what should I take to the hospital

The items I found to be most helpful...a nice robe to throw over the hospital gown to get up and walk down the hall to get those all important walks in. Also, I brought a journal...didn't write in it much but in the wee hours of the night it was a good place to go and sort out my feelings. I did bring things to read and word puzzles, but never opened these things up. I didn't need any more clothes than what I wore into the hospital, wore the same stuff home except change in underwear. Slip on shoes also made it easier to get up for those all important walks. Believe me, I packed alot more, going off other peoples lists, but most everything stayed in the bag until I got home except as I stated above. Hope this helps you. Love, Monica

A lot depends upon the hospital. Pack as light as possible. You may want a small personal fan. Extra toiletry items. A light weight robe and slippers. Especially slippers because you want to walk as soon as possible. Helps healing and soreness. Also bring a calling card. Most hospitals don't allow cell phones so if you need to make long distance calls, that is one way to do it. You may also post htis question at www.butterflylosers.org.

Don't forget the all important lip balm - Chapstick or what ever you like. Hospitals are notoriously dry, and since you can't have anything by mouth after surgery, your lips will be parched. Robe and slippers, toiletries, sanitary napkins. (Sorry to be gross, but you will likely start your period after surgery due to the hormones being messed up by surgery.) I took a Reader's Digest. I did read a little when I couldn't take anymore daytime TV. (And that didn't take long, at all!) What I did: packed a small bag with all the stuff I would need after surgery, to include loose, comfortable clothes to come home in, and left that in the car. After I went into surgery, I had my DH take the bag with my clothes and stuff I wore to the hospital out to the car. (Gave him something to do, too, instead of just sitting and waiting). That way, the hospital staff didn't have to look after it. Don't take a purse or any jewelry with you. (If you can't get your wedding rings off, they will tape them on your finger before you go into surgery.) All you need is a picture ID and your insurance card. Give those to whoever goes with you to the hospital after you check in. After I got into my room after surgery, I had my DH retrieve my bag from the car and I was set. Good luck!