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Post by candleangie on Jul 2, 2019 1:55:28 GMT
Update 2: his 3 hour surgery turned into a seven hour surgery. We didn’t know why until he was finally out. They found the same defect in S1, so they had to go one more level than expected. It’s been a very long scary day.
Update 1: Omg the clock is moving soooooo sloooowww.
He should be out in half an hour at the soonest.
Op: He has two bilateral fractures, three bulging discs and narrowing of the spinal canal.
For those who know what it is, he’s having a laminectomy and spinal fusion of L3-L5.
He checks in at 8am, and will be there at least through Thursday.
*sigh*
Besides loose clothes, his back brace, etc.....what would you pack?
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Post by dewryce on Jul 2, 2019 2:08:44 GMT
I’ve never had to stay at the hospital for surgery so I’m not sure what they provide. I would go with basic hygiene items, and things he can use to pass the time, whatever that is for him. Chargers for electronic items, maybe ear buds? When my mom had to stay unexpectedly after an outpatient procedure the things she asked for from home were her prescription medications, glasses, hygiene items, charger and iPad. I’d probably get some baby wipes to keep fresh since showers will probably be limited. Maybe his favorite drink container? The ones they provide are huge and plastic and make the water taste gross. Favorite snacks for him once allowed. A bag to hold his dirty clothes. Oh, everyone says the air dries their lips so a lip balm of some sort and lotion if he will use it. As for clothes, ask what he will be allowed to wear as I am sure they will need to access his back. It might be his pants and their lovely gowns for a while. If so, his robe for when they have him up and walking around. Their blankets feel awful to me, so I’d bring my own. Had my own pillow when I delivered, but I’m picky like that. Do you have children that will be visiting? Does your family play cards? Just thinking of ways for groups to pass the time. If you think gifts and other things might trickle in, pack an empty bag to bring everything home in.
I hope the surgery is successful and his, what imagine must be immense, pain is relieved.
eta: Look into internet service now. He may need to download movies and books at home before y’all go. Also, I don’t know if this is a real threat but I don’t feel comfortable doing a lot of things on a shared network for security reasons so maybe consider that when you’re there.
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Post by scrapmaven on Jul 2, 2019 2:10:54 GMT
Bring a shaving kit w/his toiletries and perhaps his own pillow. Prayers for a successful surgery and easy, comfortable recovery.
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Post by bothmykidsrbrats on Jul 2, 2019 2:50:13 GMT
When DH was in the hospital for 10 days, he enjoyed having his iPad for movies, games, reading, and earbuds to listen to music. They allowed him to wear his own slippers, because they had non slip bottoms. He hated the non slip socks they wanted him to wear. He also took his couch throw blanket. Best wishes to your DH for a successful surgery, and easy recovery.
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Post by Skellinton on Jul 2, 2019 3:00:51 GMT
I was going to say a decent pillow for sure. I had spinal fusion surgery years ago and in subsequent visits to the hospital i know I have suffered with the horrible things they call pillows. Anything to keep him entertained would be good too, I don’t know what kind of pain medicine he will be on, but if he is alert he might be bored out of his mind. Also a notebook for someone to take notes or write down things you want to ask the doctor.
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Post by elaine on Jul 2, 2019 3:10:12 GMT
iPad and Kindle, along with a charger and long cables. I love using my noise cancelling Bose headphones. This past stay, I also brought a sleep mask and that really helped, since there are always lights on in your room.
At Walter Reed make us wear those stupid Hospital socks, because they are color coded and I now qualify for “Fall Risk Yellow” because of my age and pain meds. But, I am allowed to wear my own pajamas, so I pack a pair that have a button up top, so they can easily check everything when they make rounds.
Prayers and best wishes for a successful surgery.
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Post by ntsf on Jul 2, 2019 4:15:27 GMT
my dh is in and out of hospitals all the time.. i take floss, a short extension cord, chargers, phone, ipad, airpods or headphones. don't take too much. I would never take in pillows, etc. my dh needs a cane.. so we learned to take in the old ones.. cause they would be taken and lost... no valuables. otherwise.. you hold onto his insurance cards and id. no money..
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Post by nlwilkins on Jul 2, 2019 4:26:28 GMT
Pretty much what everybody else has said except they would not let mine use his medications. He could only take what they gave him, though they did give him his maintenance prescriptions. Also, don't take anything special like his favorite pillow that can't be washed. You don't want hospital "cooties" on them plus he might get nauseous and hurl. When my hubby had his back surgery, he came home with a brace. Be sure if your hubby does that it is one he will be able to wear ong hours. Hubby's was ridiculous, no sane person could be expected to wear that 24 hours a day. The doctor approved another one that was more manageable. Also be prepared for numerous visits afterwards to the doctors. They x-ray and check on how the appliance is fusing to the back and make sure it does not shift.
Some other items you might take - hard candies to suck on, the hospital tends to dry you out. Lots of clean socks so he won't have to wear dirty socks in his bed. Something for you to do as he will sleep a lot getting over the surgery.
