what to take to the hospital?

what are you packing for the hospital stay? I have no idea what to pack. I know I wont need much. Any ideas? SO far I have the basics: magazines, chapstick, tooth paste, tooth brush, brush, deorderant, razor & shaving cream, Shampoo and conditioner and of course soap. Am I missing anything else? ' Thanks for the help, Linda

Linda, I'm having surgery on Tuesday, Jan. 6th... and this is what is in my bag as of this very moment: slip-on slippers (with a good gripping sole), a bathrobe (for dignity), some feminine pads (some women start their period while in the hosp... due to shock of surgery), deodorant, chapstick, a brush, a small battery-operated fan (they say many people get HOT... I am a HOT person as it is...), toothbrush/toothpaste, a magazine, and a book. If I were you, I'd leave the razor/shaving cream at home -- you're not going to be in ANY shape or mood to be shaving those legs... let alone even realizing that there is hair growing on them! LOL I plan on shaving them really good the morning of surgery... and I should be good to go until the weekend or a few days longer. If I have to, I'll get someone to shave them for me! LOL I'd also leave the shampoo/conditioner/soap at home because they don't often allow showers for a while, due to healing incisions. If they do allow one, the hospital should provide that stuff for you. I know, the thought of having an itchy head doesn't please me, but I guess they know their stuff... Other than that, if I don't have it in my bag, it isn't going... and I probably won't use most of what's in there anyhow! LOL Hope that helps! Gina in Ohio

WHAT TO TAKE TO THE HOSPITAL: robe slippers with rubber soles so you don't slip chap stick comfortable clothes to wear home with elastic waistband or dress slip on shoes to wear home mouth sponges to paint your mouth with water when can't drink phone card to make long distance calls (no cells in hospital) pillow to press against tummy for ride home spirometer (if you already have it) abdominal binder (if you already have it) socks to keep feet warm hair band to keep hair out of the way reading material if desired (I never read my stuff) This is a list of the things I'm taking.. copied from Adasha Knights site.. hope it helps ~ Jan

Thank you all *****sponded. What is a spirometer? Linda

I just came home from the hospital yesterday (my surgery was Friday). I packed WAY too much stuff, so learn from my mistake! They really will give you almost anything you need, but I was glad I brought: chapstick slippers hairbrush toothbrush and toothpaste deodorant something to read (magazines are good). You really aren't allowed to shower or bathe (you can wash yourself off a bit with a washcloth, but they will give you that and soap), so forget your shampoo, shaving stuff, etc. If you are often hot the fan may be good, but I found the nurses willing to adjust the room temp if I got uncomfortable. You (or your family) won't feel like lugging home a lot of things you didn't use anyway, so my strong advice when packing is, LESS IS MORE.

I had surgery on Dec. 9 and all I took was the clothes I was wearing, a hairbrush, chapstick, toothpaste and toothbrush, baby wipes and a brush. Truth be told, I didn't need anything else. I was given non-skid socks, a bag with shampoo and stuff, although you can't take a shower anyway. The gowns are very large (at least where I was) and I didn't care about having a robe...IV's would get in the way anyway. I say packing light is good.