Craniotomy logistics: What to bring for after ICU stay?

Depending on your health going into surgery, you could be out of ICU within a few hours and back home within a few days. Once out of ICU, you should be able to wear your own clothes. Suggest comfortable lounging clothes such as sweat pants and tee shirts. As for food, most hospitals will allow food from outside within limits. I had cookies and snacks mostly. The hospital meals are filling but not exactly gourmet. I joked with the nurses about having a bottle of gin for martinis but don’t think it would have been allowed🥴.

Thanks😂
Figured lounge clothes but I am glad to hear can bring some own food once out of ICU. Any tips on whats required to be able to go home. After biopsy was so easy, but Im assuming after craniotomy patients have to somehow prove they are stable enough to go home, walking, using bathroom, etc, anything else??

You also need to demonstrate that you have the support systems in place you will need at home.

jeanneoc: First of all, I was also told I'd be in ICU but I was doing so well I was instead sent to the "Step Down" unit which is a nurse to patient ratio of 1 to 3 instead of whatever it is in ICU. (I'm assuming 1:1 or 1 to 2.) A person comes up from occupational therapy and you have to demonstrate you can walk a particular distance down the hospital corridor to be discharged. (Well, at least that's the protocol at UCSF.) I brought my own zip lock bag of toothpaste (as I've found I can not stand the flavor of the mini tubes the hospital provides) my own toothbrush, chapstick, one of those travel size lotions for after I wash my face, a comb, breath mints, etc. And when they tell you NOT to bring any medicines to the hospital, they mean it. They took everything out of my zip lock bag and scrutinized it. In the hospital they keep your head at a 35 to 45 degree angle and I was advised to do the same at home for "x" number of days. (I don't remember how many days; I'm 2 years post craniotomy this month,) My son-in-law had one of those foam, wedge pillows so I borrowed that. All of the pain meds they give you during surgery and for a very short time afterward (I never was in any pain) constipates you so make sure you have on board when you get home a docusate sodium stool softener/laxative because you are not supposed to be straining (causing pressure to rise in your head) after surgery. I was told the hospital gown was required. It's all about what makes it easier for the staff to access all the wires and catheter you'll be hooked up to. For me it was an easy surgery. The hysterectomy I had years ago was far worse. Good luck.

@jeanneoc

Once you are out of the neuro ICU, it’s pretty much standard hospital stuff. What I have needed in several hospital stays are 1) my cell phone charger with a long enough cord to reach the outlet, 2) my hearing aid batteries and 3) my reading glasses.

Plan on someone bringing you a treat. Whatever makes you happy. For me it was red licorice. It could be ice cream, cookies, etc. You will appreciate something soothing to look forward to afterwards.

this was very helpful!! Thanks!