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Ideas for nice things to take to hospital for surgery-not childbirth

27 replies

Catassistant · 08/01/2024 00:11

Hi all,

Just that really. I have some slightly scary neuro surgery coming up and am distracting myself by buying nice things to be take to hospital. Any ideas? I have pyjamas and dressing gown already, ideas for things like skincare and treaty things most welcome. Thanks

OP posts:
TakeMe2Insanity · 08/01/2024 00:15

I always take perfume.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 08/01/2024 00:17

Sheet masks; under eye mask; sleep mask; dark chocolate digestives; Lindt dark chocolate sea salt bar.

BeaLola · 08/01/2024 01:09

Lovely hand sanitiser (I like aromatherapy associates pump one or Aesop)

Bedsocks

Wollen, cashmere or Dunelm Teddy blanket depending on budget - I get cold in hospital

Fancy tin of boiled sweets /Turkish delight /fruit pastilles

Face wipes

Aromatherapy rollerball

Good luck and hope it goes well x

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PeopleAreWeird · 08/01/2024 01:12

Nice deodorant
Nice slippers
Adult colouring books

Goodbye2023 · 08/01/2024 01:23

Think about needs and write a list

An extension lead.
A charging cable for each gadget
Phone / iPad / laptop - with programmes and music downloaded
Air pods or similar
Boiled sweets
Lots of nighties or PJs + comfy knickers
Crocs to save you from the ward floor and shower floor
A water bottle to keep water cool
Peppermint tea bags
Moisturiser
Lip balm

Space to put things is limited. Take essentials only

Paw2024 · 08/01/2024 01:28

These heated eye masks

MegRhythm Self Heated Gentle Steam Eye Mask, Lavender, for Relaxation and Eye Strain, Pack of 5 amzn.eu/d/8Sh02bZ

Lip balm
Hydrating spray
Water wipes for if you need a freshen up
Hand sanitiser
Pillow spray
Tissues
Mini squeeze bottle of cordial
Snacks!
Long charger cable

dontgobaconmyheart · 08/01/2024 01:36

How long will you be an inpatient?

I don't mean this to sound negative so much as practical but I have health issues and have been in for quite involved surgeries quite a few times. For the mostpart in recovery afterwards I've not wanted to do anything and have felt rough or a bit sick from pain relief and so on, so it's mostly been about comfort and convenience - comfortable clothing and lots of spares - bearing in mind where any stitches might be and where the clothing hits or how it comes on and off, extra long charging cables, wireless earphones, a soft blanket, slippers you don't mind getting dirty, body and face wipes, hair clips, dry shampoo, lip balm, hand sanitiser and hand cream, a refillable water bottle like a Chilly's that will keep things cool/hot.

Food wise it's best to opt for plain things, the sort of thing you usually fancy when unwell. I always take ginger biscuits, plain flapjacks, chocolate digestives to have with a tea, boiled sweets and mints (nice when you want to freshen your breath but can't brush your teeth at the time). Friends and Family can always drop off something else if you fancy it.

I would take as little as you reasonably need and nothing with strong fragrances or allergens as ultimately unless you are in a private room there will be other people nearby who may not want to smell those things, or for whom there are allergens.

Last time I went in I treated myself to a lovely soft blanket, a couple of new books, an audible subscription, foot cream and some good earplugs.

Best wishes for your surgery and recovery OP.

Ponderingwindow · 08/01/2024 01:45

last time in hospital, I saw people with twisty arm things to hold devices. Those looked very handy. Obviously also headphones, chargers, and long power cords.

please don’t take anything scented. It is antisocial. You may be near other patients or staff who have serious fragrance allergies.

TomeTome · 08/01/2024 01:49

Simple wipes, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste and paper cups , moisturiser
A book, crossword, tablet for telly, phone for chatting and headphones.
Snacks, nail file, crocs for the shower/toilet.
Leggings and a Tshirt are better than PJs imo

Fraaahnces · 08/01/2024 01:49

I have frequent surgeries and want to remind you that they will discharge you as soon as possible so that you don’t risk a hospital acquired infection. Remember that you’re not moving in. Whatever you take with you, you will have to carry out again and you might be in some pain.
You probably won’t want to do all the “self care” facials, etc… that you might wish to do at home.

I would recommend backless slippers with a firm sole so that you don’t have to bend over or pull them onto your feet. A dressing gown for when you are inevitably asked to walk laps around the ward.
Eye mask and earplugs in case you’re sharing the room and want to sleep. I have a small heating pad that uses a power bank. Helpful if you get stiff or sore joints lying in bed.
Scrunchies/hair ties, soft headbands. You might want to keep your hair out of your face. Brush, obvs. One or two mini dry shampoos are a must. Also hand cream. Because my skin dries out, I always bring a small pot of petroleum jelly to form an occlusive layer over my eye cream. Lip mask. (Highly recommend Laneige). Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc. Basic makeup like mascara, blush/bronzer, tinted moisturiser.
Charger, long cable for phone. (Mine is 3 meters) Power bank (and cable if different to phone.) Ear buds x 2 sets.

TomeTome · 08/01/2024 08:54

Definitely Scrunchies, and if you’re likely to be on a drip even a hairband you can stick on one handed. My hair drives me bananas in hospital.

