packing/ prepping for hospital

[HYCIERRA 144]

What did you pack for your hospital stay, or better question what did you use or need during your hospital stay? I don't have a clue where to start. Also, any last minute prepping ideas?

[tiggr6199 12]

I packed only the essentials. Comfortable clothing to wear home preferably with a loose waist band, pajamas, robe, slippers. I also brought my own toothbrush and hygiene items. Stuff like that. I also brought my IPad but a book or something other to pass the time. Good luck with your surgery. I am only 10 days out but I feel great. Melissa

[Jessica.O 47]

I packed two sleep shirts but ended up just wearing the hospital gown the whole time. I didn't think I'd want to wear it but since you can open then in the back and down the sleeves it made it more comfortable in bed. I think in my sleep shirts i would've had a hard time keeping them from pulling on me or getting stuck under me when I rolled over.

Pack your own pillow! Hospital pillows aren't very nice and you'll want plenty of support. I also used mine to hug on the ride home, i strapped it to my chest and belly under my seat belt.

I also brought my own slippers with a good tread on them so i didnt have to have a nurse take on and off those slipper socks all the time.

I ended up not using my iPad or reading any books or mags that I brought. Iphone and the hosp tv were enough stimulation for me.

Good luck!

[latido 178]

PJ's that are large on you now. I say this because your tummy will be very swollen, and you will not be able to tolerate the waistband pressure. Also, you will be uncomfortable if your shirt sticks to the steristrips.

I took my own chicken broth (6g of Protein per cup!) and sipped on that every hour, rather than just Water.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

At my hospital, they wanted you to stay in the hospital gown, so I didn't need any sleepwear. It would have been a pain getting on and off over the IV anyway. I wore the clothes to the hospital I planned to wear home, so didn't need to pack any clothes except changes of underwear. I took my own slides because I hate those slipper socks with the tread on them. I just kept the slides by the bed and slipped them on when I got out. I did bring my own toothbrush and deodorant but I didn't take a shower there so I didn't need any other bath stuff. I took quite a few trashy magazines (US, People, things like that) and actually did sit up in a chair and read those one day and then left them in the family waiting room when I left. Phone and charger.

My hospital really stressed the "less is better" concept of what to bring and I didn't miss anything I didn't have.

[Zane's Mom 184]

Chap stick!!!!!

[AshleePage 65]

Here's a video I made about things to bring! Sending hugs and prayers your way!

[Racewalker48 41]

I didn't bring much, just a change of underwear, the clothes and shoes I wore to the hospital (I wore them home), my phone and charger. I walked the halls with a second hospital gown as my robe, which worked just fine. Less is better, and since I stayed only one night, I didn't even take a shower there, just a sponge bath and brushed my teeth before discharge. My hospital told me not to bring money or valuables, just my ID.

[FayeJ 13]

I packed underwear, pajamas, iPad, phone, charger, pillow, and Teddy Bear

Did not need pj's as I was more comfortable in the hospital gown, but definitely glad I had it. Took toiletries but just used wet wipes. Pillows always seem to be a problem in hospitals so I'm glad I had mine. My room was super cold I wish I had brought my warm, comfy blanket. Not just for warmth but comfort and security as well.

[winning_by_losing 107]

I packed all kinds of stuff. Slippers, robe, 2 pairs of sweats, 2 shirts, 2 pairs of boxers, a pillow, my iPad, phone, chargers, chap stick, binaca, air freshener, full shaving kit (toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, shaving gel, deo, lotion etc...).

I ended up wearing the same clothes home that I wore to the hospital (only had them on for ~5 minutes after I checked in), used the chap stick once and my phone twice.

Everything else remained packed in the bag and went back home untouched.

[Butterflymomof2 4]

I have heard some people take Biotene mouthwash to keep their mouth moistened. They have mouthwash, spray, toothpaste and gel. Hope this helps.