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Post by ntsf on Jul 2, 2019 4:48:28 GMT
if your dh is up to it.. milkshakes after surgery sooth the throat. I always bring in dinner.. as the hospital food sucks.. only exception is stanford medical center.....
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Post by bothmykidsrbrats on Jul 2, 2019 4:55:07 GMT
Pretty much what everybody else has said except they would not let mine use his medications. Mine couldn't even use his maintenance Ventolin inhaler he's used since he was six. They gave him breathing treatments. Cha Ching$$$$!
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 2, 2019 11:28:12 GMT
I always bring DH a pair of athletic pants to slip on for walks.
It's more what you need for staying with him during the day: Lip balm, hand lotion, chargers, a notebook and pens, a sweater, snacks
I hope he has a successful surgery and a quick recovery.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jul 2, 2019 11:34:10 GMT
Besides what he needs, take yourself a sweater. Hospitals are always cold!
I hope his surgery and recovery goes well.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jul 2, 2019 14:17:33 GMT
No advice, but hoping your DH’s surgery goes smoothly for him today and that he heals up fast!
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Post by librarylady on Jul 2, 2019 14:32:57 GMT
Prayer that the surgery and healing go well.
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Post by ToniW on Jul 2, 2019 14:46:02 GMT
Sending prayers for a swift recovery
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,947
Jun 26, 2014 17:47:08 GMT
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Post by peppermintpatty on Jul 2, 2019 15:06:37 GMT
If they fill his prescriptions and he doesn't use them all up while there, you have the right to ask for the meds to take home with you. You paid for them so you should be able to take them. This also applies to things like eye drops, etc. If they open the package, they have to charge the patient (even if the patient doesn't use it) so you have the right to take it with you.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Jul 2, 2019 15:08:04 GMT
chapstick
Sending positive vibes out to your husband. I hope and pray all goes as you hope.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Jul 2, 2019 15:11:44 GMT
Pretty much what everybody else has said except they would not let mine use his medications. Mine couldn't even use his maintenance Ventolin inhaler he's used since he was six. They gave him breathing treatments. Cha Ching$$$$! Hospital provides (and charges for) all medications.
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azredhead
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,755
Jun 25, 2014 22:49:18 GMT
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Post by azredhead on Jul 2, 2019 16:18:02 GMT
HUGS and speedy recovery for your dad. My dad's in the same place (break wise) but he has avoided surgery thus far. From his 20ft fall. The basic rule for him at home after the rehab place was NO BLT. Meaning NO Bending Lifting, Toes Meaing putting his shoe on a lone etc.. (it may vary in terms) He can shave. But that took some time. He also has a brace he has to wear for 3mo. It would be the same with surgery. He doesn't have a list but his wife does leave him sticky notes when she works. lol! I imagine he doesn't have a list it will just be determined on his surgery outcome and rehab. He spent only 2 1/2 wks in rehab but friend who did same surgery was only a 1wk 1/2. I know a lot of that depends on insurnace, medicines etc. And yes both have been given new breathing treatments. He hates it. But we joke about because I call it a funny name lol! Anyway I hope he does ok. I also have the disc and the Lower Lumbar in the same place. I can not do another surgery. ETA : for what to take phone chargers and a longer cord. I don't worry about blankets too much as they usually have warm ones. Unless you have a fuzzy one. The only other thing would be slippers or something they would allow. I HATE hospital slippers. peppermintpatty it depends on the hospital and their policy. I was told they could give them to me, but I had to check with both my PCP and my pain managment Dr before I filled them. So it may depend on who he sees. My dad however they sent home EVERYTHING. We joked about that too. niwilkins my dad was also given the wrong brace and that kinda sucked,but once they got the custom one it moved things right along. I also totally feel for ya! IT was hard watching him and I was in a different state. He's still recovering but doing better!
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Post by idahopea on Jul 2, 2019 16:25:00 GMT
Hope everything went well. I've been thinking of you both today.
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,019
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Jul 2, 2019 20:22:08 GMT
I hope the surgery went well! Happy thoughts for a speedy recovery.
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Post by JoP on Jul 2, 2019 20:40:43 GMT
Hope it went well
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Post by dewryce on Jul 2, 2019 20:51:59 GMT
I hope it is over quickly and you can see him in recovery soon. Thanks for the update!
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Post by candleangie on Jul 3, 2019 3:35:24 GMT
Bump for the update
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Post by femalebusiness on Jul 3, 2019 3:40:00 GMT
I am glad he is out and you can relax a little. Surgeries that go longer than expected are stressful.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jul 3, 2019 3:48:33 GMT
How is he doing now and how are YOU???
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Post by elaine on Jul 3, 2019 3:58:50 GMT
I’m so glad that you both are on this side of the surgery. I hope that his recovery goes smoothly.
(((Hugs)))
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Post by mnmloveli on Jul 3, 2019 4:04:36 GMT
Hope your DH feels a little better each day ☘️
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Jul 3, 2019 4:20:42 GMT
Hope you both are able to at least get some rest tonight...
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Post by candleangie on Jul 3, 2019 4:30:24 GMT
How is he doing now and how are YOU??? He’s exhausted and hurting. I’m just exhausted. That was, without exception, the scariest three hours ever.
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