Day 1 (after surgery planning)

[Trek50]

After my implant, I'll be staying in a hotel near the surgical center overnight. For those that had to spend the first day and night after surgery in a hotel, is there anything you wish you had available that you didn't pack? Just want to be prepared.

[freshkid1234]

After my implant, I'll be staying in a hotel near the surgical center overnight. For those that had to spend the first day and night after surgery in a hotel, is there anything you wish you had available that you didn't pack? Just want to be prepared.

Ice, pain medicine

[ThailandBound]

I too traveled on the 3rd day. All went well, just expect to feel a bit uncomfortable, not painful, on travel day. The discomfort i experienced i’d describe as a feeling of “being fragile” due to the regency of the surgery. I walked slowly, very mindful of my groin region, and wanted to keep as much distance as possible from my fellow travelers.

Anyway, for those 1st three days:

1. Ice is your best friend. I had two gallon sized ziplock freezer bags. I filled one with ice, then put that bag inside the second bag to minimize leaking. Worked good. Fill it up. Put a towel over everything and put the bag on top of that. As the ice melts it conforms to your body, “encasing and moulding” it’s shape over everything. I did this almost constantly over those days in the hotel. I resumed this when i got home for about another 3 days.

The result? Virtually no swelling and minimal bruising. It was the best thing i did. Very little pain. Only 1 prescription pain pill the entire time, with some Tylenol beyond that.

2. Will you be partially inflated? I was. I pulled my chub up with bicycle compression shorts. It worked but it was overkill. Too tight and i got sore from restricted blood flow, having to adjust frequently and going to bathroom to key it relax and get the blood flowing better.

Better option i think is to put a baby sock over the head (cut off the elastic), then comfortable cotton boxer briefs next. Pull your chub up. Over that put on a 1 size-too-large jockstrap. I did that in the ensuing weeks and was much more comfortable.

3. Snacks. You’ll have several hours alone in your room on your back and won’t feel like taking to the streets searching for restaurants and snacks. Have them in your room before surgery.

4. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Youtube premium, etc. passwords. My hotel had a smart tv and so i could watch mindless things of my own choosing.

Another tip. When you arrive at the gate for departure inform the agent that you’ve recently had surgery and ask if it would be ok to board in the earliest group. My agent was very kind about this and allowed me to do that. Avoid standing in line on the jet bridge and be seated quickly.

Best wishes!

[Trek50]

Thank you. Very helpful suggestions I hadn't considered.