Question:
WHAT TO PACK?

WHILE READING THROUGH THE PROFILES I CAME ACROSS SOMEONES WHO HAD A WONDERFUL LIST OF WHAT TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL. IF ANYONE HAS THIS LISTED OR HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE PASS THEM ALONG. THANKS ALL! :)    — TRACEY C. (posted on May 19, 2003)

May 19, 2003
I packed alot of stuff I didn't need. This is what I used in the hospital....Toothbrush/toothpaste. Hairbrush. Lip balm. (your lips will be very dry and may get chapped) Underwear.
   — Kim L.

May 19, 2003
This is what I took last week. My own cotten nightgowns that opened in the front. Short sleeved for iv's. I got them at walmart. I did not take a robe....it would have been a hassle. With my own gown's my butt did not hang out when I walked. I also did not deal with underwear as at first you have a catheter and then when you can go who wants to deal with getting them up and down, with an incision. Toothpaste/brush, hairbrush, deaodorant and a notebook with phonenumbers in it. I also put in it my calling card number so I did not have to worrry about loosing the real thing. Good luck! If you take nothing, you will be fine!
   — Sharon B.

May 19, 2003
Hi! I wore sweats, panties, sweatshirt and slip-on shoes to the hospital. Only brought along panties and a robe. The robe was VERY helpful for walking the halls. Lip balm is something I wish I had with me and of course, you'll want a toothbrush and hairbrush. Don't worry about bringing too much stuff 'cause you'll never use/need it. Pack light, take care and best of luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 19, 2003
Everyone's suggestions are great. Remember that you need loose clothing for the ride home whether you have "open" or "lap". Call the hospital and make sure they have gowns in your size ready. In my hospital they had a limited number of XXL gowns and had to "reserve" a few for my overnight stay. Warm socks are also good. Good luck!
   — M B.

May 19, 2003
I had to share a room, and I would have died if I hadn't had my orange moldable ear plugs! My roommate was AWFUL, as well as noisy.
   — Kathy J.

May 19, 2003
Hi, Tracey---you don't need to pack as much as you think! I brought slippers, comb, toothbrush/toothpaste, lip balm, sanitary napkins (I wasn't due for my period, but....you know it always shows up at the most inconvenient times....), antibiotic towelettes for quickie washups (I think Wash'n'dry makes 'em), a few dollars for TV rental (otherwise leave ALL other $$$ and valuables home!), and of course deodorant. I also brought a few mags to read, but didn't get to them; the TV kept me entertained between dozing, hallway walks, and visitors. Lastly, bring a LOOSE-fitting outfit for the trip home. Hope this helps!---Joyce C, 3.5 months post-open RNY, -60 lbs and counting...
   — Joyce C.

May 19, 2003
<font color="007000" face="tahoma">The best thing (for me anyways) was something my wonderful Angel brought me.... A Back Scratcher!!!! The morphine made me so itchy as well as my compresion stockings, and I was not able to bend over to itch my legs. The back scratcher was also great when I wanted to pull up the blankets and not move to much. <P>My other Must Have was chapstick! Good Luck!</font>
   — Wendy D P.

May 19, 2003
lip balm, slip-on slipper and sense of humor!
   — msmaryk

May 19, 2003
I am reading over and over about not forgetting tongs to use the sanitary "wipes" with, since you might not be able to bend. Someone also mentioned to make sure the tongs are plastic. Good Luck :o)
   — Mea A.

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