'Must haves' for hospital stay.

[Borntobeamum]

I'm going Into hospital on Monday for colon cancer surgery. Please help with your essentials that really helped.
So far I have -
Sleepwear and slippers
Sleep bras
Big comfy knickers
Toiletries
Tissues
Lip balm
Hand cream
Ear plugs
Purse with change
Notebook and pen
Kindle and charger
Phone charger
Magazines

Thanks x x

Ah best of luck. Our hospital’s tea bags are dreadful so if you’re a tea drinker it might be worth bringing a few in for when you’re able to eat and drink. Hope all goes well

How long will you be there? Have you got a towel? I would take some snacks if you’re going to be there a few days as there can be quite long gaps between meals I’ve found.
When you’re there ask for extra pillows and blankets to make yourself as comfortable as possible

I would probably take an eye mask as I can't sleep if it is light.

All noted. I have an eye mask already packed 🤦‍♀️
I will have to be led by them regarding snacks but DH will bring me anything I need.
I'm tempted to take my own pillow - I'm a bit funny and like my own!
I've added a towel. I could be In 5-7 days if all goes well.
I'm not a tea drinker but may take some options sachets as I find those quite pleasant x

Facial/ baby wipes. Handy for freshening up.

When my dad was in last year, I had to take him some skimmed milk as they only had full fat and semi I think and he can only drink tea with skimmed . They put his name on it in the fridge. Maybe some cordial. Again, dad wasn't fond of the orange they had but that may just be him!

You should get ear plugs and eye mask given to you while there

Don't take a towel, the hospital will have plenty and there won't be anywhere to hang it once you've used it.

Flop flops for the bathroom.

Yes take your own pillow for comfort, make sure its a coloured pillowcase so it doesnt get put into hospital laundry baskets, have a spare pillowcase or 2 in case of dribbling in your sleep esp after surgery

Socks to keep your feet warm

Earphones / headphones for private listening

a bag to seperate laundry into

Hand gel - I keep a bottle beside me at all times

Colouring book and markers

Pack of Thank You cards

Dry shampoo. For the same reasons as the wet wipes; you might not manage to shower straight after and feeling clean helps.

Have DH bring the pillow later. It’s bound to get lost if it goes with you pre surgery.

Peppermint tea. Even if you don’t like it. It helps clear the wind after admominal surgeries and that trapped gas can cause terrible pain, you’ll want it out.

If you have an iPad or similar load it with tv/movies. TV costs a bloody fortune in hospital.

Have you got a stand for your kindle/phone? You don't always have the energy to hold it after surgery.

And I'd recommend a thermos cup-possibly one for cold water and the other for when you're able to have a hot drink. (Nothing stays cold long on a hospital ward, even with ice!)

Hope it's a success and easy on you. Not an easy prospect.

If you want a towel just in case have you got a few microfibres ones? They dry super fast.

Warm socks (several pairs) and noise cancelling headphones and pre downloads of podcasts or audio books that you may like to listen to to block out noise. Lip balm? Face wipes? Definitely take your own pillow. Not a luxury an essential I think.

Make sure the charger is extra long, or take an extension lead (might be handy if you want to charge phone and kindle at the same time) because plus might nit be conveniently located. Especially if the Ines nearest to the bed need to be used for hospital equipment.

Flip flops to wear in the shower

Rather than a towel (if they provide) I would take 2 thin quick drying face cloths for freshening/washing/drying. Good luck op.

You're all amazing! Such great ideas.
I don't drink milk so that's not a problem. Great idea about wet wipes.
I will take the pillow and leave it In The car til I'm back on the ward.
Will pack some socks if only to cover the sexy stockings!
Thermos cup is a great idea.
I e never had a good experience with dry shampoo. Is it better than it was in The early 80's?
I have some lovely Bath and Body Works hand gel in delicious fragrances so will pop a couple in my bag.

My 86 year old mum brought me a black chiffon and silk floaty dressing gown 'In case you want to float around the ward afterwards looking glamorous'.
🤦‍♀️

Batiste tropical dry shampoo is brilliant-highly recommend!

And I love the thought of you wafting around afterwards-your mum sounds ace!

Don Shed also sewn shoulder pads in to 'give it a bit of lift' x

And a small plastic basket to keep all the odds and ends in on uour bedside table. Stops everything falling off and getting lost

blue I have a Cath Kidston tin that I got the hand cream and lip balm in. Ive also added so e tooth picks and ear plugs. Just little things that may get lost! X

A bit of lift brilliant

Flip flops for the showers

A jumper with a zip down the front and warm socks. I ended up in a ward with no heating and was freezing.
Good luck

You are going to need some fluffy slipper flip flop type things to go with that dressing gown!! Maybe some diluting juice? Will you be able to drink?