[treefrog]

I know that I am always questioning whether my pain is bad enough to warrant surgery. I even talked to my PM doctor about it, and she reassured me that my pain was real, and affecting my life, and I should not feel like I am not taken seriously. But I continue to have doubts, and at the same time look forward to having surgery. I have the same sort of excitement looking forward to surgery, and I don't even have surgery scheduled.

I will be hoping the best for you. And looking forward to hearing all about your surgery and recovery, and the lessening of your pain.

As far as things to have on hand, I've read that having some plastic containers, sorting-type boxes, to keep stuff on or by the bed to keep everything you need on hand. I've thought about the type of container that college students use for keeping their shower/bathroom stuff sorted and ready to take to the shower.

Remember stuff to stay occupied, though with a small child(ren), maybe you won't have much free time. But books, movies, crosswords, iPod, audio books, needlepoint...anything you like to do, and can do without much movement.

Here are some other things:
back scratcher
long handled bath scrubber
pill organizer and note pad to keep track of when to take them
satin sheets or pj's (to make getting out of bed easier)
extra pillows
slip on shoes
slippers with good soles
soft and warm socks
paper plates, bowls, plastic cutlery
deodorant body wipes / wet wipes for freshening up
dry shampoo
body lotion for dry skin
lip balm
mouthwash
throat lozenges / Chloraseptic spray
bed tray
cell phone or phone next to the bed
bell or walkie talkies for alerting family members to needed help