Always pack more than you think you will need:
It is important to be comfortable and sometimes after surgery you can feel more uncomfortable due to medications and post-surgical pain. My packing list always includes:
Comfortable clothes (the more oversized the better and button-down options are always a bonus)
Socks, slippers, and slide on shoes
Toiletries (pack like you are going out of town for 2 weeks)
Disposable wipes
Blanket and pillows (one pillow for my head and one pillow to brace as you cough or sneeze)
Electronics, chargers, and an extension cord
Reusable water bottle with a straw and a baggie full of snacks
Zip up sweatshirts
Any forms of entertainment (coloring books, video games, art projects, etc.)
Have a list of all medications that you take at home to bring to the hospital. This will make it easier for the hospitalist to pull any medications that they will need to give you during your stay.
If you have a fear of needles, I learned a trick:
As soon as the nurse starts rubbing the antiseptic wipe on your skin, turn your head away and start counting. This will keep you from expecting the poke on the count of 3. Make sure you are consistently taking deep breaths during this process.
If you are really nervous about going back into the operating room:
Make sure that you tell your surgical team. In most cases they are able to give you something that will help you relax and keep you calm before they put you under.
After Surgery:
Get up and start walking as soon as possible! This will not only help you get out of the hospital sooner but it will also help your recovery and keep you from getting stiff.
Cough or sneeze while squeezing a pillow!
Do not be a hero! When you are in pain tell your nurse. They are there to make you more comfortable.
Between pain medication doses, remember to use other forms of pain relief like ice, heat, stretching, and deep breathing.
Ask questions about what nurses and doctors are doing. Sometimes they get in routine and forget that you are experiencing these things and may not be familiar with their process.
If you do not like the way a medication makes you feel then say something. There are a dozen medications out there that can help your pain and they all have different side effects. Just because one medication makes you feel weird or bad, that doesn't mean that another medication will make you feel that way.
Be polite and kind to your nurses but also advocate for yourself!
One thing that my family always tries to do is bring a snack box or sweet treats to the nursing staff to let them know how appreciated they are. I also know what it is like to feel misunderstood or not taken care of by my nurse. In those instances, I would politely speak up to the charge nurse or notify my team at the next shift to ensure that my concerns are addressed.
Let your medical team know if you do not feel ready to go home:
Your recovery is about you and only you know how you feel so speak up and advocate for yourself.
