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Packing my hospital bag for a hysterectomy. What do I need?

58 replies

FrankenCat · 22/10/2019 18:23

Complete hysterectomy, they're taking the lot.
My op is Thursday, I might have to go in tomorrow night before the op, or possibly early Thursday morning. I won't know until tomorrow evening when they phone to let me know.
I'll either be staying 1 or 2 nights post op, depending on how I am.

I've got:
1 set of pyjamas - pre op night
2 nighties
Socks
Knickers
Bras
Dressing gown
Slippers
Book

What else should I take? I've never had surgery before where I've needed to stay in overnight. And the only other time I've stayed overnight was when I had my first DS, and I was a bit preoccupied to need anything.

What did/would you take with you.

Thank you.

I'm shitting myself with nerves.
Not literally. But ridiculously nervous.

OP posts:
WhatALump · 22/10/2019 18:30

Take an extra long phone cable, small change for the snack trolley that may go round, snacks, dried apricots or other laxatives (your digestive system will shut down for a while and you won’t want to strain to poo afterwards - also don’t make the assumption that just because you’ve pooped once’s after that you can stop eating the apricots/taking the laxatives...keep at it for a good few days post poo).

If you’re not a big water drinker many be pack some squash to encourage drinking.

Redpriestandmozart · 22/10/2019 18:32

Prunes, a midwife friend told me it was the most important thing to do after abdominal surgery is get your bowels moving asap. The prunes worked a treat. Good luck with the surgery, I had mine 10 years ago best thing ever :)

myrtleWilson · 22/10/2019 18:35

maybe a soft foldable scarf/mini cushion or similar so you could put that over your stomach/under seatbelt for when you're travelling home so the seatbelt doesn't dig in?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

myrtleWilson · 22/10/2019 18:40

Oh and I promise I'm not on commission for these but they are great - I bought my sister one and she loves it (then she bought her friend one) (I didn't buy my sister the cashmere one mind!)

www.yuyubottle.com

Nothingoriginalhere · 22/10/2019 18:42

I took wireless headphones and listend to an audio book after as couldnt concentrate on reading but couldnt sleep either.
also lip balm and sweets like jelly babies as throat always sore after a GA and makes you feel very dry.

ToeTouchingTitties · 22/10/2019 18:45

Take a nightshirt, not PJ bottoms - that is easier to manage if you have a catheter and doesn’t rub on the stomach wound.

Consider taking your own sanitary / maternity pads as hospital ones are often the size of a double mattress.

Would echo a small cushion for journey home or to put in small of back while still in hospital.

naericht · 22/10/2019 18:48

I was in last week for bladder stuff, stayed 24 hours so not a hysterectomy but hopefully my list might help?

I had - two pairs of pyjamas and 1 change of clothes, more pants than I thought I’d need, slippers, my own blanket, magazines/book, tablet/phone, dressing gown, cosy socks, toiletries, sanitary pads (they only provided massive ones), baby wipes (face, hands and femfresh), lip balm, moisturiser and a sports cap bottle .

Never read the books and magazines much, they came in more handy once home and less sleepy/sore, but the wipes/lip balm were invaluable ...

And definitely take more clothes than you think you’ll need - even if just extra pyjama bottoms - I bled through my first pair and then the second pair got drenched in the shower (no shelf, and in my drugged state I just chucked them on the floor in the corner...)

linentowel · 22/10/2019 18:49

I take my own pillow when I go in. I agree with the comment above about podcasts. I couldn’t concentrate on reading when I had my hysterectomy.

You’ll struggle to get your bra on.

Nat6999 · 22/10/2019 18:50

Sanitary pads, big knickers, windeze or Rennie deflatine, peppermint tea bags, simple painkillers like paracetamol & Ibuprofen, arnica tablets, cooling spray, herbal menopause tablets if you are having your ovaries removed, dulcoease for your bowels, antibacterial gel & wipes, babywipes for if you are confined to bed, loose clothing, slip on shoes.

ALemonyPea · 22/10/2019 18:51

Maybe some non wired bras rather than wired ones. Your stomach will be very tender and non wired are more comfortable.

