Linda2
post-grad
Since the surgery is this coming Monday--the 28th--I'm wondering what to pack for my hospital stay. Will I want a book? Clothing? I'm sure you folks can help.
What to Take to the Hospital
- Thread starter Linda2
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Hi linda, i took my own jamies and a book after the cathader was out i got to take a shower ahhhhhh and put on my own jamies. but the rest of the time i was sleeping and pt and siting in the chair. the nurses seem to keep you busy. good luck post asap so we know how you are. janet
ttlncsc
junior member
Hello Linda,
I am 5 weeks post Rt. Knee Replacement. I used a computer in the hospital and a cell phone. My concentration level due to pain, would not allow me to read a book. I could play solitare and a couple of games. The time goes by fairly quickly but when they start PT and getting you up...you will have ups and downs. Rest and get as comfortable as you can. Wet wipes and a favorite few munchies were comfort items. A comfortable and easy to get on shoes helped greatly. Good Luck, Tom
I am 5 weeks post Rt. Knee Replacement. I used a computer in the hospital and a cell phone. My concentration level due to pain, would not allow me to read a book. I could play solitare and a couple of games. The time goes by fairly quickly but when they start PT and getting you up...you will have ups and downs. Rest and get as comfortable as you can. Wet wipes and a favorite few munchies were comfort items. A comfortable and easy to get on shoes helped greatly. Good Luck, Tom
carolinagirl
senior
Hi Linda,
I am 3 weeks post-op for a right TKR. I also took a book to read but could not concentrate enough to read. Like the others said, once PT comes in you stay pretty busy, plus nurses in and out all day and night. I mostly slept and just watched t.v. Best of luck to you, get plenty of rest and please post as soon as you can to let us know how you are doing.
I am 3 weeks post-op for a right TKR. I also took a book to read but could not concentrate enough to read. Like the others said, once PT comes in you stay pretty busy, plus nurses in and out all day and night. I mostly slept and just watched t.v. Best of luck to you, get plenty of rest and please post as soon as you can to let us know how you are doing.
JudyS
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Hey Linda,
I am a hippy 6 weeks post op. It was suggested at the joint class to bring in your own favorite pillow. I did and really enjoyed it. I was never able to concentrate enough to read either.
Judy
I am a hippy 6 weeks post op. It was suggested at the joint class to bring in your own favorite pillow. I did and really enjoyed it. I was never able to concentrate enough to read either.
Judy
AlaskanTKR
graduate
Hi Linda -
I packed my favorite shampoo and conditioner and hair stuff (clips to pull it up simple), my own toothbrush and paste, my own socks (which I never used) and comfy t-shirts and socks for wandering about with the pt lady. I also had my itouch (like and iphone without the phone - music/internet) and silly magazines (people and intouch) which didn't require too much focus. The meds made me really sleepy so I sleep and caught up on lots of meaninless TV shows.
Maybe a comfy robe might also be useful. The nurses were hesitant to use my own clothes until the Pain pump and catheter wer removed on the second day and I could shower!
Good Luck
Marianne
I packed my favorite shampoo and conditioner and hair stuff (clips to pull it up simple), my own toothbrush and paste, my own socks (which I never used) and comfy t-shirts and socks for wandering about with the pt lady. I also had my itouch (like and iphone without the phone - music/internet) and silly magazines (people and intouch) which didn't require too much focus. The meds made me really sleepy so I sleep and caught up on lots of meaninless TV shows.
Maybe a comfy robe might also be useful. The nurses were hesitant to use my own clothes until the Pain pump and catheter wer removed on the second day and I could shower!
Good Luck
Marianne
If your a vegetarian, pack some nuts, protein shakes or anything else you eat as I found hospitals are not great with non meat meals. Don't forget your phone book and it helps to have a phone card so that you can make long distant calls easier.
Don't know your situation, but I gave my niece a list of the emails of people I wanted to keep in contact with and then I could call her with updates and she sent out a general email. I was in hospital 2 weeks between surgery and rehab so you might not find this necessary. This also kept the calls down as people seem to call just when you fall asleep.
Simon
Don't know your situation, but I gave my niece a list of the emails of people I wanted to keep in contact with and then I could call her with updates and she sent out a general email. I was in hospital 2 weeks between surgery and rehab so you might not find this necessary. This also kept the calls down as people seem to call just when you fall asleep.
Simon
Rowdy66
graduate
Most everyone was wearing loose shorts after surgery as having something on their scar was annoying, I had to be different, I liked my loose jammy bottoms and tee shirts. I took books but never even opened one. The thing that meant the most to me was my own soap and lotion and my make-up. I just feel better when I have my make-up on, maybe it is my generation. Oh, and the hospital I was in had the nicest socks, they were so soft and cozy and had a rubber design on the bottoms so you could get out of bed and not have to put your shoes on, personally I liked my crocs, they are easy on and easy off and I love all the different colors. Hope this helps. Rowdy
OP
OP
Linda2
post-grad
Everyone has been a big help. I will take a nightgown, robe, and slipper socks. I will take my loose, knit shorts and a t-shirt. Also my own toiletries and maybe some homemade dried fruit/nut mix. I know I must remember my nasal spray and chapstick. The phone book and card sound like great ideas also. I know they don't want cell phones in the hospital. I will also take a little book of sudoku puzzles but leave the book at home. I doubt I will have the concentration for it. As the day approaches, I get more frightened and keep second guessing myself. I have really been taking it easy since I have had to go off the NSAID, so I'm my knee really isn't giving me any grief right now. That makes it easy to wonder why I'm doing this. All I would have to do would be to walk vigorously for 5 minutes and I would remember! It just seems wise to go in with my knee as calm as possible--give the OS less swelling to work around.
Again, thanks for all the suggestions. If anyone has more before Monday, I'll be checking in often.
Again, thanks for all the suggestions. If anyone has more before Monday, I'll be checking in often.
carolinagirl
senior
Linda,
Best wishes on Monday. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Don't worry, the second guessing is natural. I did enough of it. Like you, the minute my surgery was scheduled for my right knee, my left knee began to hurt like crazy. I asked myself the same why am I doing this, is this really really necessary questions. In fact while I was in the pre-op area I was still asking myself those questions. But yes, it was really necessary and I am SO GLAD I did this. You will be fine, just get plenty of rest and hang in there!
Best wishes on Monday. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Don't worry, the second guessing is natural. I did enough of it. Like you, the minute my surgery was scheduled for my right knee, my left knee began to hurt like crazy. I asked myself the same why am I doing this, is this really really necessary questions. In fact while I was in the pre-op area I was still asking myself those questions. But yes, it was really necessary and I am SO GLAD I did this. You will be fine, just get plenty of rest and hang in there!
Sandy R
member
Great thread, Linda. I've written down the list so I'll be ready when my surgery date rolls around. Sudoku puzzles were the one thing my husband felt like doing during his hospital stay. Don't know about your hospital but my husband was able to use his cell phone during his stay. Good luck and best wishes for a smooth surgery and speedy recovery
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