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.