Packing List
Here is a list I’ve been compiling for out of town patients. ....All of these are SUGGESTIONS for comfort. Not required. If you think of other things that should go on this list, please let me know!
#1 Bring the right caregiver. The person who cares for you the 24 hours after surgery can make the biggest difference. Find someone, who takes these procedures as seriously as you do. They should read the pre- and post-op instructions and they should speak with the surgical staff for instructions, before they leave with you from the clinic. They should also have the clinic’s number (509) 608-3000 to call or text with questions.
Several changes of comfy, lose clothing Easy to slip on, adjustable shoes that will work with swelling Blow Dryer for garment after shower Books, movies Water bottle Blow up leg pillow found in the As Seen On TV area of Walgreens or Walmart. This is a lifesaver!! Brazil nuts from Smiths aka Fred Meyer. Two nuts a day for selenium helps drain fluid...not necessary for travel. Ankle length compression socks for feet swelling Heating pad, or heating blankie Rice bag to throw in microwave. A helper for day or two after surgery (Some of these items may be available at the hotel. Call and find out what they have before buying it yourself.)
Suggestions to buy when you get here:
Extra absorbing pads for bed, are cheapest in the adult section of any Walgreens
Self Care:
1. Permission to feel your feelings and the grace to know that this is a marathon not a sprint. The healing is hard and long but so worth it. Reach out for support if you need it. 2. Good books, Crafts, Movies, puzzles things to have for “fun” 3. Phone Chargers get the longest ones you can find. 4. Possibly Comfy socks for when you aren’t up walking around I’ve found that these also help keep the leggings pulled down around your feet to help with swelling.
Supplies:
1. Call the hotel and take inventory of what they might have there. Some have stuff they provide. 2. An elevated Wedge (inflatable or memory foam) to put your legs up I find the ones that go up and then level off at the top to be the most comfy not just the ones that wedge. 3. Your personal pillow (You want to sleep nice and comfy) 4. Waterproof Mattress Protector (ask the clinic and we will give one to you) 5. Low fragrance/color body wash, avoid anti-bacterial soap over incision sights until fully healed. 6. A “Real” blow dryer to help dry your compression garments and well hair. Dog blow dryers are amazing. The SHAM-WOW towel is also incredibly helpful to soak up excess moisture before turning on the dryer. Most hotels have really little ones bolted to the wall so you’ll want one you can move around. 7. A (electric blanket) throw. (You will be cold a lot) 8. Vinyl Gloves (good for care takers or yourself if you are squeamish) 9. Shewee/Go girl/funnel (ask the clinic and we will give one to you) 10. Padded Toilet Seat (Call the hotel they might have things similar 11. Extra Strength Tylenol – No arnica tablets or tea until 1 week post op. Consult your pre-op/post-op forms 12. Rubberize gloves of some kind. (these are for pulling up your compression after going to the potty.) Dish gloves work great or the rubber covered gardening gloves. Of course there are “donning gloves” too. 13. Shoes for ease, washable and comfort not fashion sense. Usually one size larger for swelling Consider Crocs or some other slip on. You will want easy. 14. Clothing (Please see notes) A lot of folks talk about getting Maxi dresses. You can try the ¾ maxis. Still all the easiness of a maxi but the moving around is so much easier. 15. A timer or alarm (cell phones and tablets are great) 16. Moisturizer/skin care products (3 weeks outish) this you probably won’t have to bring with you but keep it in mind. You will want non-scented. 17. If you are having your arms done then consider arthritis crafting gloves. (Ask the clinic and we will provide you a pair) 18. Before your surgery go get some things from the grocery – Anything to make your stay more affordable and easy. Most hotels have micros and fridges now.
- a. Water
- b. Amy’s canned soup (low sodium)
- c. Broth
- d. Veggies
- e. Bananas
- f. White basmati rice
- g. Lean meat (chicken breast, turkey breast, white albacore tuna)
- h. White grape juice and gatorade (just for the first 3 days post op), later you just drink water
- i. Lots of pre-made, nutritionally dense food. We ask you to eat at least 1500 cals a day for a week after each procedure to give your body the energy it needs to heal.