DuploTrain · 08/01/2024 08:56

Lip balm
hand cream
Tissues
Chewing gum

TiptoeTess · 08/01/2024 09:01

They will discharge you the second they can, so don’t take too much. I’d say:
Soft PJs
Dressing gown
New slippers
Book or Kindle
EARPLUGS

DilemmaDelilah · 08/01/2024 09:04

If you are going to have a cannula/drip you may find it difficult to get a dressing gown on and off, so something warm you can put over your shoulders without needing to put your arms in.
I always take a small amount of my own instant coffee as I have to have decaff and the hospital coffee is so horrible.
Headphones or one of those headbands with built in headphones so that you can listen to what you wanting you are awake in the middle of the night.
Fruit.
Sort tissues/toilet paper/wipes

traintractor · 08/01/2024 09:07

I would spend some time looking for some great audiobooks to download for the hospital stay. & maybe some movies to download for your phone or iPad.

MissMarplesNiece · 08/01/2024 09:13

I was just going to write similar to Dilemma Delilah about cannula. Also, I had a naso-gastric tube and pulling things over my head was really awkward so I found button up pyjamas easier than t shirt type ones.

I also found that the less stuff I had with me, the better. I got moved around wards a lot and having to make sure I'd got everything and that it came with me was an added stress.

Serencwtch · 08/01/2024 09:27

I wouldn't buy anything new.
I'm in hospital alot and every time anything nice gets lost, stolen, broken etc.
A pillow (they never have enough) , blanket, ear plugs, eye mask , 2 phone chargers (tend to get stolen) , headphones, cash (staff can't take your card to go to shop for you), baby wipes & tissues.
There's not really much space & extremely annoying for the other patients if you have stuff overflowing into their space

Save the nice things for when you get home as you will appreciate it more then! .

gestroopd · 08/01/2024 09:29

mantasleep.uk/collections/manta-sleep-masks

This sleep mask both for hospital and home after. It means at home you can keep your curtains open and sleep. So you don't need to be either in the dark all the time with lights on, or getting up and down when you don't feel like it. In hospital it stops the light waking you.

But I guess it depends on head wounds.

I got one after a horrible hospital stay and then got a second one to put in my "emergency bag" (so I never have to go through that awfulness again of being in hospital with nothing at all due to emergency and no visitors).

Noise cancelling headphones too.

And chargers AND a battery pack so if you can't reach to charge something from your bed, you can charge if without moving (both in hospital and at home).

Good luck!

gestroopd · 08/01/2024 09:31

Btw noise cancelling headphones are more important than ear plugs! Over the ear if possible too. Over the ear are also more obvious for staff and they don't fall out!

Iwishmynamewassheilah · 08/01/2024 09:34

Every hospital is different but on a recent visit I took far too much in with me.

They gave me a box of tissues and a big packet of wet wipes, an unending supply of water and juice and ice. The most essential item is a really long charger cord. Basic toiletries… shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothbrush and toothpaste.

I would also say take some fruit! Most surgery stops your bowels moving for days on end because of pain relief. The food was passable but not a single piece of real fruit until day 4 when a banana appeared.

I wish you well.

GigiAnnna · 08/01/2024 12:01

Those disposable eye masks that self heat. They are very relaxing. Also a good moisturiser or hand cream, something like Weleda skin food.

Catassistant · 08/01/2024 17:24

Thanks so much all, sorry t be to slow to reply. Long day in appointments! Definitely doing some Amazon-ing

OP posts:
Fraaahnces · 09/01/2024 06:34

Hi @Catassistant I wrote a list of suggestions upthread, but thought I should let you know that I am going into hospital for heart surgery soon and will be in for about 2-3 weeks. As a nurse, I have to say that I am over-preparing. I managed to find a couple of kimono-style pajama tops that do up like a crossover bathrobe. (Straps that tie up on the inside under the arm and straps that tie up on the other side outside of the top.) They’re lovely cotton which is breathable, allow access to the surgical wound and easy to get on and off with assistance (I will need it for a while) - plus I can wear them over a vest if I want to once I am healed enough.
Your hospital will want (and need) a list of all your medications and dosages. If you take them in a pill container, you will not be allowed to use them. They need to be labeled, etc. I would probably leave them at home and get the hospital pharmacy to dispense them.
I have been inspired by this thread to bring my own teabags.(Everyone likes what they like). I have also ordered a new thermal cup and water bottle that are smaller than my regular industrial-sized ones. The cup can be used with a straw so I have purchased some bendy silicone ones that DH can wash at home and return. (Can be cut to size).
I will include the links to the heating pad and heated, massaging thing with a strap. (Designed for period pain, but I have been using it on my shoulder and it’s awesome! It gets uncomfortably warm on the hottest setting and lasts for ages. The heating pad is great to lie on or put on a pillow and cuddle depending on your site - also great just for comfort if you get chilly. Can be put on feet too.) I purchased these form Temu and they arrived pretty quickly to Aus. Obviously Amazon would be faster but the links are for ideas.Heating “Belt”Heating Pad I would absolutely recommend bringing multiple chargers and cords. Try and get long versions of the cords required for all of the things you need. (And a power bank) I’m going to try and find a small multiple usb power bank to save space too.)

Warm Palace Belt Warm Nourishing Acupoints 3 speed - Temu Australia

Shop warm palace belt warm nourishing acupoints 3 speed temperature control 4 speed vibration massage to gently massage acupoints noise reduction and silence design does not affect sleep compact and easy to carry at the lowest price at Temu. Check revi...

https://share.temu.com/6avhdWuasnA

ANiceBigCupOfTea · 09/01/2024 06:47

Download a load of your favourite movies, shows or podcasts onto your tablet or phone, or pack a few good books/kindle.
Some lovely toiletries- rituals smells absolutely lush and aren't too expensive for the quality
Nice snacks
Cosy bedsocks

greenacrylicpaint · 09/01/2024 06:51

earphone headband
a powerbank & all the cables
locks for your bags

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