Packing for surgery overseas

[treefrog]

Okay, would anyone like to give advice on helpful items to take with you, if you are having surgery overseas?

I am starting my list of things to pack, to take to Germany. And I am so afraid I will forget something crucial.

Power converter.
Plug adaptors.
German/English dictionary.
Entertainment (laptop, DVD's, books, magazines, iPod).
Any medical results needed (blood tests, MRI's, x-rays, bone density results, etc.).
Supply of medications (extra pain meds, muscle relaxer, sleep aids, lidocaine patches for sides of incision, any other maintenance meds). Make sure they are in the original prescription bottle with your name on them.
Letter from prescribing physician stating you are prescribed these medications (in case there is a problem at airport security).
List of at home doctors names and phone numbers.
List of family and friends contact information (for post-surgery notification).
Pajama's, robe and secure slippers with non-slip bottoms for hospital.
Comfy clothes for hospital (sweats, t-shirts, close-fitting lightweight t-shirt for wearing under brace).
Slip in shoes, with non-slip bottoms.
Extra-large underwear to allow comfort when your belly is distended, and not tight over the incision.
Disposable cleansing wipes.
Hair ties for long hair.
Lip balm.
Constipation meds (Miralax).
Pillows (your pillow from home, or special pillows for your neck or back).
Camera.
Cane or walker - if needed (arrange for wheelchair in airports, do this when you book your flight).


Make sure you have contacted any credit card or debit card companies in advance to tell them you are traveling and will be using your card overseas.

[KBear]

Waterless shampoo

Quality Ice Bag (wal-mart has a great one that does not leak and is only $5) Maybe even 2, one for incision and one for back- I used 2 for a few weeks

Walker & or Cane, maybe line up a Wheelchair rental- so your boyfriend can push you around to sightsee. This was an absolute lifesaver for me. I would do small walks; but was able to have my helpers push me around and do things that required more walking than I could do. You can walk and push it yourself and use it like a walker and when you are tired, sit and be pushed.

I wore sweats for 6 weeks and barely fit back in my clothes, so you may want to buy some cute sweat shorts and matching shirts; so you don't feel like a bum all the time. I did this and it really made me feel better.

I don't leave my house without my small pillows (I sleep with a pillow under each arm, on my back, large pillow under my knees and large pillow under head)

heating pad (even if you don't use it after surgery, you may want it pre-surgery)

Camera

comfy walking shoes

constipation meds- I was told that reason constipation is so bad post-surgery is because the anesthia shuts your digestive system down, then you add all the drugs and it is hard for your system to get re-started.

Snack food- maybe go to a store there and buy a few staples to keep in the hotel, would bring any must have food, in case they don't sell it there

Not sure if they will glue your incision shut, mine was; but that probably varies from place to place. I think Justin said his was glued last time. If it is not glued, you will need large bandages and waterproof bandages (so you can shower)

Request a handicap room, it will have a raised toilet (this was hard for me to sit), and there will be handles in the shower, bathroom, etc. You will want a raised toilet seat at home.

Cushion to sit on

I think that is it, I will look up my old thread on the other site and pm you with the link of everything that they sugested to me.

[treefrog]

Kathy, thanks for helping put together a list. And I think you also told me about finding reachers/grabbers at Home Depot. I went to Lowes (like Home Depot), and was able to find them. Thanks again.

[KBear]

Now, you just have to figure how to get all that darned stuff into the luggage!

[Justin]

Very good lists. I can't add too much, but make sure to inquire about the Internet connection (wireless, ethernet, etc.) in the hospital and hotels. This way you can bring any necessary equipment you might need. We grabbed a lot of movies off of iTunes and it was nice to pick from the new releases.

Good luck!

[chasswen]

i would not worry about about a ice bag. as ice cubes are very rare in germany. not everyone even has a freezer. McDonald's even only gives you 3 ice cubes in a large soda.
chuck

[treefrog]

Hmm, yeah that was one thing I started questioning. The thing I have is a reusable ice pack, that you put in the freezer. But, I don't know that we will have access to a freezer.

I'm not big on using ice anyway, so I think I will just leave it at home. If they want me to ice anything, I will rely on them to provide it, or find something to use.

I will be bringing Thermacare heat wraps, to use on the plane over, and if needed before the surgery. But, I won't use them after surgery, unless Dr. B or Dr. F-M. says it is okay to use.