Packing for my 1-2 night stay at the hospital made everything very real. I remember thinking "I can't believe I'm doing this. This is actually insane". But ready or not, it was time to pack.
Things I packed that I USED after my jaw surgery:
Comfy clothes - In the hospital I wore the provided gowns. This was easier for the nurses to access my IVs. I also spilled a ton of food on them, so I'm glad I wasn't wearing my own clothes. To leave the hospital however, I wore clothes that I had brought. Note: Pack tops with a wide neck!! With all of the swelling and the jaw bra, it's a lot to fit through a neck hole!
Electrolyte/Sports drink - I knew the hospital wasn't going to provide these types of beverages, so I decided to bring 1 or 2 bottles. It was nice to have something to sip on with a bit of a flavour. I also used them to wash down nasty tasting liquid medicines. My recommendation is to buy the regular versions (i.e. 150 calories/bottle). Don't go low calorie! You're going to need all of the calories you can get and the sugar will help keep your blood sugar up.
A mirror - This is something I forgot to pack, but that my mother-in-law was nice enough to lend me. I would stand the mirror up on my tray table and eat while looking at myself. Without a mirror I couldn't even find my lips because of all of the numbness and swelling!! It was also helpful to know when I was drooling or overfilling my mouth.
Meal replacements (e.g. Ensure high calorie, Resource 2.0, etc.) - I wasn't sure what the hospital was going to provide in terms of food, so I decided to bring several meal replacements I knew I liked. In the end I mostly drank the supplements the hospital provided, but you just never know. TIP: When your hospital food tray comes, make sure to stash the provided supplements on your side table if you don't feel ready to eat. You should be attempting to eat every couple of hours and you don't want them to take the supplements away when they come to clear your food tray!
Hair ties - You'll definitely want your hair out of your face.
Notebook & pen - I used a notebook to write down questions for the medical team. It was also helpful to make notes when they discharged me. On the back cover I had written out 9 or so words in all caps (e.g. pain, hungry, thirsty, bathroom, tired, etc.). I thought I would use them to communicate, but because I only ended up having 2 elastics post-op, I was able communicate by mumbling.
Socks & sandals - I wore socks in bed. Sandals were more convenient than shoes when I needed to use the bathroom or wanted to walk up and down the hallway.
Medical card, health insurance card, & Visa - I had my mom hold on to these in a little pouch. TIP: Many hospitals have cash only perks like renting a TV, so I probably should have brought a $20 bill just in case.
Cellphone
Personal hand sanitizer - I made everyone double sanitize before they helped me with anything. You can't afford to get sick!
Things I packed that I DIDN'T USE after my jaw surgery:
Books, calming music, meditation app, earbuds - Between sleeping and eating/drinking I didn't have a lot of down time. I also had too much brain fog to concentrate on anything.
Nasal strips
Aquaphor healing ointment for lips - Everyone online raved about this product. I didn't end up using it until my lips peeled off (gross I know :/) around day 3-4 post-op.
A gentle face wash, moisturizer, & deodorant - I think if I had stayed a second night at the hospital I would have used these, but I only stayed one night.
Ear plugs - I ended up having a four person room ALL TO MYSELF!! It was glorious, hence no need for ear plugs. Other patients suggested bringing an eye mask, but I didn't. I have a talent for being able to nap anytime anywhere ;) In retrospect, I probably did have mild sleep apnea pre-op.
Wax - I was told to bring my dental wax to the hospital in case any metal stuff was uncomfortable after surgery. FUN FACT: The beautiful thing about being numb everywhere is that you can't feel pokey metal stuff!
Phone charger - I only stayed one night in the hospital, so I didn't need to charge my phone.
When you leave the hospital after your jaw surgery, bring home EVERYTHING they offer. Anything you've touched they're going to throw out anyway.
For example, I'm glad I took home...
Extra syringes with catheter tips - These were a lifesaver!!! Take at least 3-5 if possible.
Salinex nasal spray
Prescription mouth wash
Unused meal replacement drinks
Jaw bra for ice packs
If I were to do it all over again I would still pack the things I didn't use. You just never know!
Happy packing :)
- Monica, the Jaw Surgery Dietitian
P.S. Are you Canadian? Cool, me too! If you're looking for food and nutrition support in your journey and you're a resident of one of the following provinces, feel free to reach out for an online appointment. I'm able to work with patients in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Contact me here!
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