what to bring to the hospital?

Ok, I'm 4 days away from surgery, what should I pack for the hospital?

Congratulations!!!!! There's really not a lot that you need to bring -- you'll be in a hospital gown for at least the first day, and the hospital supplies soap, towels, toothbrush, etc. -- unless you want to have your own stuff to make you feel better. My one piece of advice is to bring a comfort item of some sort -- reminds you of home & cheers you up! I'll be saying my prayers for a safe, successful surgery & a quick recovery. Best, Kathy F.

Thank you for the Advice! Less is probably better. Now I'm trying to think of something I could bring as a cheer me up.

I guess it sounds silly for a 40 year old woman, but I had a teddy bear. My Dad, who passed away a year ago at Christmas time, was in the hospital A LOT for the last year of his life. There was an organization that came to the hospital once a week & gave out bears, etc. to each of the patients. Needless to say, he had quite a collection and not a lot of desire for keeping them, so he usually gave them away to kids, etc. Only a few times they gave out these lovely larger bears, and I selfishly decided to keep 3 of them. One of them was a really cuddly one, so I decided I was going to revert & cuddle a teddy bear so I had something soft & had good memories about. There's my little story. Kathy

Hi Eternity! What a beautiful name! I always tell people to bring a small fan because not only are the hosp rooms warm but you are warmer from the pain meds. And Chapstick is a must, your lips get really dry. Take advantage of the hosp. ice chips, they are much better than those gross tasting swabs they give you. My angel Sharon also gave me a stuffed angel bear I brought with me and it actually did give me a comfort that she was watching over me, I also brought my rosary beads. Corny maybe, but it just made me feel like I had a little "extra" watching over me. I agree there's not much else to bring because you really don't use it. When you get home, it will be difficult to get comfy in the beginning, you'll think you found a position only to find out 10 min later it hurts, one thing that really helped me was a have a pillow under my knees, it relieved the pressure from my incision a little. Please keep us updated on your progress! Congratulations on your decision to have this surgery and remember, the best is yet to come! Cheryl

Hi Eternity! Well you are on your way soon. I wish you all the luck and may your slide to the losing side be as uneventful and pain free as possible. Like the others said there isn't much you will need or want in the hospital. I am really glad that I brought my own toothbrush and toothpaste though as the ones they gave me in the hospital just didn't do the trick. I know I wanted to brush often as the dry yucky mouth was the worst part of the whole thing for me. I did bring a robe to wear over my shoulders when I was up and walking around the floor. I didn't bother with slippers as they have you wearing those slipper socks anyway. Again best of luck!! Linda

Hi Eternity! Well having just been in St Raph's not 2 weeks ago I can tell you what I brought with me and hopefully that will help. I brought - my own pillow from my bed - I just have a thing about pillows. A chapstick, a big loose robe, a couple of magazines, my own toothbrush and toothpaste and my own shower/shampoo combo gel (something that smelled nice for that first wonderful shower!) and a hairbrush. Other than that, I don't think you need anything else. As for the room temp - I was super hot only 1 night - luckily I did not have a roommate for most of my stay so I was able to keep the room temp low after that... Don't forget - No Jewelry - No Money...you need suprisingly little in there! Email me if you have any questions... Best of luck!!! Hugs, Carla

Thank you guys for all the great ideas on what to bring to the hospital. You gave me some really good ideas. I never would have though of chap stick. lol So i'm just one day away. I'm SOOOOO excited! I will keep you guys posted. Thanks for being such a GREAT support system. : ) Eternity

I wish I had asked these questions when I went in -- I would have been more prepared! The Chap-Stick idea is great. The lips do get parched!!!! Have a great night! Kathy F.