The Bucket List

I guess I missed the post about your surgery- best of luck with that. I always make a quilt to take to the hospital- when I know in advance that I'll be there. The hospital is always cold, so I appreciate the extra warmth and a quilt is just special. And it attracts a lot of visitors- nurses and docs always comment and strangers glance in and then the quilt draws them in for a conversation about quilts. It's fun- if you feel well enough to visit..... (And making quilts is a good distraction from worrying about the impending surgery, too.)

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Hey Sherry

Several years ago, I too was obcessed with making quilts before my surgeries. Actually that action kept me sane and calm. And...I took my new quilt with me to the hospital. After surgery just having that piece of fabric with me kept me calm and I knew everything was going to be alright.

So you take your bankie with you, and I doubt if anyone would object. So when you make it back home, let us all know how your surgery turned out and how having the quilt with you made you feel.

KateT. South Mississippi

I know how you feel. Except, in my case, I daren't finish all of them...

I was allowed a small quilt (and my teddybear) with me in the psychiatric wards, but there are strict rules on the medical wards due to infection control. They don't allow flowers and cards, for example, the doctors don't wear ties and no-one medical is allowed long sleeves. Different hospitals have different regulations, so I would check, if I were you, that you would be allowed your quilt. It would be awful to take it and find it had to be sent home.

I was allowed my sewing with me, but they got a bit anxious about the needles, so I was only allowed one at a time. That makes sense, as a less careful patient could easily scatter a few and they don't go well with bare feet! Be aware of the rules for electricals as well. Some places are very picky (quite properly) about hairdriers, music-players and mobile phone-chargers. They may need to be tested before they will allow you to use the plugs.

I only mention this because, if you are anxious about your surgery, knowledge about the little things brings comfort. And with comfort there is relaxation and better healing.

Take good care, and I hope that all goes really, really well. Nel (Gadget Queen) And probably should write a Good Hospital Guide, at this rate!!! :(

Oh my goodness, yes. Do call the hospital and root around until you find someone who can tell you if your quilt will be allowed. Our local hospital is firmly persuaded that keeping the temperature of patients, visitors and staff well below freezing is a good idea. Also. Do you have some warm fuzzy house shoes to pack? Feet get mighty cold when the nice nurses put all the patients on a forced march. Holding you close, Polly

I whined about it a while back. It's gastric bypass. I nearly need a Valium just to *say* those words. Same surgery for obesity, but the reason for mine is scar tissue is occluding the exit to my stomache. I'd rather be set on fire, but they say if I don't have it I will starve to death. I reckon I'll already be attracting enough attention to myself just being the only 94-pounder on the floor so bringing my own quilt might be a good distraction. Thanks.

Sherry

God love her, this is exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks.

Sherry

I think taking something small that you can throw over you will be comforting and much more flattering than the solid colored bed coverings. It will perk you up, and you won't be "patient in room 3B" you'll be "the lady with the cool quilt".

Battery powered radio, earplugs when you want to rest [if you share a room], crossword puzzle or book to read.

yes, keep a few quilts to work on and finish after the surgery/ recovery. Sending healing thoughts for a successful outcome,

G> My surgery date is creeping up on me -- November 1. For some reason I > am obsessed with

Good luck with the impending surgery Sherry. Finishing UFOs sounds a bit like that end of pregnancy nesting syndrome some of us got and a perfectly sensible way to take your mind off things (and more productive than valium :-) ). I too have been sewing up a storm (well at least a windy day) as I deal with the fallout from an unhappy Pap smear result.

Lizzy