Post surgery hospital question

Hey everyone,

So my surgery is Monday (eep!) and I have been reading the what to pack threads.

But do they let you shower in the hospital?  Specifically TWG. I feel so much better, no matter how sick or injured, if I am clean.  If not I won't bother to bring potential cleany things.

So far I think I am packing:

Good Lip Balm

Kobo/tablet/phone

House coat

flip flops

Missing anything?

hi, congrats on your upcoming surgery!

In Ottawa, I was only in hospital just over 24 hours. You really won't need much. Tablet or device and a charger. I left in the clothes I arrived in. 

a house coat will be more of a hassle than anything , considering your IV. I brought a big scarf to drape over my shoulders in case I got chilly, but I didn't even use it.

the only thing I'd add is maybe ear plugs in case you get a snoring neighbor!

most of your time will be spent either sleeping or walking!

good luc****ep us posted!

I don't believe they will let you shower as they want your incisions to stay dry for a few days.  I checked in on Monday and left Wedensday morning.  In the morning I asked and they brought me a face cloth and a towel so I could spot bath.  Shower was not offered as an option.

I am almost five years out. When I had my surgery at TWH they let us shower. Felt great. Wish I had brought a towel.

ear plugs and an eye mask to cover your eyes in case you have a room mate the nurse comes in during the night to check vitals and you can stay asleep.  Pads incase you start a period. 

I wasn't allowed for a few days......sponge baths only.  They wanted the steri strips to basically fall off first ( I helped them along a little)

When I was at TWH a month ago there wasn't showering as an option. But bring baby wipes + they bring you things to sponge bath with. I also brought dry shampoo. :) 

Just had surgery Nov 2 at St Joes in Toronto. Barely in hospital for 24 hours. I brought very little and even that was too much. Suggest cell phone, charger and slippers.  The rest is provided. No shower as they wanted me to wait 48 hours after surgery for bathing. Good luck!

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery . I brought my own pillow to the hospital , also used the pillow for the car ride home . I rested it on my tummy then put the seat belt on . Good luck . 

Hi Kerry,

I am so happy for you that your date has finally come up.

I always overpack and then don't use it. But for that surgery I did take my favourite most comfy pillow and like the previous poster said I used it to hold over my tummy for the ride home. It really helped. I also take my own box of Kleenex (they don't want to supply) and I wish that I had taken some throat lozenges. My throat was sore from the tube and I had to wait ages for them to go get me some from the hospital pharmacy. Also make sure you have any medications you use. Don't count on them having anything. Other than that I went home in the same clothes I went in with other than some extra loose undies. You will feel a bit swollen for awhile and don't want anything rubbing the spots where they cut. Loose soft stretchy pants too.

Good luck! I am sure everything will go perfect for you. Hope to see you at coffeechat when you are feeling up to it. Keep us posted.