What to bring to the hospital? NWH

I have a question for anyone whose had surgery already, esp. if you've had it at NWH.  Is there something that you wish you had brought with you when you went in for surgery?  Like an extra pair of socks or Blistex?   Also I'd be really interested in hearing about anyone's actual hospital time in NWH.  My surgery date is approaching, and as it does I'm getting a little nervous about the hospital... I've heard nothing but great things about NWH, just looking for some input if possible.  Thanks!!!

I didn't really bring much w/me to NWH.  Just some chapstick, my cell phone, magazine.  I didn't even bring a change of clothes because as soon as you get there, they have you put a johnny on.  I had to bring my cpap machine (they required me to bring it). After I woke up in recovery, I was really groggy so I pretty much just slept.  The following day after I woke up and had my "breakfast", I really wanted a shower but that wasn't happening because I still had the hep lock.  So I pretty much just walked the halls dragging the iv pole with me.  Each hour I would do a few laps.  By mid day, my lap was getting easier and faster. The staff was all nice (except one nurse was a little *****y).  They were all very accomodating and I had a private room.  Not by choice, it just happened to work out that way and I was happy with that. This is all I can remember at the moment.  Hope this helps. Kendra

I packed so much and didn't open my bag until I was gettig ready to go home .. the only things I used were my hair brush, tooth brush and paste, clap stick and deoderant. My surgery was on a Tuesday at 12 noon .. got started a little late .. they had trouble getting an IV going on me... I was ok to go home Thursday night but my husband had plans with the kids to go to the Bruins game so I went home Friday morning. my stay was great everyone was so nice ...  I wish you well .. you are in great hands.

I am coming up on one year for my surgery... so good luck, I hope all goes well!! As for NWH? it was great, the nurses were fantasic to the point I felt bad having to call them everytime I had to get out of bed ( I needed help for a couple of days).. I suggest bringing blistex, bathrobe and a toothbrush - the one they give you falls apart as you brush...

If you are a light sleeper it might be good to bring a sleep mask and ear plugs.  They helped me because I had a very hard time sleeping.  They gave me the earplugs and they might have the masks too.  I think most people might sleep well becase of the pain medication but I was hyped and didn't sleep at all the first night. I was comfortable...pain wasn't an issue..I think I am just an oddball when it comes to how I react to medication.  I was also very glad to have my flip flops because my feet were so hot even with the a/c blasting.  It is also good to bring some maxi pads with you in case...they must have them but the brand might not be what you like.  They also charge for a lot of that incidental type stuff so I think it is better to bring your own tootpaste etc. Everyone that I dealt with on staff was great. You will be in great hands!  Best wishes with your surgery and let us know how you are doing when you get home.

I didnt use the chapstick i brought. I was glad to have my own baby powder to use under the rolls to avoid sweaty rashes.  I was glad to have my cell and a couple of magazines. I also was thrilled when the lady with the book cart came by and gave me some crossword puzzles. I did those while I was just sitting around bored and I was thrilled to have them.  While I didn't care at the time, If I think about it now, I would have liked to have a robe or  something better to cover up with. What a sight us WLS ladies must have been, rolling ourselves up and down the halls with our johnny's on. I did use a johnny backwards for a robe but they never do cover enough. good luck with your surgery!

 Hi  You might want bring something you like. I know I brought my favorite bunny that my daughters gave me when before I went to the hospital. It was in the recovery room when I woke up. I also brought a red fannel blanket it was comfort of my own from home. You might want bring your pajmas you might not wear it until 2nd day. Puzzle book magazine Chapstick music Good luck.. You might not need these because you be to busy walking around. Megan W butch074

I brought my MP3 player with me, it helped when I had an annoying roommate or if I woke in the mddle of the night  & couldn't get back to sleep.  I also brought magazines, books, nail files, lotion, & chapstick. I also went out prior to surgery and treated myself to a pair of Ugg slippers and they are the most comfortable things I've ever owned.  I liked them so much that I went out and bought myself a pair of Ugg boots after the surgery. Good Luck! 

Slippers and a robe are a must so walking will not expose the rear nor have cold feet! I read a book that I was really well into so that I had something else to read, I brought two magazines. One had good articles, and the other had little tid bit information. I recall that I felt sleepy but was unable to sleep well. I have to tell you that I have sleep issues, and once this old gal figured out that shots of lovenox was several times a day, vitals were followed by blood drawing, and once you started to nap the door would open...I pretty much gave up on sleeping...just cat napped. Sheila is an excellent surgeon, and attended me on the weekend. She said that she was in the operating room with my surgeon, Dr Gazmuri. I like the team approach. It serves them well. I had paper to write or journal. I had cards to write notes. I think that takes more effort than looking at a magazine or book that you can lay down. I brought the required toiletries even hoping for a shower. I have to tell you the sponge bath felt so good. I got over standing there naked in front of a stranger very quickly. What do you like to do? I am a news hound, so I would walk the halls, and stop in the lounge room. I was fortunate in that I was given a private room when the patient next to me had lots of issues. I am fortunate because I had no one to disturb when I wanted to get up and walk at 4 am or earlier. If I walked then, I reasoned, I could fall back to sleep. Just have to tell you, just like Grey's Anatomy...the team of student doctors walk around talking to you, and asking you questions...at 7 am. So much for falling back to sleep... I have to tell you the nurses were excellent. I can remember how they cared for me. Even in the wee hours of the morning, when I might have been grumpy for the intrusion, their smiling faces and forthright answers to my questions left me feeling respected, and cared for. Linda