Sadbadglad · 22/10/2019 18:56

Earplugs and I took an eyemask

knowsmorethansnow · 22/10/2019 18:58

Flip flops for the showers

cheninblanc · 22/10/2019 18:59

In addition to your list i took a puzzle book, long ohine charger and hand cream. Good luck best thing I did

ScreamingCosArgosHaveNoRavens · 22/10/2019 18:59

I agree with everything above.

Straws make drinking easier when your mobility is limited.

If you have long hair, put it up on top of your head or plait it before the operation so it doesn't get tangled.

Ear plugs if you are going to be on a ward with other people.

Capacious overnight bag that you can easily scoop things in and out of.

Shawl, short cardigan or short dressing gown so you can sit up in bed and slip something warm over your shoulders.

ScreamingCosArgosHaveNoRavens · 22/10/2019 19:00

Forgot to add - I hope it goes well. Mine was the best decision I ever took - I had everything out too, and I don't miss any of it.

usersouthcoast · 22/10/2019 19:04

I'd recommend taking a belt that you can loop around the end of the bed like a rope to help you sit up.
The beds only go up so high, and I found that extra little tug up really helped.

I'd also suggest you download this app for when you come out of hospital to remind you to take meds if you are on lots of different ones apps.apple.com/gb/app/pill-and-medication-reminder/id573916946

quincejamplease · 22/10/2019 19:08

Ear plugs. More ear plugs. Ear plugs. Hospital wards are noisy places even at night. Maybe also an eye mask if you want darkness.

A distraction for if you're feeling too groggy/weepy (anaesthetic and painkillers can do interesting things) for reading. Magazine to flick through, music to listen to, downloaded films/podcasts to watch/listen to (and noise cancelling headphones)... Puzzle books, a notebook if you want to write things down (either feelings or what doctors are telling you or questions to ask the staff the next time they appear).

If you're feeling anxious etc then have you got something comforting to take? A soft blanket and/or your own pillow? The scarf suggestion by a pp could also work for this. (Can someone bring you in a pillow after you're on a ward if it doesn't fit in your bag? Can help you feel more comfortable / less miserable depending on how you're finding things/meds are hitting you.)

Do you know if you'll be expected to shower at hospital before you're discharged? If so, flip flops and a plastic bag for life to chuck your stuff in so it doesn't get wet can be helpful.

Toiletries. (Scents that are familiar and homely can help). Baby wipes if you're struggling for the first day or so. Dry shampoo maybe if it's your thing.

A few photos of loved ones?

Some people like slipper socks instead of slippers in hospital because it makes it a little easier when bending and moving isn't as easy (maybe ones you don't mind getting trashed...). I prefer loose slip on shoes instead of slippers (so no bending when getting dressed to go home, less stuff to carry, doesn't matter what the floor is like esp if you have to walk to theatre).

Comfy, stretchy clothes for going home (and during the day if you're there for the longer scale and want to have a bit of normality).

Peppermint tea is something lots of people say they found invaluable.

Handheld fan if the ward is hot / you are hot. Moisturiser if the hospital environment dries your skin out.

Some of your favourite biscuits or snacks for in between meals if you want them. Somebody to bring you food if the hospital food sucks?! (Even if it's just picking you up a tasty sandwich!)

A nicely stocked freezer of meals at home. The things you'll need when you get home ready at waist height (no stretching or bending needed then). Nice things ready and waiting at home for you. Family and friends primed with specific ways to help. Over the counter painkillers stocked at home.

When it comes to showering at home, one of the best tips I got from an OT was to have a towelling robe specifically for showering so if you're struggling with fatigue (as you probably will for a little while) you can wrap yourself in that after showering and just go and lie down until you've recovered enough from the exertion of showering(!) to get dressed. It is also easier to wrap yourself up in one to dry yourself when you're tired (but not "rest immediately" tired) and sore as it is a bit easier than using a towel and no awkward stretching or twisting involved.

Can help with nerves to know things are ready and waiting for you at home, and can also ease any emotional rollercoaster experiences afterwards.

Good luck.

Hydrogenbeatsoxygen · 22/10/2019 19:09

Bottles and bottles of water. They won’t let you out until you can pee normally, so you need to drink plenty. Hospital water is horrid.

Big knickers, soft bras, tissues, phone, mints, a soft teddy bear, or cushion, towels and flannels, face wipes, iPod, big nighties x plenty.

