I was at a support group meeting in which someone mentioned that topics discussed at other meetings could include "what to take to the hospital." That wasn't the topic for the meeting I was attending. Are there certain things that should be included? Should I take things like my own meds, fluids, pillow, etc? I just don't know

You will be wearing a hospital gown and given non-slip socks, so all you really need is to wear something to the hospital that is comfy with a stretchy or loose waist you can wear home, and bring clean undies and socks. Also bring a toothbrush, travel toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant, chapstick, and lotion.

Don't bring meds or fluids as they will need to administer those to you and record them in your chart. But check on this because if you are taking something unusual, they may want you to bring it. In my case, they just gave me my daily thyroid medication from the hospital pharmacy.

Bring your phone and charger and a book, maybe headphones if you'd rather listen to music.

Hospitals are kinda gross, so the less you bring, the better. I had an incident where my IV came unattached and I ended up with watered down blood everywhere, which would have ruined any pillows or blankets from home.

Oh, I brought a small pillow for the car ride home that is made for abdominal surgery (search Amazon for hysterectomy pillows) and can velcro to your seatbelt for extra comfort for your incisions. It was nice but not 100% necessary. For home, I had a weighted heating pad that I loved for sleeping. You will also want a bottle of liquid adult strength Tylenol at home for pain.

Edited April 4, 20242 yr by NickelChip

The only thing I can add is that an extra long charging cord came in handy in my hospital (although some say it wasn’t necessary at theirs). Also pajama pants were good to slip on for walks since the hospital gowns open in back. I did see some people with two gowns on (one forwards and one backwards) I’m guessing because they didn’t have any bottoms.

Like @NickelChip, I wore the same thing home i came in. A pair of comfy Track pants and a tee shirt. I just brought fresh underthings. I bought my tablet as well so I could read (download a couple books ahead of time) but a regular book would be better since things do get misplaced and stolen sometimes and you will be separated from your stuff. They put mine in a locker during my surgery and beought it to me once I was in a room.

I also wished I had brought a sleep mask for my surgery. They closed the door and it was dark but I had to leave the bathroom light on so that I could find it. I brought one when I stayed with my husband in the hospital and it was perfect for that same light. I also bright headphones because I played Netflix at night when I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t want to disturb anyone else but the nurse informed me that others couldn’t hear my tv if I wanted to use that.

In terms of toiletries, I brought them all but I wasn’t allowed to shower before I left so maybe just a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and some baby wipes/ face wipes and dry shampoo or a hat if your super oily like me. I was told not to bring my meds except for one that they didn’t have at the pharmacy. Kinda makes you wonder why you can’t just bring them all instead of laying two prices but that’s another story.

I did put a pillow in the car that my husband would be picking me up in. Ooh and they should tell you not to wear jewelry or bring cash. They have to inventory everything you bring and they actually thanked me for packing light.

Edited April 4, 20242 yr by ShoppGirl

Thank you so much for the replies!

i brought a whole overnight bag filled with "supplies" and barely touched any of it (including my toothbrush! hygiene be dammed when you are groggy and in pain lol)

what i DID actually use were the following:

1) my crocs (any other slip on shoe would do)...for ease in putting on and off for walking the halls for exercise and going home in.

2) Biotin (the moisturizing throat spray, NOT the supplement). ugh, my throat was so sore when i woke up. i specifically asked the nurse to have it available to me in the recovery room, and used it throughout my stay.

3) lip balm...your dry lips will thank u.

4) small pillow to hug against you for the car ride home. those bumps on the road were killer. also useful to squeeze when u cough.

everything else stayed in my bag. including my phone surprisingly. didn't even care to use/look at it.

good luck! ❤️

Thank you for your reply, ms.sss

I second the slip on shoes. I actually just wore my Nike slides to the hosptial with socks to save having to pack a second pair of shoes. I wasn’t making any fashion statements but the hospital is five minutes away and they change you into a gown first thing when you get called back which I knew from prior surgeries. You can slip them on if you need shoes to walk the halls and then wear them home as well. I don’t wear slippers or anything at home so I forgot a few times but I worried about what I may have stepped in and didn’t want to get into my bed (even through the floors looked immaculate) without changing my slipper socks. Some people pack slippers and I thought about buying some but I would make sure they have traction and fit you well since you may be a little dizzy or unsteady. They get you up walking pretty soon

I brought too much. My hospital didn't inventory belongings so nobody complained, but with the post-op fatigue and pain meds, I didn't touch either of my 2 books or tablet. I brought a shawl I didn't need.

Go as basic as you can, is my rec. Chapstick will feel like a life saver. My hospital had me bring all my meds just in case they didn't have it, but they ended up supplying everything. Wear loose, comfy clothing there and plan to just wear the same clothes going back. Slip on shoes. Hairbrush or hat, toothbrush and toothpaste. Phone charger and power bank / long charger cord. Ear plugs and or sleep mask if you're a sensitive sleeper -- but I found the painkillers helped me sleep through basically everything lol. I had no energy and no attention span.

Thank you, ShoppGirl & jennyBeez

A hot water bottle if you’re staying overnight !
mine was a godsend for gas pain

A baggy dress that slips over your head, easy to get in and out of, especially after surgery where it hurts to move. A pillow to hug for the bumpy ride home. Easy slip on shoes. Typical emergency items like cell phone, charger... Etc. I basically went in, had surgery, slept, went home. They have all you need for drinks, meals if you stay the night. They also have disposable toothbrushes, shampoo... Etc.

Thank you, BlueParis & Tomo for your responses!