Jump to content

The day of surgery


Recommended Posts

Hey

So the morning of surgery, they pick us up from the hotel and take us to the OCC.. what do we bring with us (toiletries, clothes, etc???) and I know this sounds silly but can we wear makeup? I really dont go in public without SOME kind of makeup on... will they bring our family members?

the next day, will they pick our family member up and bring them to the OCC to see us or will they just take us back to the hotel to see them?

Sorry just trying to figure out what will happen

Thanks!!!! just a few more days for me ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest mansaw

I brought my whole suitcase. No one else there did but I wanted all my stuff with me. My friend kept my jewelry and my passport though. Then once I was in my room waiting for the surgery - I got my comfy clothes out and packed everything up. The morning after the surgery - the drive came right up to my room and brought my suitcase down, then we went and got my friend from the hotel. But we had to leave at 6:20 am from the clinic so Im not sure how they do it to those who stay later!

I NEVER go in public without makeup lol...so I did wear it there - but I just wore what littleI felt comfortable in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest mansaw

You are definately not alone lol. Also - the reason I took my whole suitcase is because I hate being unprepared. Even though people would say what to bring - it didnt matter...cuz I am always worried..this way I didnt worry about anything lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I came straight to the OCC from San Diego, so I had everything with me. I didn't wear make up there, but I don't think that is an issue. I have a best friend of almost 15 years and i've almost never seen her without makeup, so I totally understand!!! :)

In general I brought as little as possible, and had it all in a suitcase with wheels so pulling it wasn't a big deal. I pretty much wore 2 t-shirts and 2 pairs of stretchy pants over the 4 days I was there. It really helped taking as little as possible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Too funny! I thought I took a very minimal amount, but once I was there I didn't use half of what I took! I did buy a few things while down there - thank god my mom was with me and could help me carry stuff back! I am definitely a shopaholic too!! But I was sore and crabby so luckily I got pissy and didn't shop much. :)

No matter how much you try, you will take way too much. But that is OK, try and take as little as possible. I know there was a thread on here about what to take so be sure and check that out. Remember, the Lucerna has a hairdryer and what not so don't bring that. Why I brought mine I have NO idea! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am a chronic over packer as well so I understand!!! Definitely don't worry about your hair dryer. Take some tennie shoes and comfy clothes and of course your bathroom stuff. I bought bottled water there and took special K2O packs with me. I bought broth and jello from the hotel and they had it all ready to go and knew if you were an OCC patient what you needed.

It's been a bit so I might forget stuff, but here is what I brought:

- 2 to 3 days worth of comfy clothes

- I took flip flops, but if you are down there in the winter you might need regular tennies

- bathroom stuff

- liquid tylenol (what they gave me at the OCC did nothing for me, but might work for you)

- heating pad

- special K20 packets

- camera

- birth certificate, ID, etc...

- all necessary OCC paperwork

Right across the street is a convenience store where you can get bottled water, gatoraide, etc...

Another hint I learned, call the front desk and ask for extra pillows! I felt most comfortable when I could basically sleep sitting up and the pillows helped. Taking the heating pad and putting one pillow on top of it helped me too.

If you have a laptop or can get one, take it with you too. Lucerna has free WiFi and that saved me. There are only a few English speaking channels on the TV, so that helped me keep busy between walks around the floor.

Good luck! Man, it feels like it was just yesterday I was there. The folks at the front desk will take good care of you!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks! that helps alot! I will take my lap top and i will get a heating pad too.... unfortunately im going to be on my period at the time of surgery - they said that happened all the time and it was no big deal but i keep imagining cramps, etc

im excited and nervous at the same time. Im carrying my luggage on instead of checking my bags so I wont be able to bring bottled water with me but its good to know there is a store close by!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

unfortunately im going to be on my period at the time of surgery - they said that happened all the time and it was no big deal but i keep imagining cramps, etc

I may be too, and I was so worried about being all bloaty and crampy from my period and then being all bloaty and gassy from surgery..lol But I didn't want to put it off another week, so I am taking my chances.

Thanks for asking about makeup...I feel really bare without some kind of makeup on, so good to know.

Few more days for me too....AHHH lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You two are so close! I'm so excited for both of you! I was an over-packer... if I had to do it over I would pack only the following:

Surgery Paperwork

Travel Documents

Laptop and Charger

iPod and Charger

Cell Phone and Charger

Face Cleanser and Moisturizer

Body Lotion

Make-Up (foundation, powder, mascara and chapstick only)

Contact Stuff

Pajamas

One Change of Clothing

Daily Undergarments

Tylenol

A Couple of Pairs of Socks

Small Bottles (shampoo, conditioner, mousse and hairspray)

Pick

Rubber Band

I checked my luggage and was so happy that I did. I didn't need anything else that I packed. I didn't crack open my bouillon. And, remember... don't slather up with lotion the day of surgery.

Kristy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Kristy,

Why no lotion the day of surgery? Just curious.

Christy,

Have you gotten your paperwork? Your paperwork actually states, "No make-up or lotion." Remember... you are having MAJOR surgery. Between electrodes for testing your heart, going under, getting cut open, etc... you truly want to be free of any unnecessary make-up, lotions or potions. I did not wear lotion the day I arrived because I new I was having all of my pre-op work that day; however, I had worn make-up. I wasn't supposed to be banded until the next day. Or course, they banded me a day early... nothing was said about my make-up (I don't wear much anyways) and I didn't remove it before surgery... it was a whirlwind of an afternoon. For me, I'd focus more on a day of no make-up and lotion rather than vanity... just my opinion. Good luck... I'm so excited for you to be taking your next step on your journey!

Kristy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One more thing...I wanted to make sure I didn't have to bend over to tie up shoes so I wore flip-flops the whole time. My husband couldn't beliebe that I only packed one pair of shoes. He hates that I bringa differenet pair for every outfit on every holiday- we usually need a suitcase just for my shoes, haha . If you don't have a pair of Crocs flip-flops they are the best!!! I can walk for hours in them...and did! I still say no to the Crocs clogs though - they are SO ugly,lol!

Sabrina:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...