I hope it all goes well. Make sure you drink plenty, it will help you pee and poo. Don’t get constipated, ask for laxatives. My GP gave me Laxido to take in with me.

quincejamplease · 22/10/2019 19:13

Oh and a little clippy bag with the bits and bobs you want close to you so you can clip it to your bed and keep it in easy reach.

ScreamingCosArgosHaveNoRavens · 22/10/2019 19:14

Another thought - decide where you are going to base yourself while recovering at home, and get everything set up before you go - books, remotes in reach, pillows and blankets etc. The journey home can be quite painful (even with a pillow you will feel every bump in the road) and you'll probably want to rest as soon as you get home.

Getting in and out of bed is slow and painful at first, so I recommend basing yourself on a sofa where you can sit more upright.

Indiana50 · 22/10/2019 19:24

I took pyjamas, dressing gown, pants. Didn't get to use them. In surgery by 8.45 am, back on ward by 11.15 am, stayed in bed in the surgery gown, tethered by catheter. Drank lots of water. Got very little sleep.

I asked for the catheter to come out at 6.00 am the next morning, had breakfast, went home at 11.15 am, with anticoagulant.

I also was completely bricking it, but had superb care, and a very quick recovery.

HappyHarlot · 22/10/2019 19:24

Sanitary pads, big knickers, windeze or Rennie deflatine, peppermint tea bags, simple painkillers like paracetamol & Ibuprofen, arnica tablets, cooling spray, herbal menopause tablets if you are having your ovaries removed, dulcoease for your bowels, antibacterial gel & wipes, babywipes for if you are confined to bed, loose clothing, slip on shoes.

Don't take herbal medication in and I would recommend not taking your own painkillers in. The nurses need to keep track of what you have had and when.

PandaPaws99 · 22/10/2019 19:34

My cousin had this done a year ago. She was cut from her breast bone to public bone (had de-bulking done too, as had ovarian cancer).

Her best buys were some super-soft camisoles from M&S and big knickers with no trim at the top to aggravate the scar. Also cardigans because she couldn't lift her arms to put a jumper on. And stretchy soft leggings a size bigger than normal.

For hospital, herbal/fruit teabags to avoid caffeine which irritates the bladder. Or squash, obviouslySmile

Hope it goes well, and speedy recovery Thanks

fuckweasel · 22/10/2019 19:46

I haven't had a hysterectomy but open gallbladder surgery. In addition to lots already mentioned; slippers that you can put on/take off without bending down (I took some attractive yet practical crocs!) and definitely consider what to wear to get home. You may still be bloated from the carbon dioxide used and nothing that will sit across the surgery site. I bought some amazing (and cheap) cotton yoga trousers from Decathlon with a wide super stretchy waistband and they were perfect. After the anaesthetic I couldn't focus on reading so yes to podcasts or download some light watching (nothing with a complex plot!) from Netflix onto phone. And agree with more changes of clothes than you think you'll need. I was in for five days (was supposed to be overnight) and it was nice to be able to change when I couldn't have a shower for a couple of days.

TweetleBeetlesBattle · 22/10/2019 19:52

Echoing what everyone says....nothing that will rub on your stomach. Slippers that you can whoosh your feet into so you do not have to pull the back up. A pillow to hold against your stomach for in the car, or sneezing. I couldn't hold a book after mine and I was so woozy on the drugs I couldn't concentrate for long anyway, light magazine only. I could hardly speak after mine. My throat was really sore afterwards from the tube so sweets to suck too and tissues to cough yick into (sorry). Peppermint tea bags and a thermal cup. Water bottle with a sports top so you can be lying down drinking. Headphones and something easy to watch downloaded. I couldn't sit for very long(for days) afterwards, it surprised me how swollen my bits were, wasn't really expecting that. A zippy hoody that you don't pull over your head. Take laxatives for a day or two before you go in, just to ensure everythings moving through without issue. A pre packed plastic bag for the shower with your towel, change of clothes and toiletries in (small bottles you want a light bag) so you can just pick it up and go to the shower without having to mess around finding everything and you can hang it on the back of the door. Box of chocolates for the nurses.

Give yourself the time to recover though and cut yourself some slack as itll be a while before you feel like yourself again. I couldn't push a shopping trolley three months later, it all really needs time to knit back together properly.

Best of luck hope it goes well.

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