OK you all, one more day....?

Question

.....until I go in the hospital to get a new knee. ( you're probably thinking; " I will be so glad when she gets that done so she'll hush up about her KNEE! !) lol What last minute things can you think of that I need to do before I leave Weds morning at 6:00 a/m? I'm sort of anxious ( you know they say nurses and doctors make the worst patients.) I'm living proof of that. I am a big baby so help me remember the things I need to remember.

I'm a great nurse but hate pain so I'm a wuss as a patient!

Am I lucky or what? My sons are flying in
one from Indiana the other from Ohio and both of my daughters will be there as well. Angela is an RN so will be caring for me when I come home. The doctor said I'd be there 5 days or so. I'll miss you all so much. Here is your hug!!

Answer 1

Take a good book & have a good friend that will get you real food during your stay. Whoopers were always my favorite while in the hospital.
Not to worry what others my think-I know how it feels to be headed to the hospital for surgery.
Just remember your friend's prayers go with you all the way-mine included.

Answer 2

Well, I'd put a hold on your mail and paper if you take one.
Make sure everything is locked up tight. And give away all of
the perishables in the fridge, like milk and lettuce and lunch
meat maybe. Dump leftovers, and anything opened, except
for jarred things.
Make sure you pack the things that the nurses can't provide
for daily maintenance. Like dental floss, a good toothbrush and toothpaste, your brush and comb. Houseshoes, robe.
A change to come home in. Undies for the five days if you
need them. Maybe some snacks you can't expect to get or
gum, mints. Any yogurt or liquid yogurt they can keep cold.
Any fizzie drinks, with juice added.
And take all of your meds and vitamins along. Oh, and
maybe a TV guide, if they have cable, and a book. And I
think you'll be covered.
I've only been in the hospital once, and remembered to
pack all of the little things. Oh, one more, a shower cap. They
aren't provided that I know of. Not to me anyway.
Now you should be all set to go.
Be brave, and enjoy your rest, while you recooperate.
My hubby had knee surgery last year and was home in about
two weeks. But he didn't have knee replacements. Just be
ever observant to how they heal, for possible infection. Hubby
had that and a man I spoke with who had full replacements.
I guess it's a common occurance. Luckily, you know what to
look for to nip it, if you see it.
Take care and come back soon!

Answer 3

Make sure you have all your toiletries you will need,like facecloth, soap deodorant,take some cream, the air can be dry. Remove all nail varnish. Remember your glasses. Take your own towel,Hairbrush,slippers, dressing gown. I would take some socks, I get cold feet,(pardon the pun). And a shawl, you can throw over your shoulders, when you are sitting up and reading. Take your vitamin tabs with you.And some good orange juice. Yogurt if you can.

And any operation is daunting, we will be praying for you, Bless you, and try not to panic.

Take a few magazines, of your choice, and a book.If you have a cell phone, take the charger with you so you can contact people if you need to.
Before you leave home, unplug all electrical appliances from sockets,check no taps are running or dripping. If you have pets make sure they have enough water and food. Or ask a neighbour, you trust, or friend, to just drop by the house, to.check on them. Make sure all windows are closed and curtains. Leave a light on out front. Deters intruders. Don't take any jewelry like watch etc. Or credit cards. Take some cash. Make sure a friend and/or family member has the hospital number, and the number of the ward you will be in.

Answer 4

Sounds like everything you need to bring has been suggested. Being a nurse, I'm sure you've already met with the anesthesiologist and asked your Dr all the pertinent questions. Double check to be sure they are doing the correct knee.

My mom has her 1st orthoscopic surgery at 59. She's 73 now and has had 2 knees and 1 hip, totally replaced. She was also a nurse and lives alone and she has done just fine, except for infection in one knee-watch for that. The most important thing I can say is after the surgery do the exercises they tell you to do. It goes a long way in the recovery. We'll miss you, but you'll be back in no time. Love and prayers.

Answer 5

Eve, you just take it easy. I am sure with the kids there, the house will be taken care of, just concentrate on getting better.

I have had my spine restructured, removing the bones that protrude in your back to make more space from the stenosis part to release the spinal cord , so i know your fears. Use the pain medication pump as much as you need it, you are not being a baby. If you can, have soemone bring you your favorite comfort food when you feel like eating again, you probably won't be that hungry. Don't stay in the hospital too long, too many "bugs" that can be dangerous. Be safe, baby, we will be thinking and praying for you to have a swift painless recovery.

PS. It was the first time I ever had collard greens, I thought they were out to poison me, since I thought is was really, bad, bad, spinach....oh well, hospital food LOL

Be well, my friend

Answer 6

I wish you well. I gather you are getting a total knee replacement. I met a lady in the grocery store the other day that was having that same surgery in a few days. She was so nice. She had one done on the other knee. You are fortunate to have a child who is an RN. My daughter is an RN too and I don't know what I would do without her.

Answer 7

Well, I haven't had any ortho done but know what it's like being in there .I'm sure it's different from when you trained(I was from the back rub era) Take some magazines to look at ,sometimes it's hard to concentrate when you are uncomfortable. My husband got me a tv but I couldn't concentrate on that either. Take something to suck on that tastes good. Your throat gets dry and tastes worse. take some lip balm and if I go in again I'm going to get disposable slippers. I threw mine out before I left ,you know what it is like. I didn't want to bring anything home with me. That's alI can think of so take care eve and we will look forward to hearing from you when you are on the mend. Almost forgot, take tissues and earplugs. All you hear all night is bells ringing and the new iv's are the worst!

Answer 8

Don't worry, what ever you forget to take your family will bring. My dear friend had this done in June. She followed the doctor's orders to a tee and did all of her follow up therapy. She has been running around everyday sense Aug. A real live wire now. She will have the other done next summer. You will do fine too. Good luck to you and hurry back to Y/A.

Answer 9

I totally empathize. I have a very low threshold of pain.

Is someone feeding your pets, watering your indoor plants, picking up your newspaper and mail?

Do you have a change of underwear, your cosmetics and deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste and a fresh nightie and bathrobe? Will they let you use your own pillow? What about bed socks or slippers? Did you pack your book or other reading matter or knitting/crocheting project?

Hospitals are notoriously chilly. Do you have a bed jacket or a long-sleeved t-shirt you can wear over your nightie if needed?

OK. Checklist over. You're good to go. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Answer 10

You're lucky to have so much advance notice. I would take writing paper,envelopes and stamps with me and get some long needed notes sent. I'm a nurse too and admit to being a terrible patient. You're extremely fortunate to have family with you. You must be a very special lady. God speed.