Hi Tamra!

Ok, I copy and pasted portions of your last message that I have input on, and are my thoughts, based on my experience…

I knew that I was going to fly home after surgery and didn’t want to deal with checked baggage. I was able to fit everything into one carry on, and I brought too much…..🤣

My surgeon was clear that everyone stays in the hospital for different lengths of time. He did say that the average seemed to be 2 to 4 days for my surgery. I was in the hospital for 9 days and still had plenty of supplies in my suitcase.

I wore the surgery gown and changed it for a fresh one, at least twice. My catheter stayed in for about 3 days. Longer than they wanted but my pain was still too high. I also had a drain and bag for my back and I think they took that out on day 2 or 3. Also, I had 3 IVs total in my arms.

So I would plan on a surgery gown until they unhook you from a few things. I started wearing loose fitting sweatpants under my gown after the catheter and back drain were removed. The sweatpants add a little challenge to using the toilet, but it also covered my tail when walking around the hallway.🤣

Ok, I copy and pasted some of your questions below:

1. Sweats 2 (one to two should be good!)

2. slip on slippers with grip. (they will put the hospital slippers with grips on you and I wore those for the duration. I’m sure you can wear your own if they are acceptable.)

3. was told front clasping bras and button down sweaters and tops as overhead might be difficult. (I brought a bra but did not wear it because it sat right at the top of the surgery cut. With my surgery, there was no pain raising my hands above my head, so I did not need the front button shirts that I brought.)

5. dry shampoo ( how long before my 1st shower?!!!!!!) Will I be able to style my hair?
(The hospital gave me 2 dry shampoos. I had no idea such a thing existed, and it was the most amazing thing! My room had a shower in the bathroom and I took one at around day seven I think. I used hospital provided cleansing wipes until then. I kept my hair pulled up in a messy bun that kept it comfortable for me to lay down)

10. ipad iphone ipods chargers
(A must! I brought a 6 foot cord and I’m glad that I did because it barely reached. I also had a portable power pack that I used.)

11. dulex and fiber powder (I was advised against taking any fiber powder. I take that on a normal basis at home, but it will actually work towards constipating you more when you are taking all the medication. You might want to look into this a little more😊)

I am considering purchasing a lounge chair for my bedroom to possibly sleep in etc. someone said make sure it is 180 flat as u won’t want a bend in your back? So only straight up or flat????? I slept on my sofa after knee replacement surgery two years ago as it hurt too much getting in and out of bed?? different surgery so..
sorry so long … any input by anyone appreciated
(the hospital bed was the best part of my room! I wish I could’ve taken it home with me. You will not want to stay in one position for very long, so it was nice to be able to move the head or legs up and down a few inches, and it provided relief. I did this constantly. I remember laying there thinking there was no way I could go home and lay on my bed that doesn’t move. That’s been one of the great things for me at home. I have a couch that I can adjust and recline and I still do it.
As for sleeping on my bed, I slept in my couch the first week and I’ve been sleeping in my bed ever since. I have only slept on my back to this point. I have two large pillows that I prop under my knees and it’s the most comfortable way for me. I know some people lay on their side and it is completely allowed. I’m just worried that I will rollover and twist in the middle of the night. You can prop yourself up with pillows to keep yourself on your side, it’s just that my spine and body do so much better just laying on my back. You will quickly figure out what works best for you.

I think you are doing a great job preparing for your surgery!!
Sherry