What to bring to hospital

[Santorini2022]

Hey everyone, sorry this is a really obvious question just want to be sure🤣 what do you take with you to hospital? Is there anything in particular and what would you suggest wearing for the car journey home after surgery? Thank you🩷

[Amyrebecca246]

I just had comfy and baggy clothes for the recovery period, I usually lived in skinny jeans but couldn't wear them for weeks afterwards. I also brought some drinks/nibbles as although I was offered hospital meals they aren't always great or what I wanted. I also made sure I had thibgs to keep me amused at hospital (phone/magazine/puzzles/etc) last time my surgery got pushed back due to an emergency so I had several hours to kill!

[Santorini2022 in reply to Amyrebecca246]

Perfect thank you!! Yeah all I wear is gym leggings so probs need to give them a break for a bit!! That makes sense actually I'll make sure to pack some munchies and drinks! Awww no way just as well you were prepared!

[Kaita16]

bring a pillow for the car ride back - pop it between you and the seatbelt - also means that you head can just fall forward and have a little nap if you want 😂

[Santorini2022 in reply to Kaita16]

Aww that's a good idea actually I'll defo be doing that thank you🙌🤣

[KittyTherapy]

Hi,

> Would suggest packing an overnight bag just in case. I had to stay in for a night.

> Bring something to keep you entertained as there will be waiting around. I bought my cheap tablet in. Wouldn't advise taking mega valuables in just in case they get lost (sadly it happens).

>Some comfy loose pj's (like a nightdress) which I wore during the day and on the journey home as it was the most comfortable.

> comfy knickers are essential! I packed my biggest granny knickers.

> Also a gown/cardigan to save your dignity when walking about/down to theatre in an open back gown.

>I also took slides as meant i didnt have to bend down to put shoes on!

>As others have said def bring a pillow/blanket as a barrier between your tummy and the seatbelt.

>I found peppermint tea helped get rid of bloating/excess gas (I hate the taste but forced myself to drink it bc it genuinely helped so much) or look into things like windeze or deflatine.

>You might want to pack some snacks to munch on in hospital.

>Maybe some earbuds if you think you will struggle to sleep as its quite noisy in hospital at night.

>Take all your normal meds with you and let the nurses know.

>Might help to pack some sanitary pads, I was on period so packed some anyway but I expect regardless you will bleed and the hospital only provide very thick pads.

Hope all goes well for you in surgery and recovery. Just take the time to heal, experiences vary wildly but for me it took 2 weeks of being in bed before I started to do anything. Total of 6 weeks signed off then went back to work on phased return. Some people are quicker or longer to heal, try not to compare and judge yourself 🩷

[Santorini2022 in reply to KittyTherapy]

That's so useful thank you so much!! Thank you I appreciate it! I'm so used to being active so gonna find it hard not doing much but need to remember it needs to be done🤍

[the4ts]

Manuka honey lozenges too. Suggested by a friend who was a theatre nurse and they really helped a lot. expensive, yes, but you wil only need them for a couple of days or so and well worth it!

[Santorini2022 in reply to the4ts]

Thank you!! I will pick them up this weekend!

[KirbyStar]

Second what’s already been said, slip on shoes, preferably that don’t require socks, are so handy. I didn’t have this and had to have my socks and shoes put on for me for a few days.

Loose, high waisted, stretchy trousers and baggy tees were a lifesaver for me on the day and the following weeks. You might not want to buy anything specifically for it but if you do I really recommend Beyond Nine trousers (the jersey styles) as they’re exactly that and I lived in Huxleys for the weeks following.

Would recommend low rise period pants for going home and following days. You’ll have bleeding and I just found low rise easier for the first couple of days when there was a lot of bloating and tenderness, although soft/not tight really high waist pants would have worked too. Would also recommend bringing some feminine wipes. I had a dye test too which is probably why I was “leaking” quite a bit but was glad to have the wipes.

[Santorini2022]

That's ideal thank you!! I will defo be getting the stuff that you have mentioned!

[MangoStickyRice]

Hi,

Here’s my list (I’m going in tomorrow). Wishing you all the best with your hospital stay.

List of hospital bag items

[Santorini2022 in reply to MangoStickyRice]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you sending in that photo, gives me a great idea of what to take in with me❤️ thank you! Same goes for you tomorrow, hope everything goes well!!

[MangoStickyRice in reply to Santorini2022]

Hopefully it helps. Thank you. Currently just arrived at hospital. Despite already having a laparoscopy 6 months ago, knowing that so many people are going through the same procedure is comforting. Hoping so much for Endo diagnosis!!

[Santorini2022 in reply to MangoStickyRice]

Yeah it definitely does! Hope everything is going okay at the hospital and you get the diagnosis🤍

[Cocoacupid]

hun I took an eye mask as well as I’m sensitive to sensory stimulation as well as my filtered glasses my loop earbuds the quiet one s so I could sleep . I second peppermint tea and also squash to mix with the water and my little squish pillow that was a Barrior between seat belt and stomach. Honestly as someone else put don’t take expensive valuables as they really could get lost. Take a little money if the league of friends come round with things off a trolley. Pads very loose clothing definitely 💯 granny pants slippers dressing gown etc book to read. Xxx

[Santorini2022]

Thank you so much I'll defo pick up an eye mask tomorrow that's a good shout🙌 xxx

[Cocoacupid]

your welcome xx