Tell me what I’ve missed. Surgery today

[ByeByeThyroid]

As the name suggests I’m having surgery today for Thyroidectomy. will be in hospital for 2 days all going well. So far in my bag I have;

long phone charger
book
crocs/ flip flops as I can’t decide which to wear
i’ll be wearing dungarees to the hospital
soft PJs
toothbrush
toothpaste
soap
flannel
Lip balm
V shaped pillow
socks
pants
period products because of course it’s fucking early!
deodorant
jumper instead of dressing gown
powerbank for phone?
current medications as last time it took 2 days to get my antidepressants
eye mask
ear plugs

what am I missing? I don’t live anywhere near the hospital so it needs to be packed before we leave in the morning and will stay in the car until I text DH for it

I've had this op. You'll likely have a drain coming out of your upper breast bone area, just below the scar. A cardigan or dressing gown will be much more comfortable than a jumper, which would catch on it. Drinking straw might be useful as your swallow reflex can be a bit weird for a few days.

100% sliders to go to the loo / shower. Hospitals are disgusting.

I would bring an extension lead for my appliances as sometimes the free plug is ages away from the bed

Slippers
Sliders
Glasses if you wear them
Hairbrush and hairbands
Tissues

I hope it all goes smoothly and you’re back home soon.

Facial cleansing wipes and moisturizer.

I remember packing so much when I went in for major pancreas surgery, even a book to read. Ended up in for 3wks and was so unwell I didn’t use any of it. Didn’t even turn my phone on for 14 days. But I think you’re covered. Power bank was good for me in final week as my charger was too short and I couldn’t easily get out of bed to charge phone, so I got my ex to plug in my powerbank every night before he left and I used that in day if low on charge. Good luck

Moisturiser/body lotion. I don't know why but my skin always dries out like crazy in hospital.

quiz books?
sometimes it is so hard to concentrate

When DH was in hospital he was very limited on how much he could take. No suitcases or hold-alls, only a bag the size of a ‘bag for life’, anything bigger and you were told to remove it/send it home.

A big water bottle.

With a straw. You only get a little cup otherwise and a big bottle you'll be able to wedge next to you in bed.

But honestly don't worry too much. I had emergency surgery and turned up in shorts a jumper and a pair of flip flops with a dying phone and no money and it all worked out.

You’re only going in for two days. You almost certainly won’t be able to shower because of drains/dressings, you’ll be out of it for a bit after anaesthetic. Night shirt with buttons, underwear, toiletries, slippers and something to wear home. Phone goes without saying.

check the hospital website for do/don’ts as some e.g don’t allow towels due to infection control.

Are you having a general anaesthetic?
I had to get DH to run to a late night chemist to get me some hydrating eye drops after my surgery as my eyes had dried out so much during the operation and I was in so much pain. If I ever have surgery again, eye drops would be the first thing in my hospital bag.

Boiled sweets or mints, I had really dry scratchy throat after surgery

I'd agreed with this (as someone currently in hospital). If you're only going to be in overnight, take the minimum. There's very limited storage on many wards and you'll probably only use a handful of things.

I'm just using my phone, baby wipes, deodorant, slippers, toothbrush and nightie. You won't need much else. Oh and a button nightie instead of pyjamas, too hot and sweaty for pyjamas. You'll be in a gown today.

Good luck.

I wouldn't bother with a big water bottle. You'll be NBM for much of today, will have a drip, and then you'll be given water.

No to shampoo as you probably won't be able to shower due to drains.
Yes to lubricating eye drops.

You may not be allowed to take in your own pillow for infection control reasons.

Good luck.

Moisturiser? Dry hospital air. I was about to yell earplugs until I saw the bottom of your list. Earphones in case you can’t sleep and want to listen to an audiobook or sth. Def power bank! Socket might be far from the bed. Slippers/slipper socks.

good luck today, speedy recovery to you.

I had parathyroidectomy last yr & really enjoyed moisturising face wipes, as can use whilst still stuck on the bed, nice to have nicely scented 1’s if poss?
my throat inside was very sore, could barely swallow, but the more you do it the easier it gets.
Hope all goes well for you💐

Hand sanitizer and hair brush

I’m having this done too next week. Hairbrush

When I woke up from GA I was extremely thirsty and was in agony trying to reach over to grab the tiny plastic cup on the side. A big bottle with straw would have been a godsend that I could have tucked next to me.

My vitals dropped a lot overnight and they said it was partly because I was so dehydrated.

Same, I was under for over 8hrs and incredibly thirsty and had to keep asking for the jug to be filled
i I think I went through 4 of the jugs overnight

@MocktailMe and @buffyreboot Did you not have a drip? That’s what’s typically used to prevent this post surgery. Brilliantly things😁. Usually removed once it’s apparent you are well hydrated and things are flowing out the other end.

Nope, I had one but I remember them taking it out as I woke up. Went down at 9am, woke up at 6pm
I had done bowel prep too so no food for 36hrs and I couldn’t swallow the toast as my throat was so dry
they forgot my breakfast the next day too and I was discharged after that

I did after that 😂😂 but after I left theatre and recovery and was taken to my room to be left for the night, no I didn't have one.