What should I take to the hospital?

Hello Iowa Board, I am having surgery at the U of I on Oct. 5th. I am interested in knowing what is smart to bring to the hospital with me. I am sure they will give me some ideas tomorrow at my last pre-op appointment, but given that most people on the boards have experienced this first hand, I wanted someone to give me some hints to how their experience was better. Thanks so much, Tamara

I would take as little as possible. I wore comfy clothes to the hospital and wore the same ones home, you only have them on for a short time anyhow before they stick you in a gown. I took a hairbrush and a book, b/c they provide soap and shampoo if you take a shower at the hospital. But I never even looked at the book. And of course had to have the good old insurance cards, but other then that you dont really "need" anything for the hospital stay. You'll be to busy walking, sitting and trying to drink. Good luck!

CHAP STICK! You will want it so badly that you'd be willing to walk to the gift shop to get it if possible. Many like to bring their own pillow and I have heard of bringing a fan. This time of year it may get stuffy in your room and for some reason many are warm. you might want to ask to see if they have them for you to use. I also tried to read but find that an afteraffect of surgery is inability to concentrate well enough to read. I wore the gowns but brought my own robe. Wearing an extra gown backwards to cover your tushy is ok but not very attractive. Good luck Dixie

I had my surgery at U of I in December.....tho I didn't have Samuel...I had his old partner Maher. It does get warm....but just let the front desk know you want a fan and they will have one waiting for ya......tomorrow I am sure you will get a tour of 7JC East...Debi likes all the patients to get a tour on their last pre-op appt! I brought Chapstick and that was a lifesaver.....They will give you a toothbrush and toothpaste so you don't have to worry about that. I brought my own shamppo, soap , and conditioner.....theres isn't very good, and who can keep ahold of those itty bitty bars when trying to wash and hold on to the IV's and JP drains! If you spouse or loved one is there to help you, you might want to take your first shower in the big bathroom in the hall......it helped me! The little ones in the room are hard to manevuer the first couple days....and they make you shower everyday! They also make you wqalk every 4 hours....take advantage of it, it does really help ya!!! If your feeling adventureous take the elevator up to the 8th floor and there is a library where you can check out books, cassettes, VCR and movies.....and they will bring it all to your room and hook it up for ya.....nice perk really!! You might be dripping and making messes on the gowns, I wouldn't wear my own robe.....I just used theres....they have nice plus sized ones! Also bring slippers as you will be doing lots of walking! I did lots of reading, I brought a whole bunch of magazines...the girl next door to me even borrowed some of mine.......Best of luck!! Jesi

First congratulations...... I took my own pillow. I wore two hospital gowns (one forward one back) the entire time I was in the hosp. I did take some slippers because I was made to walk the next morning and didn't stop until I walked out the door. Take some powder too because I didn't put on a bra and liked that freshness. I had them put a bath blanket under my sheets so that I wouldn't stick to the plastic mattress. I also took head phones and music so I didn't hear a lot of stuff when I was trying to nap. Good luck... Take comfy clothes to wear home. Hugs Melinda

Hi Tamara, Wow - your surgery date is really right around the corner. How are you holding up? I began to get the jitters about 2 weeks before surgery when my mom started making plans to have someone else take care of her daycare children so she could be there with me. It really hit me then! Anyway, I took my own old clothes and even put on my own big, big, big comfy t-shirt to wear as jamas instead of a gown, (that was the day after surgery.) My surgeon had me wear a binder around my stomach (open surgery, not lap) so I did not really get my t-shirt "icky". I also took my own robe for when I walked or had company. I did take my own shower essentials, too. I highly reccomend chapstick or blistex or some type of lip moisturizer because you will be soooooooo dry. I even used some of those listerine "tapes" that you put in your mouth and they dissolve. It helped for the horrible breath. I took a book, but didn't read. I did take a journal and begin to journal my thoughts and feelings. Lastly and most importantly, take your positive attitude! I think it means a world of difference for recovery! Welcome to a wonderful journey. Remember that we are here for you. God bless, Andrea

First of all, thanks to everyone who has responded to this question, it is awesome to get the opportunity to ask people who have already been through this. Unfortunately, my surgery has been postponed until October 25th due to an issue with my surgeon's availability. I know that everything happens for a reason and I have faith that this is why it occurred. During my additional three weeks of time, I have chosen to take a family vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC. Gives me time to get a vacation in this year since I had put it off due to my doctor visits and upcoming surgery. Tamara