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Hospital - hints & tips?



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Hi Everyone

Well, it's Saturday which means just 3 more sleeps until I go to hospital for my surgery.

I know that some of you were in and out on the same day, but my surgeon insists on a minimum one-night stay, perhaps two.

As I have never been to hospital before, I am wondering what I should take with me. Do you have any suggestions?

So far, my list is:

- Two pairs of pyjamas

- Dressing Gown

- Slippers

- Underwear

- Tooth brush/paste

- hair brush

- iPod

- Phone

I figured I'd wear to the hospital what I plan on wearing home - just some loose sweat pants and a sweat shirt. I only need to travel 5 minutes.

I am packing two pairs of pyjamas - my winter pyjamas (pants/top) as I prefer to wear those, but also a night dress in case it is too uncomfortable to wear the winter pyjamas post-op.

Is there anything else I should be taking with me? Anything you wished you had while you were there?

Edited by MissK

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hey girly, good luck! My surgery was today, and as I lay here in the hospital I am craving some chapstick, but thats all, your list looks great!

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You may want to add Shampoo and soap. When I was in the hospital after having my first daughter I didn't have any shampoo and all they could find me was baby shampoo. Boy was I glad to get home and get a real shower!!

I got a call from a nurse yesterday with my surgery instructions. She said my surgery is at 1:30 and I would be in the car by 3 at the latest!! It's amazing how doctors differ on things like preop and post op diets and hospital stays!!

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Good pick up; I had a shower about an hour ago and remembered Shampoo etc, so packed some little travel bottles incase I need them.

Thankfully I live only 5 minutes from the hospital and will have my parents staying here, so if I do need anything they can grab it for me.

That just blows me away that you can be heading in for surgery at 1.30pm and be in the car going home by 3pm - doesn't that scare you a little? I'm kinda glad I'm staying in overnight, if nothing else they can at least be giving me the good drugs. LOL.

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My doctor required a longer hospital stay like yours, and let me just say it hardly matters what your bring because you simply won't care. Comfy clothes are a good idea, but besides that don't worry about it. I felt too crappy to listen to my ipod or read my book, that first day after surgery was just a blur. I didn't use any of the stuff I packed for my surgery besides my pajamas!

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Ditto Abbypoo ! I had brought my ipod and a book and was so uncomfortable and out of it that I just watched some TV. I also stayed ON which I think was great since that morphine was heaven ! I wouldnt even really bother with the PJ's it's much more comfortable to stay in the gown !! It's really hard to even bend down to pee, much less change into PJ IMHO !!!

But dont forget a pillow for the ride home, very important to cushion your tummy !!!!!

Best wishes, will be thinking of you !!

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