What to take to the hospital

Ok everyone-- my surgery is 10 days out.  Completed the pre-op EKG, bloodwork and chest x-ray today.  Since I am a complete type A planner, any suggestions on what to have for the hospital-- I understand I will be sleeping a lot and I know someone indicated that books were a waste, but does anyone have suggestions on things they were glad they took or wished they had?

Pillow to brace you belly on the ride home. You know the damn roads around here and you live in an area with alot of back roads!

Chapstick

Comfy jammies to go home in.

Cell phone and charger

Books are out, but I was glad to have some completely brainless magazines to read, like US Weekly and People.

I was also very glad to have my own nice moisturizer (hospital air is so dry!), and a pair of Crocs to wear when I was up walking. They were easy to slip on and off.  And I definitely second the vote for chapstick or some kind of lip balm!

Someone had suggested earplugs.  (there can be a lot of noise is the hospital).  I bought them, but personall think that I can sleep on the head of a tack.  Good luck with your surgery, hope it is uneventful, and a quick heal. 
 

Hey Dawn,

I would pack light.  Wearing their gowns is a good idea since your drain will probably leak.

Pillow
Lip gloss or Vaseline
Sugar free mints
Moisturizer
Light fragrance to make you feel fre****ook my Japanese Cherry Blossom from Bath and Body Works - love it!
Crocs for showering and walking - love my Crocs - lol

Good luck with your surgery, the time will be here before you know it.

Debbie

Comfy and supportive walking shoes that you can slip on without tying!  (Sketchers makes a nice sneaker that slips on kinda like a clog - that worked well for me.)

Everyone's mileage varies, but I'd take a book or a magazine... just nothing that requires a lot of concentration as you'll be "in and out" on that due to the medications.  So maybe a book of short stories?  

A comfy robe that isn't tight around the waist.

Your favorite pillow (both for your bed in the hospital and for the ride home to brace against your belly).

Your ipod, phone and CHARGERS for both.

Congrats and the time will fly between now and them.  Good luck!

Karen

Hi Dawn!!

My Surg was 11/11 this is what I took.

Change of clothes
Chap stick
hair tie
my "own"socks
"girl" products, my period came day after surgery.

Hope this helps, go in with a positive attitude you will do great!!

Much Love!!  I live in New Freedom, not far from you if you need anything!!

Anita

The rooms at LGH are very nice and comfy.  Pretty quiet and have tv and wifi for internet use. 
LGH does give  you a nice pack that has lotion and such but you may want your own just in case you don't like theirs

comfy clothes for morning of and trip home
my "own" socks
puzzles and/or reading items
ipod or music media items for your walks.  Nice to jam around the floor with your own toons. 
Mints (sf)
chapstick


(thats all I can think of right now)

Someone mentioned you would be sleeping alot...I wish that was true for me.  The pain in my back and shoulder blades were torture and the nurses are noisy and bother you too much lol.  I packed so much and only needed slippers and deodorant, the rest was supplied by the hospital (lotion, toothpaste, brush).  Good luck on your surgery and hope all goes well.

One thing I wished I had on my travels home was a pillow to hold against my stomach, the streets around Lancaster are horrible. Other than that, everyone else already recommended the basics. I definitely overpacked. All the nurses on 7 Lime were great. I had a terrible time with dry mouth and they gave me a moisturizer to put on my lips, but that wore off quickly. My night nurse let me swish some water around my mouth and then had me spit it out the first night....that helped alot. Good luck and if you have any other questions, let me know.