What to pack for hospital?

[princessk09]

Morning everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone has any tips on what to pack for surgery?

I’ve just bought some soothers and face wipes

Thank you 💕

[Goldencat]

Hey. In addition I’d say bring a couple of pillows for the car to put between your seatbelt and tummy I found that helped. I brought a book as I wasn’t sure where I was on the list (luckily I was first in 👌🏼). That’s all I actually brought with me besides super comfy clothes I came in, but other people have mentioned bringing an overnight bag just in case there are any complications and you stay overnight. Good luck for tomorrow. The c02 is really a bitch so try get yourself up and moving as soon as you can and stock some heat pads / hot water bottles at home xxx

[princessk09 in reply to Goldencat]

Thank you, I’m so nervous, I have to be there at 7am so hopefully I’m first or something xx

[Goldencat in reply to princessk09]

Ah I felt exactly the same! But whatever happens you’ll be moving forwards. Good luck 😘 let us know how you get on!

[Myfanwy21 in reply to princessk09]

Just to let you know, being asked to attend the ward at 7am doesn't mean you'll be seen first, so be prepared for the possibility of having to wait for up to a number of hours. Both of my laparoscopies I have gone in at 7 and not gone down to theatre until 1pm at the earliest, and my last lap a week and a half ago there was only one lady being seen before me. You may be seen quickly, or it may be hours, there's no way to know so just make sure you have books/music/magazines etc. I've seen your posts about your partner possibly not attending with you, honestly don't worry about it if he's not there. Both times I have gone in on my own deliberately because as soon as you go through reception onto the ward you're not allowed anyone in there with you until discharge/visiting hours, whichever comes first. I was scared the first time, and I'm a very anxious person in general, but I just accepted that this is how it is for everyone and my situation is no different so just accepted the situation for what it was and tried to relax as much as possible. Good luck x

[princessk09 in reply to Myfanwy21]

Thank you, yeah I knew my boyfriend would have to wait in reception but the fact he’s let me down again is what hurts the most.

Did you have a place to securely put your bag. I’m taking my phone and earphones so don’t want them in a non safe place xx

[Myfanwy21 in reply to princessk09]

You'll be asked to sign something stating whether you want your belongings to be held in safe keeping or whether you accept that the ward staff aren't responsible for your things and that you accept that they won't be responsible if they go missing. It's your choice, you can choose to have them locked in a locker/bedside cabinet etc. Both times I didn't have my stuff locked up, and I had my phone/earphones/purse etc with me, just put them in my bag and left my bag at my bedside. I highly doubt anybody would steal from you in hospital, but for peace of mind you will be able to lock it all up if you feel you need to x

[Lulububs]

Hey

Good luck for tomoz.

Wear something comfy round belly!

Some peppermint capsules for the co2 indigestion pain , i never got it as i had been warned and i took these before and after op and still do as it helps with bloating but it will stop that co2 pain.

Mayb a pillow for journey home.

Also a book or some magazines as u may have a long wait and if u have anything u fancy for after op food wise.

Im gluten intolerant so i knew u cant leave till u have a cuppa and sandwich( which i cant eat ) so took some biscuits and i was ravenous when came round so tea and biccies was lovely. So if u want something other then toast take it.

U shouldnt really get much pain after as they gave me a pain blocker but u may wana make sure u have some paracetamol at home and all stuff u like around u... plus good boxsets , films blah blah as u wont move for a good 24 hours.

As soon as u can though start pottering about even if it just a little walk round bedroom.

As i said before

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[kate24601]

I asked for anti sickness the second I came round, even though I didn't feel too bad, because the getting up and moving for a wee first thing after made me feel awful. I think I'd have been physically sick if I hadn't have had them. Also make sure to tell them if it hurts to wee, I told them I'd done a dribble and they sent me home and the hour car drive was the worst thing in my life, ended up with some sort of infection that I had to suffer out and it was horrific. If you have to stay in, no matter how annoying it seems, it's better for it because the alternative for me was horrible! Also the anaethesia people are lovely at putting your nerves at ease, good luck! x

[princessk09 in reply to kate24601]

Thank you, after the surgery, can I ask if my results aren’t discussed with like family etc.

And yeah I’ll probably ask for anti sickness if I feel really bad or anything xx

[kate24601 in reply to princessk09]

My dad and fiance came in at visiting time but I asked my dad to go wait in the car bc I had to pee and they just wedge a pad between your legs and I didn't want him seeing that, so when the nurse came in it was just my fiance there. She told me everything was fine and clear and then gave me space when I started to sob. I think if they find something they tell you a little and then you have another apointment to discuss it, but can't say for sure. Some people don't even get to see a nurse before they go, or the surgeon (I didn't) because of timings x

[princessk09 in reply to kate24601]

Yeah my dad will be picking me up but will probably just wait outside for me xx

[kate24601 in reply to princessk09]

I was surprised at the fact they let me go when I did, I could barely walk and had to be helped past the nurses desk by my fiance while they all just sat and watched me. Deffo take it easy on your way out x

[princessk09 in reply to kate24601]

That’s so bad and I will do xx

[jelleytots10]

I took a nighty and pjs (didnt know what I’d feel more comfy in), wet wipes, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, lots of sanitary towels (although they were too small and i had to use maternity pads) and my phone charger. My surgeon asked permission from me to tell my mum about the results of my surgery as i am always really sleepy after anaesthetic. Hope all goes well. Good luck x