traveling for surgery........

Courtney, it sounds like you have everything covered. like Dave said, if you really need anything, you can buy it there. I took Jeff's toiletry kit, but he only used the toothbrush and toothpaste. the hospital had shampoo, body wash, etc. remember any prescriptions. the hospital was going to give Jeff his (and I'm sure they would charge a pretty penny), but we told them we had them. for you while you wait, have books, magazines, maybe a neck pillow so you can sleep. Jeff's surgery was at 7 AM, and yes, even though I was worried and nervous, I did fall asleep for a short time. then you'll need something to do while you're sitting around in the hospital room - again, books, magazines etc. hopefully Kurt will not stay there too long. we even took slippers but Jeff did not wear them because he had non-slip socks on that the hospital gave him. are you coming home after surgery or staying in a hotel for a few days? how far are you going? take care and it's true..the unknown is the hardest part...you two will be just fine. kat

Hi There Kurt & Courtney,

I assume that you are driving and having a Da Vinci. Since you are going to be driving a fair distance and it is important that Kurt drink lots of fluids for several days after the surgery you might want to have some in your car. You can not have carbonated drinks or those with caffeine. For me it was a lot of cranberry, apple and other juices. You also will have to stop about every two hours so Kurt can take a 10 minute or so walk. Depending on the weather you may need a couple of pairs of shoes and rain gear. I would make sure that you have a road atlas that tells you where the rest areas are and you can plan your stops that way or just dive off into a town and find a shopping center. Kurt's perineum will become tender after about the first 48 hours and this makes sitting straight up in a car seat uncomfortable even with the donut or pillow underneath. I found it difficult getting the pillow just right so it did not push against the perineum. What worked best for me was just leaning the back of the seat back almost as far as it would go and not having to use any thing to sit on. Drinking all of that juice will probably fill the leg bag up in about the same time that you need to stop and take a walk. My attire for the first week after surgery was basketball pants with the net type of material. These are very light weight and comfortable. The legs are baggy and hide the leg bag without a problem. AS to the hospital stay I brought a robe and slippers and never used them. There is no way you can wear a robe over all of the tubes and the nurses insisted that I had to wear the non slip socks for safety purposes.

Dave is right about not getting any rest. I did not sleep the night before surgery just due to the anxiety and also not the night after surgery. There is just too much going on with IV pumps alarming, leg massagers pulsating and vital checks every three hours. You wives are so supportive that you suffer with us. I tried to get my wife to go to the hotel but she was not going to have any of that. That second night after surgery we stayed in a local motel and we both hit the sack at 7:00 PM and did not wake up until 7:00 AM. By the way, if you are staying at motels during your trip make sure you get a room with two beds or a king bed. That way both of you will get a good night sleep and Kurt can squirm around to find the most comfortable way to sleep.

Finally, I notice that someone mentioned a chest drainage tube. I am not sure why he had a chest drainage tube but I believe those of us that have had the Da Vinci had the drainage tube coming out of one to the four small incisions across the lower abdomen. Mine was coming out of the one that was to the far left side.

Good luck and we look forward to hearing from you when you are on the other side.

Tamu

Hey Courtney,

Best of luck and our prayers are with you and Kurt. You have all the bases covered and are the best prepared I've ever heard. Your care and concern are truly heartwarming. Now try to relax a bit and let events happen. It will all be good...

Jim

Courtney & Kurt,   Hey ~ not sure where my post went.... but when I was looking back to see when you leave.... for Austin... I noticed my 2nd post never made it here.   I'm sure you've already got your bags packed and ready to go!!!!  But thought I'd throw this out for you.   You guys have been a pleasure to walk with and we so look forward to continuing this journey with you. Keep right on posting until you walk out the door...    We are "all" here for you!!!   Courtney.... I chose to stay in the room and I even took my pj's.  Changed into them and slept when Buddy slept and never felt drained.  Most important thing is ~ you take care of you too!!!!!!!  Eat & Sleep... is a must!    We are keeping you extra close to our hearts.... Remembering the walk we walked and smile with the memories of each as we read new postings.    In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   (direct link ~ just click on the title!   Reminder to click on the REFRESH icon once there) Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring   Excerpt from  Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring   Items to have on hand before surgery: Head Brace:   I  took 2 very soft ankle socks and stuffed them with soft material. The pillows in the hospital are really not very good.   I placed them on the sides of Buddy's head so when he slept his neck was not strained, as his head would roll to the side.   This really helped!!   Leg Lotion: I massaged Buddy's calves.  It really seemed to help him after the pressure cuffs were taken off.   Blanket: Used while I slept in the chair at the hospital. Neck Pillow:   Used while I slept in the chair at the hospital and Buddy continues to use it today while recovering in his new lounge chair J   Helps relax his body while he reads.  It was a lifesaver coming home from the hospital too! Lounge Chair:   We bought 2 and they were the best investment!!   One that allows you to lean back.   This helps keep pressure off the incision. Donut Pillow: Used when sitting at the computer (not in the lounge chair)… this really helps take the pressure off.   We have since…found that placing a soft pillow over the donut gives it an extra soft cushion. Prescript ions: Ask doctor for “all” prescript ions ahead of time so you have them at home before you head out the door for surgery.   (Pain med, stool softener, bladder spasm, antibiotics, etc.)   BE PREPARED:   Coming home with a catheter?   see link for more information...

Kziz

Good luck and best wishes for a great out come with your surgery this week. It will be over before you know it and you will be long on your way to recovery. It was 9 weeks ago today I had the Da Vinci and I can't belive how fast that time has went.

norskie