Cynthia's Posts

I did wear my jammie bottoms once I was in stepdown, but didn't bother with the top since they just had too much to do up there. The hospital actually provided a toothbrush and toothpaste, even cleaning my teeth with a spongy thing with non-rinsing paste while I was in ICU. I was so thankful for that. I asked for a surgical bra (thank you whoever wrote about those), which made me more comfortable. I think I might have done some sudoku puzzles. My concentration wasn't great, so I really didn't do much reading. My sister brought me some salt packets (I didn't use a lot, but even a little sprinkle helped with the food).

I brought a heat pad for sore muscles and loved having it along. Highly recommend that. My left arm ached right afterwards and elevation with the heat relieved my discomfort. Bring either iPad, Kindle, phone or electronic device to occupy your mind when you are alert enough to do so. I couldn't focus enough to read a book, but enjoyed watching short videos/ YouTube. Brought my own tea, if you like that. Also had peppermint oil, put it on a gauze and the nurses pinned it to my heart pillow for me. It helped with my nausea so much.

Briana and Cynthia, I had back pain and the nurse at CC gave me the stick-on heating pads until she was able to find me a machine with a warming pad. It made a big difference. They gave me a few of the stick-on ones to take with me. The wards also have a small kitchen, so you can make tea (if you have a special one) and they usually have coffee too, as well as popsicles and other snacks if you need something in your stomach at any hour for taking your meds. I did. The most important advice: ask, ask, ask! The worse they can say is no.