Packing for Chicago?

[FormerCityGirl]

Every time I pack to go up there the weather is the opposite of everything in my bag. I have to spend Tuesday at UofC for tests. I'm thinking Wunder Unders and a tunic or a maxi dress, but the dress won't be good for the test I have there. I'm trying to avoid the dreaded hospital gown, but wore my favorite tunic last time. Lol! Suggestions? Also, gluten free breakfast/ lunch options would be great since I can't eat until 10AM Tuesday after tonight. Ideas?

[bimbi284]

Yay for Chicago!!

I would definitely wear something comfy since you'll be at the hospital...layers are always good! Could you wear the tunic and maybe style it differently? Its gonna be almost 80 here outside on Tuesday, so you'll wanna keep that in mind. Will you be staying closer to UofC or downtown?? I'll try to think of what food options may work...

[FormerCityGirl]

We're staying in South Bend this time because I had to stop eatiing this morning. I didn't want to be in a hotel surrounded by restaurants and vending machines because I have think tempatation would be too much. Lol! I have to come up for Memorial Day and will stay in or around the city to do something fun for that trip.

Thanks for answering this! I hate these tests and packing is a nightmare. I did manage to find my other Rachel Pally tunic and can do that since it's the sleeveless one. I always over pack and the never have the right stuff.

[bimbi284]

Gotcha! So you're looking for someplace to have lunch after your tests then??


Glad you found another outfit option!! I too have an overpacking problem, and I'm rarely satisfied with what I pack once I'm there. So annoying, haha.

[FormerCityGirl]

Yes, I have a feeling I'm going to be starving and won't make the trip back without something in the city.

[misshark122]

I wish I could help but I've never even been to Chicago! good luck on your tests, hope all goes well!

[FormerCityGirl]

Thanks! We are very close after 3 years of waiting. I'll have a better idea if it's minor surgery or major that ruins my Summer. I have 2 of the top Surgeons in the country consulting with an internationally know Radiologist. I'm just glad it's close to over and I can start seeing Chicago outside the hospital again.

[misshark122]

Have you ever posted about this before? I feel kind of lost!

[FormerCityGirl]

Not much since we haven't been getting answers and every time we get close there are red flags. I try to stay positive and finally found UofC's people through a friend recently. I just hate being a downer, but have figured out wearing certain things for tests tends to make me feel better since I hate the gowns. This is almost a full time job since we have so many specialists and appointments. I have major GI issues and the Doctors by us want to do major surgery that they've done a handful of times. I can get minimally invasive procedures there that are done several times a week. It's just good to be getting real answers that we can trust. I've already had a hysterectomy with a 6 week recovery and want to avoid that again. We are really optimistic now though.

[misshark122]

Oh ok, I wasn't trying to be nosy but you kind of mentioned it like maybe you had talked about it before. I thought I missed something. This all sounds so hard & scary but you have such a positive attitude! I'm glad things seem optimistic and I will keep you in my thoughts! I would definitely want to be as comfy as possible The sleeveless tunic sounds like a good choice. The wunder unders in 80 sounds kind of hot, but, hospitals are always cold!

[FormerCityGirl]

Thanks! I have to be in Radiology which is not only dark, but cold. It's all early morning too so it will be cooler then. I have the pique Wunder Unders that breathe a lot better since they have some cotton. The tunic is actually supposed to be a dress and I could wear it without leggings if it gets too hot. It' one of those odd lengths.

[bimbi284]

Hmmm, I'm not too familiar with the Hyde Park area, so I don't know of any restaurant recs over there.

I just did a quick search for Gluten Free menu options, and this place kept coming up. Their GF menu looks pretty decent! They have a lot of variety and its making me hungry looking at it, haha:
www.thesitdown53.com/index.html

www.thesitdown53.com/html/gluten_free.html

Gluten Free Betsy has also compiled a list of Chicago area restos with GF options. May be handy for you for when you come back and have more time in the city!

www.glutenfreebetsy.com/p/gf-restaurants.html

[Laura Palmer]

I'd just say to dress comfortably... why do you not want to wear jeans and a top with light layers? ETA: I see, you want to avoid the gown. Is that honestly an option (not being snarky - genuinely interested). My care providers never let me. (Have had countless MRIs and other scans and for their own protection they will NOT allow me to wear my own clothes except panties.)

While it's supposed to be warm here, depending how early it is and how close to the lake/river you are, it feels chillier.

[FormerCityGirl]

They actually let me avoid the gowns if I ask politely, wear clothes with no metal, and have to do tests that go way beyond MRIs. I don't think it's snarky at all. I've just been through this so much that we joke about me being a professional patient. Typically cotton tunics and leggings with no metal work best or maxi dresses. Sometimes they'll make me take off my bra, but that's only for x-rays.

Thanks for the restaurant recs Bimbi! That helps alot and looks fantastic.

[FormerCityGirl]

Thanks Mav! I may be or could arrange it since I have to come up to see my brother's family that month. It's a really easy commute. They'll have a plan for me the Tuesday after Memorial Day and that will determine what kind of Summer I get to have.

[bimbi284]

I wanna play with Mav and FCG in Chicago! Maybe HZ can play too!

[FormerCityGirl]

I'd love to meet you all! I'm cool with Bimbi and HZ meeting up too. I will definitely let you know what's happening Mav. I' hoping that the Radiologist will tell me something tomorrow, but it's hard to tell. Mav knows I'll never turn down a drink, especially after DH's b-day trip last week. Haha!

[bimbi284]

Shopping and/or drinks sounds great ladies! Hopefully it works out!

[hz80408]

May 14, 2012 12:37:13 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

Please keep me posted, FCG. It would be the middle of July.

Bimbi--I'd love to meet you and HZ! For serious. We're staying at the Public hotel, I heard its it's one the hottest places to grab cocktails. I would be happy with a shopping gtg as well.

I'm totally in ladies! Let me know where and when

Former- I'm sorry I'm no help on food options in Hyde Park area either, but best of luck with your tests!

[FormerCityGirl]

May 14, 2012 13:05:22 GMT -5 hz80408 said:

May 14, 2012 12:37:13 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

Please keep me posted, FCG. It would be the middle of July.

Bimbi--I'd love to meet you and HZ! For serious. We're staying at the Public hotel, I heard its it's one the hottest places to grab cocktails. I would be happy with a shopping gtg as well.

I'm totally in ladies! Let me know where and when

Former- I'm sorry I'm no help on food options in Hyde Park area either, but best of luck with your tests!

No problem HZ! Thanks for the support. I can't wait to meet everyone!

[TatiMarie]

May 14, 2012 12:37:13 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

Please keep me posted, FCG. It would be the middle of July.

Bimbi--I'd love to meet you and HZ! For serious. We're staying at the Public hotel, I heard its it's one the hottest places to grab cocktails. I would be happy with a shopping gtg as well.

My July is pretty busy, but I would love to meet up if I'm free. If you guys don't care