Good Luck!

Thank you!

I have some magazines for you to distract yourself with.

A nightgown that is soft and comfortable, but which you don't mind getting bodily fluids on. More specifically, a few nightgowns, just in case you get bodily fluids on them.

Stuff to DO--probably reading, maybe knitting. If I'd thought about it, I could have brought my portable DVD player in to loan to you.

Wet ones, or something like them. You won't be showering at the hospital, and if you feel grungy, something with disenfecant that's cold and fresh smelling wiped artisitcally around yourself will make you not feel quite so grungry. Definitely pack deoderant (unless the doctors tell you not to).

Wash your hair tonight. Get any product out of it. Maybe put in some moiturizing leave-in conditioner. It's not going to be washed for some time. If you don't think you'll like the feel of it on your neck, bring some things to put it up or pull it to the sides.

Comfy clothes to go home in. I'm not sure where all the cuts will be made, but you want to check that out now and find out if say, a dress will feel better than trying to climb into sweatpants after surgery, you might want to bring one of those. I'm guessing jeans will be out for a little while because they'll be uncomfortable.

Another person. If someone can stay with you in the hospital the first day, and are really polite and help the nurses, you'll a) always having someone to help you to the bathroom instead of having to wait for the nursing staff b) always have someone to bring you water (if you're allowed water) and c) always have someone to walk with you and help you right after surgery, who is sympathetic and friendly (nurses aren't always). After abdominal surgery, they usually want you to get up and walk as soon as possible to restart everything that was anesthetized before you can go home.

I have Amy, Ellen, and my Mom after noon, so I'm covered. I don't want too many visitors the first day as I'll be walking around with a bag of my own pee (ewwww) and that is just GROSS. I'm horrified by the prospect of too many people seeing my pee. Yuck.

I did get some wetones, and I'll bring a very EASY knitting project, so I won't mess up my cabled scarf. I have just the dress in mind to wear home.

I'm still full too.

Note to self: You know good protein keeps you full, eat more of it.

I might end up bringing my laptop with me to do work during the surgery tomorrow, but I will be there!

This sounds wise. I'll be passed out. :) My Mom will be looking for someone named "Ellen", so do not use an alias. Note: There is a family waiting room for surgery. If you ask at the front desk they will send you to it. It is inpatient surgery. p.s. The Steak was better than most all sex.

Note to self: Do not wear a name tag saying "Pimp Master E", it will confuse Lanette's mother.

It will amuse a Lanette on pain killers however, but considering the surgery, I'm not sure that laughter will be a good medicine to start with. ;0

Hospital bag. Hmm. Depending on how long you're there, you may be very glad you brought a laptop/DVDs. I was!
Also, I brought a bandana for my hair since it got a bit ick even with people supposedly washing it.

Good luck, it will go smoothly.

See you on the other side.

I will only be there for a day or two! See you soon, and before that a status update from Dove will be here in the journal. Thanks for the good wishes.

Underpack. I've rarely heard of anyone needing their books or DVD's. You're gonna be stoned off your arse.

They provide washcloths and stuff for you to bathe with.

1. One nightie is enough, or a robe is even easier if you wanna wander the halls. You will mostly be wearing the two hospital gowns (one around the back, ties in front - one around the front - ties in back). You're well covered but it allows easy access for the nurses.

2. Some slippers or slip-on shoes are nice, something with rubber on the bottom so you can do your walking.

3. Comfy dress to go home in - nothing touching your skin around the waist.

No nail polish on, no makeup, no lotion the day of. I wouldn't bring much except maybe the lotion cuz you might feel dry after surgery.

You can ask for a toothbrush if you are up for brushin'.

4. Maybe go ahead and bring your schlock magazines - those are entertaining and don't require a brain. Don't forget everything is at home and I have a key- plus, there are stores everywhere.

I talked to the ladies from nursing today and they told me the details. I am wearing the lose peasanty dress home. I will bring the fluffy robe and my turquoise slipper socks. I'll bring lotion, deoderant, minor makeup, lipgloss (of course) and my gossip mags. :) Thanks for the key reminder. Good call.

Oh! And of course, your meds, already ready to go. Don't bother with supplements yet.

They told me that they will inject whatever meds I need, not to worry about bringing the keppra.

Oh! Cool.

Maggiano's is the restaurant that was 2-3 hours too busy for our tastes. The nerve of them!

Yum, the banana soap from Lush is my new 3rd favorite soap -- maybe 2nd. I haven't tried the Ma Bar yet but I have smelled it several times. You?

What hospital are you going to be at again?

I am saving Ma Bar for a terrible day as it smells SO good. I'm going to be in Overlake.

*hug*

good luck girl! we are rooting for you!

Thompson

Thank you! :)

oh, and bring your cell phone charger if you use a cell. But don't forget it plugged in the wall when you leave. ( I did that the last time I was hospitalized ).

Sending good thoughts your way!