Question:
What should I pack for the hospital? My surgery is June 2.

My doctor or hospital never told me what I should bring.    — Lindsay B. (posted on May 26, 2003)

May 26, 2003
My must haves that I used alot were my hand lotion and lip balm. After your surgery, your lips will be very dry. I packed my own shampoo/conditioner in one so I wouldn't stand up as long as I had to. My hospital supplied me with the rest. Shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, even mouthwash. I wasn't for sure what to take either, but I packed everything just in case. I did pack my hand held electronics games, but didn't really use them. I was drugged up the majority of the time, walked alot and was socializing with the staff and patients. Good Luck with everything.
   — Mimi S.

May 26, 2003
The hospital will supply you with most anything you need, but if you want to be comfortable you might want to take some of your own things. I took (and am glad I did): lip balm, lotion, soft tissues (Puffs), my own pillow (hospital issue are lousy), my own gowns (don't like hospital designer ones), robe, slippers, shampoo (my surgeon makes his patients shower every day starting the morning after surgery), and other toiletires like deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. and my hairdryer.
   — Patty_Butler

May 26, 2003
You might also want to bring a fan of some sorts. You might find it a bit warm in there and it helps drown out all the noise from the hospital, in addition to the items mentioned previously. Also a pillow to hold across your stomach for the ride home.
   — dkinson

May 26, 2003
BEST OF LUCK JUNE SECOND...JUST BRING A TOOTH BRUSH, TOOTH PASTE, BRUSH, THAT KIND OF STUFF. YOU WILL WEARING A HOSPITAL GOWN SO THERE IS NO NEED FOR P.J'S....GOOD LUCK ROBIN
   — Robin

May 26, 2003
Hi... I had my surgery two weeks ago, and here's what I found helpful. My own soap and shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. I brought one loose fitting outfit to wear home and some panties. I found the drain tube was comfortably tucked away in my panties and I didn't have to worry about it dangling all over the place. I brought a long plastic spoon for "wiping" but found I didn't need it for that reason, so I used it as a back scratcher which came in VERY handy as I had an allergic reaction to the morphine which caused severe itching. I brought my own small fan too, because I didn't want to be hot and in pain too. Bring some pads incase you have the infamous post op period in the hospital. The hospital will provide what you need, but some of your own things might make you more comfortable. Pack as light as possible.
   — Happy I.

May 26, 2003
lip balm, slippers (the slip into kind), and a positive attitude...nothing else is needed
   — msmaryk

May 30, 2003
They wanted me to walk every cpl hrs, and if you walked 16 laps around nurses station it was a mile, so my husband and I walked a mile around nurses station everytime we walked. I could have used a pair of shorts at the hospital to keep my legs from rubbing together while walking. I had knit pants there so I put them on to help with this problem, other patients thought I was going home (lol). surgery 5/13/03
   — Jackie B.