

[Judles]

Elastic sweat shorts/pants.....socks And tee shirts!!! Comfy LOOSE fitting stuff! No fashion statements, believe me!!!

 

[brs0660]

Definitely take you sense of humor...consider bringing food to the staff...quarentees great care. If you have special drink desires...take a few. Likewise find some kind of treats to take, you will need an occasional reward. Take a roozm deodorizer...just makes things more homey. Consider one of the bladder products...something like a pad that fits in your undies...(I had a terrible time getting to the bathroom in time).

Some rather odd items here

 

[marennorge]

I brought t-shirts, shorts, underwear, bathrobe, sneakers/socks along with deodorant and powder (not cologne or perfume) so I could feel like I had freshened up after a sponge bath. I also had a zip-front sweatshirt and long sweatpants in case I got cold. I kept a large container of individually wrapped chocolates on my bedside table. Those generated a lot of staff traffic so I always had someone available to assist me without ever having to ring the bell.

 

[Judles]

Nothing like good old fashioned bribery........in the hospital!!!! It DEFINITELY works!!!!

 

[Jamie]

I kept a large container of individually wrapped chocolates on my bedside table. Those generated a lot of staff traffic so I always had someone available to assist me without ever having to ring the bell.

Now THAT'S a good idea that I never thought of!!! It worked in the office before I retired, but I never thought about using that ploy for the hospital room!!! Brilliant!