Surgery Shopping List

Resources already exist for helping you decide what you need to buy prior to SRS. Two such resources are: I have some comments on both these pages, with respect to my own experiences with Dr. Meltzer.

In general, the impression I got from my research prior to surgery was that I'd be an invalid for a month following surgery. That was certainly not the case. By the time I returned home, I found my energy level was a little low, and I was a little uncomfortable with physical activity, but in general I was fully capable of taking care of myself. This included walking long distances to stores, and if I'd had a car I certainly wouldn't have had any trouble drivin about.

Disclamer: I'm 23, and in pretty good shape, your milage my vary. If you're older, or going to another surgeon, your experience might not be as good. The other patients I saw while I was there who had surgery before me seemed to recover well also (a 26 year old and a 40 year old). The 26 year old even checked out a day early!

SRS in Portland: The Essentials

The nurses at Eastmoreland instructed me to not mix my NuLIGHTLY with juice. If you're staying in the VIP area you don't necessarily need a long full skirt as your catheter will be removed prior to discharge from VIP. There is a chance always that the catheter will have to be left in, so one long skirt may be a good idea. I wore fairly short summer dresses. Pre-mixed douches aren't really necessary. Dr. Meltzer gives you a non-disposable douche kit, and I didn't find it any problem to mix and use. You might want to bring some betadine if you're going to mix your own, Dr. Meltzer gives you some mild soap. You don't need to bring eight pairs of underwear, the hospital will provide you with disposable elastic briefs while you still have your drains in. Lastly, the one tube of lubricant Dr. Meltzer provided me with was sufficient for my entire stay in Portland. I can't imagine anyone needing more than two tubes.

Lastly, I needed four outfits, not two, as I was up and running around a couple days before I was released. I had my boyfriend to help carry stuff, so I didn't need to pack lightly.

Zen and the Art of Post-Operative Maintenance

Generally, this excellent resource recommends you buy too much. You'll need at most four pads a day. You don't need to buy a douche, Dr. Meltzer gives you one. You don't need to pre-buy 24 tubes of KY, that's a lot, four should be plenty. I've found toilet paper fine for cleaning myself after dilation (washclothes or babywipes aren't really necessary). I did not find an invalid ring (donut) necessary. You don't need to buy the gyne-moistrin applicator, Dr. Meltzer will give you a prescription for premarin cream, which comes with an applicator.

My Shopping List

Digested from both resources, this is what I'd recommend if you're going to Toby.

Portland Shopping List

In addition, you may want to buy some extra maxi pads and KY for when you return from Portland.

Get flight cancelation insurance. There is always the chance you'll have some complications that will necessitate your stay in Portland for another day or two.

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