What to bring to the hospital

So this was posted on my state board and I thought...hmmm, I haven't even thought of what I should bring and I go in less than 7 days...what a great idea. I'm sorry if this was posted earlier and I just missed it. Basically the answers that were given on that board were as follows. lip balm lotion eye mask ear plugs toothbrush/toothpaste hair brush deoderant baggy/easy to put on clothing to go home in My one item that wasn't mentioned is a dry mouth rinse because a friend of my who had surgery said she got the worst dry mouth while she was in the hospital. and that's about it. Alot of people mentioned that they brought books and music and never touched them due to the drug induced haze they were in pretty much the whole time. They also mentioned that bringing a robe and slippers was not necessary since they give you the slippy socks and robes that unbotton down the arms so you can get it around your IV lines with the minimum amount of fuss. Any other ideas of necessities? Corinna Q

How about these tips I picked up and put on my list-in addition to yours. Baby wipes to wipe your face. Sanitary pad (lots of people start their period right away) Your own pillow with pretty pillow case to distinguish from the hospital one) Camera Some things to add to your prep at home: Small water bottles so it doesn't seem so impossible to drink so much Sample packets of protein (can get from Vitalady.com) Rent lots of movies for home before you leave Plastic plates, bowls and cups for easy clean up in the first week Freeze soup broth, jello cubes, no sugar added juices in an ice cube tray. Take one out to thaw every time you use one, so the next one will be ready. Oh, and clean and disinfect your bathroom and especially the shower, before you go.

Thanks so much for the list I've been mentally trying to make one for myself for a couple days now. One thing I wanted to add though is that not all hospitals have robes for you to wear, or the slippy socks. So check with the hospital you are going to and make sure they have those available. I know mine doesn't provide the robes like that so I'm bringing mine with me (No hanging out the back for me, LOL), but they do provide the socks so I don't know if I'm going to use those or bring my own. One more thing that some people may want to bring is some sort or stuffed animal for the ride home and for when you have to cough after surgery. A teddy bear is supposed to work the best, something about the arms fitting tightly around you helps with the pain and helps cushion you on the ride home. I can't think of anything else right now. Good luck to everyone! Blessings, Raven

Great list... I am pretty much packed already except for my toothbrush and tooth paste... LOL.... I have been ready since the day after I got my date. Don't think I am anxious or anything do you??? I also finished up all my freezing of broth and juices and stuff yestday, have my protien samples and I am ready to go... and I still have 3 weeks and 1 day to go... I was like that when I had my kids too, packed and ready a couple months before my due date. Go figure, I guess I am just Ms. Prepared... LOL... Shawn M.

i didnt take anything..lol i wish id have taken the lip balm and bedroom slippers they would have been more comphy to walk in other than those socks they give.. and my cell phone..the hospital i was at allowed ya to use the cell's there... as far as the toothbrush and deo and tooth paste or whatever i used what they gave ya it wasnt the best tasten toothpaste but i didnt even care..lol just wanted to do the morning wash up and quick walk and back to bed..lol good luck yall with your journeys

i brought all this stuff with me and never used any of it except a change of clothes to go home in, i didn't care what i looked like i was to sore from my drain tube i probably just barely brushed my teeth and hair, and barely washed myself very at comfortable at first ,since i could not take a shower for a week with a drain tube put it.i can tell u just have your pain meds a good recliner to sleep on and the food you need to use for the first week and you will be fine at home really nothing needed at the hospital