What to pack for the hospital?

Hi guys!

Assuming nothing goes wrong tomorrow like it did the last time I was a day away from surgery, I now need to know what to pack in my hospital bag. So far, I have:

Bathrobe
Going home clothes
Underwear
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Toiletries for showering
Deodorant
Chapstick

Anything else I'm forgetting or something that you took that you couldn't have done without or didn't take and wish you had?

Hopefully only T-minus 35 hours before I'll be on my way to the loser's bench! :)

You can wear the same clothes home that you wear there if you want.

You might want to take your phone.  Don't take very much stuff, though.  You won't need much.  You'll be sleeping and walking and sleeping.

It was suggested to me to bring a photo of something/someone that makes you relaxed and happy. I brought a picture of my 13 yr old dog. We have been through everything together and she brings me a huge amount of comfort - so having the picture - a casual snapshot that I just taped to my bed railing really brought me comfort. I am suprised how much it did comfort me.

 I wore the same clothes home that I wore to the hospital..less to pack!
Maybe a book if you like to read..
Things I had brought to me in hospital that I didn't think of beforehand:

My favorite Crystal light flavors and my Chai Tea  (my bev choices were diluted apple juice, diluted        cranberry juice, Lipton tea, iced tea. NSA hot cocoa, 2% milk, and water) Of course I had the tea and CL approved!

My own low sodium beef and chicken bouillon (also ok'd) I didn't like the hospital's veg or chicken broth, and the veggie broth wasn't tolerated well :( 

My own baby wipes and toilet paper because I have sensitive skin and had issues once the loose stools started....(hospital TP is like using wax paper!!) btw... I was told that the loose stools are a normal part of the process..just a 'head's up'.

Elastics to put my hair up in a ponytail.

My hospital only had Sweet and Low and Equal, so i had my own Splenda...really helped when i had to choke down some of my meds that were pill form and needed to be crushed. The Splenda made them less bitter and tolerable.

Some women start their period after surgery (I didn't) but I brought my own pads, just in case,  because I do not like the hospital pads



Don't forget your phone charger!! 

I'm still waiting for surgery, but had a couple of thoughts.  If I'm allowed to bring my own pillow from home, I will.  I hate the plastic things they call pillows in hospitals.  Also, I know that I was instructed to bring my own CPAP machine (not sure if sleep apnea is an issue for you).

I will be referring to your list in a few months :)

Good luck!

Andrea.

I got home from the hospital sat. I used my phone, chapstick, robe, and toiletries. The rest of the time I could've cared less what I had with me.

My own pillow! that was a god's send. Also phone and phone charger

Defintiely pack light.  I also highly reccomend bringing your own pillow.  It's more comfortable and you'll have it to brace your stomach on the ride home, which you will want to do.  One thing that I used daily was my ipod.  I plugged into that every night and listened to music while I slept.  Well I suppose I slept much more than just at night.  The morphine helped with that! lol

Echoeing what everyone else said. I ended up staying in the hosptial for 6 days so I was glad I had my i-phone,(and charger) I was able to check my emails and keep in touch with folks. I also brought
a dress with no waist band to go home in. I had an hour and 1/2 ride home and glad that I did
because my waistband on my pants would've been right on my sutures.
Good luck to you

Chapstick (which I see you already have on your list) was a lifesaver!! Your mouth and lips will be soooo dry and you'll be glad you have it. I also packed earphones for the TV to drown out the loud nurses all night in the hallway!