Question:
What should I bring to the hosptial?

I just recieved a new date of July 24th instead of August 28th and I am totally not prepared...I am so happy for the sooner date which is only 5 days away. But my question is what things should i bring with me to the hospital. I know the Dr.s office gives me a list but some things you need and some you dont so it would be better to know from someone who is post-op. Any suggestions? Thank You Very Much!!!    — Jenna M. (posted on July 19, 2002)

July 18, 2002
Jenna there are several lists on this website that you can access. Just go to the Library and click on the word "packing" or hospital. You can print these lists and that might help.
   — yourdivaness

July 18, 2002
Jenna, the only thing I ended up using, that I took to the Hospital,was toothbrush/paste/mouthwash/nightgowns houseshoes. Oh yes,pad/pencil with a list of phone numbers. If you do need anything else, let someone bring it to you. When I got home a sleep re-cliner is a God sent.
   — Janet C.

July 19, 2002
WHEN MY BEST FRIEND HAD HER SURGERY SHE TOOK THE NORMAL THINGS. THEN I TOOK TO HER, SOME BABY WIPES, IN THE TRAVEL SIZE TO FRESHEN UP WITH, SOME BODY SPRAY THAT SMELLED GOOD, AND SOME OF THAT CLEAR STUFF THAT KILLS THE GERMS ON YOUR HANDS. SHE SAID IT MADE HER FEEL BETTER BECAUSE WHEN SHE STARTED FEELING GRODY SHE COULD REACH FOR SOMETHING TO JUST WIPE OFF WITH. I PLAN ON TAKING SOME WITH ME TOO, I AM A FRESH NUT! I WAS WONDERING ABOUT THOSE LISTERINE FILMS THAT DESOLVE IN YOUR MOUTH. I BET THAT WILL BE OK. GOOD LUCK, WISH IT WAS ME!
   — Pam G.

July 19, 2002
Congrats on your upcoming surgery date! For me, my little fan was essential. Having that blow on my face was so soothing as hospitals are always too hot for me. The other esential is lip balm-your lips will get very dry. Other than that, forget the reading materials, you sleep alot and your out in a day or two. the hospital supplies the gown, slippers, toothpaste etc...
   — Cindy R.

July 19, 2002
Cindy is so very right about the fan! Of course hopefully you won't have an issue with finding a place to plug the darn thing in. I wish I had taken a fan. Especially since I use a CPAP machine and it bothers me (is nearly impossible actually) to wear that mask when I am the least bit overheated. I asked repeatedly for a fan and not one nurse or housekeeper could find one until the 2nd night I was there and I got a bit grumpy because I had gotten absolutely NO sleep. The fan made that night so much more comfy, I was much more rested for the ride home later that afternoon. If you can bring a small fan or have someone bring it, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do so. The hospital staff says they are very hard to come by, in short supply. Also, I suggest you just bring your slippers and skip the robe and the nighties. Chances are you'll leak some yuck somewhere, possibly start your period. Let it be the hospital's gown and robe-thingy that getss yucked up. Save a nice new nightie or 2 to pamper yourself with at home. :)
   — Anna L.

July 19, 2002
I used nothing in the hospital. In fact, my bag sat down in the surgery prep area and didnt even come up to my room. I got it when I left! I used their gowns, their toothbrush and toothpaste and their comb for my hair. I didnt shower while I was there, but they gave me a bin of hot water with soap and towels to wash up everyday. The only thing I had my husband bring me was some magazines to read. So pack lightly!
   — emilyfink

July 19, 2002
I am a new post-op one week and number one on my list is a fan. The best $25.00 investment I made. A portable CD player with soothing music was also a nice touch for me. Other than that the basics and you will be ready to go. Take care and hugs.
   — Joanie J.

July 19, 2002
I want to thank you all for the info and I have come to a conclusion. Slippers, pajamas, toothbrush, deodorant, hairbrush, underware and maxipads (incase somthing start which I heard usually does). I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I never had any kind of surgery before so thats why I was nervous. THANK YOU THANK YOU ALL!!!
   — Jenna M.

July 19, 2002
If I could give you one more suggestion. Take some chapstick. Your lips can get very dry.
   — Cheryl S.

July 19, 2002
Another suggestion.....if you have long hair put it in a braid. I wish I had. Mine looked like a rats nest when I came out.
   — Laura S.

July 19, 2002
My hospital in Pittsburgh did not have ANY shampoo for me. And PLEASE don't forget Carmex in a tube. You will need it as they wheel you back from recovery, and continuously there after. My laptop plays DVDs -- found this very helpful right after the 2 am parades they feel are necessary to sleeping patients...
   — Karen F.

July 20, 2002
Hi, my surgery was 7/8/02. My biggest need was for a lip product- moist Avon lip products worked well. At that point I didn't want any of the flavored ones, either. A moisture oriented Chapstick would work well, too. I'm a very scent oriented person and had my husband spray a favorite fragrance near me. That was soothing right after surgery. Good Luck.
   — Kathe G.

Click Here to Return