Hospital stay - what else do I need ?

[BeaLola]

I am going into Hospital next week for surgery. I am likely to be in for at least 3 days perhaps a couple more.

I am trying to organise what I take with me (new unit so I will have my own room but still not lots of storage room)

So far I am thinking;

Pjs - have bought thin jersey M&S in next size + cotton vests and pants
Socks in case cold
Flip hoops for walking to bathroom etc
Dressing gown (thin )
Pashmina size scarf that I usually use for plane trips in case I get cold
Hand sanitiser
Toiletries - small sizes from Advent calendars etc inc shampoo, soap, body lotion (have dry skin), deodorant
Tissues
Extra long charging lead and plug
Kindle
Phone
£20 in case I can need to buy tea/coffee from outlets
Boiled sweets

As you can see being minimalist isn't in my DNA !

TIA

Definitely some headphones as sometimes you just don’t want to look at a screen or book.

If you are having abdominal surgery, Deflatine tablets. They pump you up with gas and it is quite painful as it works its way out.

You don't need sanitiser, it's everywhere.

Ear plugs and eye mask!!!! First things I pack, wards are noisy and bright.

Bag for dirty washing.

Extension lead
Water bottle with sport cap
Snacks like crackers etc
Decaf tea bags so you can have tea at night

Thank you all so very much - you are lovely - I'm dreading it but now feel more organised

In hospital at the moment (unplanned). In addition to things others have mentioned, I have valued: a dongle (hospital I’m in doesn’t have great wifi), straws, my own metal cutlery (only plastic here). Also head torch - my bay has been repurposed and their isn’t an individual light for me to use when the main lights go off.
Am def Pleased I have: powerpack, sqaush, eye mask, head phones, lip balm, travel mug, mini fruit juices, sweets, reading matter, glasses case

I just use their pj bottoms with a tshirt- saves on washing, and their non slip socks.

I like a thicker dressing gown to go for a wander/ get a coffee can you set Apple Pay or similar up so you don't have to have money?

Power bank is handy in case the charger doesn't reach

They will be able to access your normal meds (with permission) but it is easier to take your own

There'll be antibac wipes on the ward and probably in your room. Or you can just use sanitiser with tissue to wipe everything

You won't need a towel

Hope it goes well

Oh and ask them to write you up for zopiclone - I only need sleeping tablets in hospital

OP hope it goes well. I'm heading in as a day case on Thursday 🤞🏻 I get out evening time. I've still to take an overnight bag with me just in case (Hope not as I like to recover in my own surroundings)

A wee bottle of mouthwash to swirl round, pocket tissues and something comforting to cuddle too

Speedy recovery 💐

Download loads of stuff onto your Netflix, backup if no Internet.

Crosswords.

Cereal bars for emergency snacks.

Do you crochet or want to learn? Buy one hook, one cheap ball of wool. Youtu.be Bella coco. Nail clippers double as scissors. Just an idea to have the intention.

I had crochet and adult colouring books.

I have a free 30 day trial code for the calm app. Send me a pm and I'll send you a code. Its valid from when you start it I think. Could give some relaxing background. Noise bothered me. Would be happy to share.

All the best ♥

many many thanks to you all for taking the time to reply and for all your very helpful comments/ thoughts - thank you so much

Hope it goes well. The only thing I would add is eye drops. I find in dry air-conditioned environments my eyes tend to get dry and sore.

I’ve just returned home from a ten day hospital stay (unplanned)
My hospital (major city one) didn’t have PJs only hospital gowns. Towels they had but were tiny and scratchy.

I appreciated being brought in; my own pillow from my bed, books, comfy PJs, headphones, eye mask and slippers. I agree with pp who suggested zip up tops/fleeces or jumpers as opposed to dressing gowns. It was soooo hot on my ward but I much preferred to wear comfy loungewear during the day rather than PJs all day.

Op check your pms xx

Unless having abdo surgery, you need snacks and chocolate and lots of them!

Myshitisreal thank you - very thoughtful & kind - I will be zen like there hopefully.

Can't take snacks /food (although appreciate helpful for others) as I am having abdo surgery. Am going to take peppermint teabags with me.

Please use it ♥

All the best . Keep us posted how you get on.

Aplogies for my tardiness as I meant to update this thread. Well I had my surgery - currently recuperating & crossing fingers it was successful (wont know for a while).

In the end I was in for 2 full days - as could move around ok & it was a weekend and they needed my bed I got to come home early .

At this hospital everyone gets their own room. This was good as it is only a short few steps to use bathroom + you aren't bothered by other patients or visitors - due to covid I think it was 1 visitor for duration of your stay for 1 hr a day max - I told DH not to bother & just facetimed him & DS.

I didnt use a lot of my things as was there less time than expected & due to being in own room etc + it was very warm in the hospital.

The Hospital had no pj's/extra gowns etc - due to surgery timing & morphine effect on me I ended up in same gown I went to surgery in until my last day. I am glad though that I had the additional items because if I had been in longer etc I may well have needed them /branched out and left the room - it was such long walk from my room to anywhere else in the hospital that I only did it via wheelchair on leaving

Things I really used tons in my 2 days there:

my kindle - read so much (there was tv & I watched a little as well)
my phone - facetiming DH & replying to texts from dear friends, looking at email
extra long charging cable & powerbank
toothbrush & paste - made me feel better using it
my small toiletries so I could wash face etc (didnt get to use shower whilst there cos of stitches) but my hair held up (DH doesnt get it but it made me feel a bit better - more like me) & my hairbrush - little things that made a difference , quick spritz of perfume (all my little samples of everything came in useful & donated bits & pieces to lovely staff on leaving ).
My thin linen wrap H&M dressing gown - easy to put on over the hopsital backless gown for decency & to sit up in bed in and feel more "dressed"
The thin jersey pj pants from M&S that I bought sized up to cope with bloated tummy after op
The peppermint teabags I took with me as I was not allowed food post surgery only black tea or coffee (both were dire) & a jelly.

Little trainer socks to put over surgical stockings
Lip balm as my lips did get very dry
Hand cream

Glad this part is all over . Thank you all ver much again
I hope anyone else going in to hospital anytime soon has such a good stay & care as I did.

Glad you're home & things went well, I hope it's done the job!!

You definitely had the luxury version!!

I was in an orthopaedic ward with lots of elderly ladies who were struggling. One shouted all night (literally) and slept, snoring all day!

I went home absolutely bloody exhausted.I'm very glad your experience was much better!!

Welcome home OP

Earplugs. They were a game changer for me when I was in hospital.

Oh, just seen that you are home! Ignore my above post :)