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what to take into hospital - advice needed

38 replies

Angbunnyboo · 23/04/2021 15:35

I'm due to go into hospital two weeks today for a major bowel cancer op and am likely to be in there for a fortnight.

What sort of things should I take? Ive got PJs and knickers on my list but I can't think what else I'll need. For the first couple of days I'll be pretty out of it on painkillers but I want to be as comfy as possible the rest of the time. Also want to feel fresh and as pampered as possible, if its even possible!

Help please!

OP posts:
NeverDropYourMoonCup · 23/04/2021 17:28

Rather than flip floppy slippers (they are a trip hazard, which you really don't want post surgery), a pair of either slippers with firm sides and a proper grippy sole or some pull on (no laces or fastenings) trainers would be more secure for moving around.

I agree with the big nighties so nothing is touching your surgery area and allows for swelling (longer is better as then there's less chance of showing the woman in the cubicle opposite your arse as you slowly turn over don't ask me why I know this - and then some light and soft loungewear/soft bra top for after the first day or so.

Soft, warm socks. BIG knickers.

Hairbrush and hairbands if it's shoulder length or longer.

Definitely ear filters and an eye mask, as trying to sleep when there are lights on and other patients will be difficult.

Lipbalm. Baby wipes (Johnson's are the gentlest in my opinion). A very gentle shower gel, shampoo/conditioner, moisturiser.

Bit of lipgloss, eyeshadow and mascara. Just in case you feel like it.

Then the usual charger, long lead, powerbank, earphones, purse/bank card/keys, couple of pencils/notebook - and all our best wishes!

Angbunnyboo · 23/04/2021 19:42

Thank you all so much for your replies, there are loads of things I forgot I might need.

I think I shall spend this evening shopping!

OP posts:
AuldFox · 23/04/2021 19:58

Sorry if this is already mentioned but I would bring a small zip up pouch that can hold your small essentials (lip balm, tissues, headphones, comb etc) that is small enough to sit on your bedside table. It will stop things from rolling off onto the floor and getting lost, and you won’t have to bend over to get into a bigger bag on the floor.

Leave valuable jewellery at home.

Very best wishes for your successful operation and recovery Flowers

Fluffycloudland77 · 23/04/2021 21:13

If you buy a kobo e reader you can download books for free on overdrive. If your library doesn’t support overdrive you can join Oxfordshire county council library online & they use overdrive, they let anyone join.

SpeckledyHen · 23/04/2021 21:39

A mirror , hairbrush and concealer stick helped my sanity during a longish hospital stay . If my hair was brushed and my red patches covered I felt so much better . Along with most of the other things suggested .

SpeckledyHen · 23/04/2021 21:43

Forgot to say good luck OP and wishing you a full and speedy recovery.🌻

MindBodyChocolate · 24/04/2021 09:25

Take advantage of all the loungewear now for sale! You’ll want to be as comfy as possible afterwards so some nice soft loose bottoms and easy to get on tops. I’d take a minimum of toiletries - you probably won’t feel like showering immediately so take wipes, flannels etc just so you don’t feel grubby. Don’t worry about not looking pristine - take it really easy :)

Best of luck with everything.

Sooverthemill · 24/04/2021 11:13

I'm so sorry you are going through this. It's tough. Good luck x

I've spent a lot of time in hospital with my DD who has a chronic illness ( not during Covid) my longest time was 7 months!

My main complaint in hospital is lack of sockets to charge my phone and skin/ lips drying out so I'd take a power pack and loads of moisturiser and lip balm / Vaseline. Agree about a small zip pouch for little bits by bed. Make sure everything is very comfy and easy to pull on and off. I always take some sweets as often medication makes people feel a bit sick or have a funny taste,, for some reason the M&S rhubarb boiled sweets work best for me! Lots of water or something you like to drink. Snacks that don't need fridge and won't melt! I download tv series to my iPad to watch as not always free internet and I also download books/ audiobooks from the library ( not on a kindle). I have a few new magazines and a shiny new paperback too. I take my knitting or embroidery.

I hope your recovery goes smoothly

Defiantly41 · 24/04/2021 16:02

Make sure your husband or partner knows where your comfy clothes are, and what type of things to bring in eg fresh pyjamas. My husband brought my tightest, skinniest jeans (I'd had litres of IV fluid so was very puffed up, a work top (the sort of thing you'd wear under a formal city suit) and my thickest warmest fleece when he was asked to bring in 'normal' clothes for me. And his choice of fresh pyjamas was a bit odd too ( purple flowery top with white & brown polka dot bottoms)

Liervik · 24/04/2021 16:38

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons.

Liervik · 24/04/2021 16:39

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons.

justaweeone · 24/04/2021 18:49

Pillow spray https://www.thisworks.com/products/love-sleep-pillow-spray?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9LDUnLiX8AIVFeztCh09FQ3XEAAYASAAEgKtZDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.
Sleep mask
Peppermint tea bags
Hope all goes wellThanks

Hansper · 24/04/2021 20:43

A cheap handbag organiser with lots of pockets in it to slot in headphones, lip balm, phone, book, pens etc. There's limited room in the those bedside lockers.

Maybe one of those harem playsuit/dungarees? They're massive, have a low crotch and no waistband.

An aromatherapy balm or vicks to stick under your nose when the ward gets a bit smelly, this?

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

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