What To Bring

Okay, before I start, this part is an edit. I just looked at the forum and someone already posted something similar so I kind of feel dumb right now. I guess that'll teach me to post without looking. 

 

I've been searching the boards and have compiled a list of stuff from various posts and some are my own. I am wondering if there is anything else I should bring or if there's something on this list that just really should be left at home. Here goes (in no particular order):

Chapstick/Lip Balm

Slippers/Comfy Shoes

Shorts, T-Shirt, socks, underwear

Phone

iPad

Headphones

Charger with cables

Gas-X Strips

Puzzle Book(s)

Pen/Pencil

Cottonelle Wipes w/aloe

Tooth Brush and paste

Brush & spray bottle to wet hair

Oasis brand Dry Mouth Spray

Pillows for the ride home

CPAP (make sure all pieces are there and it's clean)

Mandatory Meds

***LABEL EVERYTHING***

You probably won't need all that stuff.

Just wear comfy clothes there and wear the same outfit home.

You definitely won't need more than one puzzle book.  Chances are you won't even use one.

The hospital should have wet wipes of some sort, if you need them.

They will most likely have all the meds you need and in fact usually don't want people to bring their own.  Unless you're on something unusual, you probably don't need to take meds.  I'd check with your doc to make sure they will let you use the gas-x before you bother packing it, too.

Unfortunately comfy clothes this "spring" for Virginia include long pants and a jacket and snow boots today!! I get what you mean though. I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I am going to narrow that list down quite a bit.

I never used my iPad, barely used my iPhone. Lol! my husband probably wishes he would've never left the phone with me as i sent some crazy texts! They should also have moistened wipes there for you as well. I did love having my comfy slippers there

If you are prone to cold sores, you will almost certainly get one from the stress of the surgery.  I brought abreva with me just in case....was SOOOOO glad I did.  Got 3 cold sores!  Two on my upper lip and one on my lower lip.

I brought a ton of stuff and let me tell you that I did not use ANY of it except my toothbrush and toothpaste.  I didn't even care.  It was a crazy experience.  :)

As Kelly said, you probably won't use most of that stuff.  You will spend the vast majority of your time alternating between walking and sleeping, and will likely to be too brain groggy from the pain meds to get much, if any, use from puzzle books. You can have whomever picks you up bring pillows with them on the day of release so you don't have to worry about losing them. My hospital also encourages us to have someone else bring us our phones, iPads, etc. the next day rather than having them in our bag because they cannot guarantee the security of the bag during surgery and the trip up to the room.

Because of the IV and the chance of getting blood or other staining fluids on your clothing, it is easier just to wear the hospital gowns (and use an extra one backwards for a robe when walking the halls). I just wore the same clothes home that I wore to the hospital (but took a pair of fresh underwear).

My surgeon allowed ice chips as soon as I woke up in my room, so I did not need any lip balm or mouth spray, and they insisted that we wear their little mom-skid socks instead of our own slippers unless the slippers had a completely non-skid sole. 

Most hospitals will not allow you to bring meds of your own.  The meds you need regularly will be documented in your chart and they will provide the pills to you. My guess is that they also don't want you bringing Gas-X.

Lora

 

Keep it simple. I wore 2 hospital gowns (1 front, 1 back) because I felt sore and swollen and didn't want anything restricting me, even if you think they're lose fitting, and like Kelly said, just wear home what you wore to the hospital, since you won't be in either outfit for very long. I say no to the books and puzzles since you'll be outta there before you can say sudoku. Leave the pillows in the car for the ride home only. I just used the hygiene stuff the hospital gave me, heck, I paid for it I was gonna use it! Phone and charger are ok, but I'd leave the iPad at home. I walked, slept, sipped, and watched tv, and that'll keep you busy enough! Good luck!!! 

I also agree, don't bring too much. They have all the toiletries. But one thing  was happy to bring was my bathrobe! It was a small piece of home. It kept me warm and cozy.  Also was nice  not to have to wear those short sleeve  hospital gowns! I was able to wear my slippers too.

I brought my own medications and it was a good thing I did as there was some sort of mix up and had I not brought my own, I would have missed a dose or two.  Better to be safe than sorry.  

I think you are one of the most organized people I know!  Wow, good job on the list,  and I hope others who are getting ready for surgery take a look at it.

I didn't use anything but my phone to play games and call people and mostly I was brain groggy from the meds and the only things I did was walk, and sleep.