Packing list for the hospital

I will be in the hospital for 2 nights from my LBL and BL.  What do I need to bring?  Will I feel up to reading or anything like that?  Do you shower at the hospital?

 I was told to wait three days to shower so its just sponge baths at first. I needed bedroom shoes or gripper socks because they make you walk. I didn't feel much like reading but I did watch tv. I was given everything I needed there except much sleep. They were constantly coming in and checking something. I took large safety pins to pin my drains for the trip home. And lots of pillows for the ride.

The hospital provided everything I really needed.  I would take your toiletries, but that is about it.  Oh, and take a backscratcher.  You know one of the wooden things with the monkey paw on the end.  You can usually get them at the dollar store.  Pain medication and laying in bed tends to make me itchy and that thing was a real god send.

Red

For general guidelines, check the hospital's website for patient information.

There really wasn't much that I needed.  What I wore to the hospital I made sure I could wear home the next day.  Take slippers, mule style.  You are not going to want anyone trying to get shoes on you.  You want something to step in and go (and this is more for when you leave to go home otherwise you'll have the non-skid socks the hospital gives you).

I had books but didn't feel like reading.  I watched TV though.  I had my cell phone but really wasn't suppose to, the nurses never said anything though.  It's not like I was using it constantly.  More for people who didn't know how to get ahold of me otherwise.

Come up with a calling tree for whoever is going to be with you the day of your surgery.  My family is huge and a lot of my coworkers knew about my surgery - so to keep it easy on my DH, he had one family contact (my #2 sister) and one work contact.  They in turn notified everyone else.  With work, I emailed her ahead of time and told her who specifically wanted to know how I did.

Lip balm.  You will need lip balm.

Notebook/pen - keep notes when your ps comes in to talk to you or keep track of questions you want to ask.

Comb/brush.  When you go in for surgery, don't use any hair styling products since you may not be able to wash your hair for a couple days.

If you're told not to shower until the drains come out and bending at the sink is too difficult to wash your hair "No Rinse" shampoo works amazingly well.  

I was only in for 1 day with my LBL and BL. I really didn't use anything I brought. I wore the same clothes home that I wore to the hospital and some slip on sandals. I did take some protein bullets to drink while at the hospital. I had a blanket and a pillow in the car for the ride home. The hospital provides everything else.

Hey Missy,

You know I have no advice to offer, but I want to wish you the best of luck!  I bet you are going to absolutely luv your new body!!