I had my TT and central and rh side neck dissection in July 2022. Things I should have taken were more underwear as I ended up staying in for 5 days due to low Calcium levels. Button down PJs as I had to stay in the gowns provided for the first 2 days due to the drainage tube. I had my phone for entertainment and contacting family, took a book which I never read, 2 magazines which I did read a little but found I was happy chatting with other people on the ward, and was moved after first 2 nights so met more people on the next ward. One thing that did help with sleeping which one nurse did for me was to have the top 2 pillows shaped into a V on top of another pillow, it was so much more comfortable than trying to lay flat and I wish I had known the first couple of nights. I was fine post op and only needed paracetmol, just had a sore throat mainly from the anaesthetic, and drank lots of water and was eating normally more or less straight away. Do stay as hydrated as you can (rules permitting on drinking after a certain time obviously) as I was told it helps with your recovery and of course after the op as well. Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you @Gtee.
