I had my ADR surgery in Bogen, Germany by Dr. B. My husband and I were accompanied by Mark ******* from Global Patient Network, who knew the ropes as to where to stay and how to get around etc. I read advice on this forum to bring my own meds, both those I take for my general health and those I used for my back pain. Previous experience had taught me to take these with me on the plane in my carry-on.

What I didn’t know is that unlike American hospitals, I was also expected to self-medicate during my hospital stay. I had assumed the above advice pertained only to the week I would be out of the hospital and in a hotel. Not only did I run out of pain meds but did not bring the stength appropriate for a post surgical patient. Even for the week following my surgery, while in the hotel, Vicodin simply wasn’t enough, though I must say that my pain was unusually severe. German medications can be different than those we’re used to and I would recommend seeing a pain specialist prior to leaving for your surgery in Germany to discuss your personal needs. Be sure to bring enough for your entire stay. And don’t forget sleeping pills if you think you’ll need them.

I’d also like to mention your hospital attire. Again, while in an American hospital, we’re expected to wear a hospital ‘gown’. Not so in Germany. I wore a gown the day of my surgery and for the next 2 days, maybe even 3. After that it was expected that I would wear my own clothes. Everyone was wearing their own clothes. I didn’t bring enough clothes, expecting to wear their ‘gown’ for the week I was scheduled in the hospital. Moral, bring comfortable clothes or your own pjs to wear, even during your hospital stay.

I wish everyone a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Please feel free to email me if you have further, more specific questions.

Aside from these items, a DVD player with several DVDs turned out to get more use than we thought. The only English channel is CNN, which I don’t believe I’ll ever watch again!

Dale

Great advice.

Yeah, totally wierd to see CNN abroad.

ans

Dale we also received BBC prime with the CNN channel, I agree with you I don't think I can watch either of those channels. I also brought a portable DVD player and movies, I would have died without them.

Judy

I was going to take extra meds anyway as I am a wuss and didn't want to even have to think about too much pain.

As for entertainment, if I take a converter, can I plug my laptop in over there and use it to play movies?

Fortitudine,

Yes you can. Make sure you bring a converter for each electrical device you want to use though. We only brought one and which we had to use to charge cell phones, computers, etc. And also make sure your bring the type of pain meds that will be strong enough for post-op circumstances.

Goo luck to you... when is your surgery and with whom?

Dale