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
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