Essentials for hospital stay

[Sunnysideup1998]

Going into hospital this week for discectomy on lower back

Trying to be organised and want to make sure I've got everything. I will have my own room (private hospital) and will be there for about 2 nights

I've got my toiletries, ipad, headphones , chargers, clothes, slippers, underwear, socks etc

Can anyone suggest anything else that might be beneficial for stay ? Thank you

A couple of pens and some nice snacks?

Sounds like you’re all set except for anything you might start craving to eat/do? I’d want to do the crossword and I’m lucky to have a main craving of ice when I go in, which is liberally provided, but particularly if your visitors will be sparse then take in some food and drink that you’ll like. Hospital food is plentiful but generally awful.

Oh and you might want a toothbrush and a hairbrush (not sure if those are included under toiletries) and any meds/vitamins you take every day?

Make sure your chargers have a really long cable.

Cosy blanket as can get cold at night and they only give you one ( thin)

A bottle of nice cordial to add to water?
Maybe a plug that has several USB ports.

Earplugs
Eye mask
Own pillow
Long charging cable
Lightweight dressing gown

A powerbank in case the socket isn't reachable for your phone from your bed

Shoes you can put on without bending
Soft trousers for around the wound
I took some water wipes to freshen up

To be fair I took too much as they discharged me at lunch time the following day (op was 10am - 4pm!)

Lip balm, tissues and bottled water are what mum usually forgets.

Ear plugs and an eye mask

Definitely your own pillow. Bot in a white pillowcase though. Or you'll loose it.

Agree with poster above on a very long charging cable - you can get them off Amazon. Found that was essential

Take a stuffed animal or something else comforting you can hug if or when you’re feeling lonely.

Thank you all for your suggestions! I do have long leads/ charger cables so I will be sure to bring them!

Think I'm also tempted to bring my old pregnancy pillow with me 🤣

Flip flops for the shower.

Pen and paper maybe or notebook. A book to read too.

I was in for 3 weeks back in March, and would have gone mad without my Kindle.

Puzzle book and trashy novel.
I hope it goes smoothly and you are all better soon.

Good luck with your op. My experience of private hospitals has been great so I hope your stay is good too.

I take a V shaped pillow (the BEST!), and an easy to put on dress rather than trousers and top when I have needed an op.

An N95 mask as the staff may not be masking and COVID is rampant. Wear it at least in public areas of the hospital. At least you are not going to be on a ward. Open your window if you can for ventilation, be aware that virus particles linger in the air for hours so an empty room is not necessarily safe.

Have a successful procedure!

Ooh a pillow is such a good spot! I need 3 at home (acid reflux, residual pneumonia) and the NHS give you one sad, floppy one if you’re lucky.

Your own pillow especially if it has a good support to it. I took my support pillow because it helps with my back. Also toilet roll. The stuff they provide is so thin you need to use a load of them