Forum Discussion

Dee65's avatar
Dee65
Member
2 years ago

what to take to hospital

newly diagnosed, surgery looks to be next week - tbc monday.  what was the most valuable thing you took to hospital with you? - should i be investing in a couple of button down the front tops to make getting dressed easier???  trying to be practical here - my way to cope - My b-i-l recently passed away (he lived with us his last 12 months, funeral yesterday so my hubby has a lot of stress and grief at the moment) and it is so gosh darn hot in Sydney at present.  THanks
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    2 years ago
    If you have a mastectomy, particularly with the removal of lymph nodes, you’ll be given a set of exercises to do. It’s worth doing them religiously, even if you don’t feel like it. I had no problem with my arm mobility after about four days. 
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    2 years ago
    Are you having a lumpectomy or a mastectomy?
    The latter is a bigger surgery with a bigger recovery.
    I had mastectomy and one piece of advice that was really good was to wash my hair the night before as I had a bit of trouble doing it for a while after my surgery .
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 years ago
    I'd suggest you take a set of ear plugs and eye mask (like you get on planes when going overseas!).  Hospitals are bright, noisy places ...... as it can be difficult to get to sleep!   If you like puzzles/suduko - they are easier to do than reading a novel.  Magazines are good - or Readers Digests - just short stories.
    The cushion is absolutely essential.   My arm just hated being 'on the bed', so i had the cushion to rest it on.  Also, when driving home, clutch it to your chest - to prevent jarring when you hit bumps or potholes or kerbside gutters.  

    Jump onto this thread for a lot of general info on the forum - you might like to show off your furkids, your garden, art & crafts & other stuff, even some 'funnies' - as we DO all need a laugh sometimes!
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

    take care & all the best next week xx
  • Dee65's avatar
    Dee65
    Member
    2 years ago
    Mareealso said:
    My surgery was approx 3 weeks ago so speaking from experience you may have limited arm movement due to lymph node removal so shirts/blouse with buttons  best thing.. I was in a hospital gown until I went home ..
    thank you
  • nicmaree's avatar
    nicmaree
    Member
    2 years ago
    If you can't get the bras from Kmart, Target also do a great one too. Very comfortable and not expensive. 
    Wishing you all the best. x
  • Dee65's avatar
    Dee65
    Member
    2 years ago
    Afraser said:
    Having little experience of hospitals, I didn’t take much. I found pyjamas with a zip front opening which were convenient. I also took my phone, charger, a large book and a note book/pen. Slippers might have been handy. If you are at all fussy about tea or coffee, take your own. Food at my hospital was surprisingly good, but the tea and coffee was terrible. Things always seem to happen all at once - best wishes for your recovery. 
    some great ideas thank you.  Its been a busy few weeks - hopefully feeling better soon and looking forward to a great 2024.
  • Dee65's avatar
    Dee65
    Member
    2 years ago
    Mareealso said:
    My surgery was approx 3 weeks ago so speaking from experience you may have limited arm movement due to lymph node removal so shirts/blouse with buttons  best thing.. I was in a hospital gown until I went home ..
    cactusk said:
    Depending on which hospital you go to - I was given a pink kind of curved shaped pillow from a BC charity. Still using it nearly 3 weeks after surgery. I’m in Sydney too - I’m still wearing loose, button up light shirts ( linen or cotton) 
    . Easier to get on & off for check ups etc.
    big hugs to you & all the very best for surgery.
    thank you for your wishes - looks like i need a couple of new shirts :)