Were do i find ideas of what i should bring to the hospital!

My stay at the castle is next week and i have really no idea what i should a should not pack. Can anyone help?

Hi, Feather,

Here's a link to a suggested list of items to take:

https://www.hystersisters.com/list.php

Carol's suitcase weighed a lot more than mine did. I took sanitary pads and large undies, toothpaste and toothbrush, lip moisturizer, lotion, deodorant, comb, bathrobe and slippers, a book (didn't read it) and loose, comfortable clothes to wear home. I wore the hospital's gowns, which were ugly, but I didn't want to get my own things messy. That's all I needed. I also took magazines, and didn't read them, either.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Helen

Here is the link to the pull down menu for what to pack from the Home page:
https://www.hystersisters.com/list.php

The list is pretty extensive. You might want to keep reading some earlier posts and on what women found helpful or not.

I mainly used my socks, slippers, chapstick, a small supply of toiletries (sample size is good), my Hystersister cover-up and tummy pillow . Also, a Calling Card. I did not have one with me and couldn't call anyone.

I have yet to hear of anyone that actually read the book they packed, but they may be out there.

Good luck to you.

There's a drop down list under the Post Op Heading on the Main page that has a list of what to take. However, I feel that that list is a little too long.

Here's what I'm taking, you can add or delete whatever you might want.

The outfit I'm wearing home is the one I'm wearing in. (I'll only be in it for a short period of time.) It will be something loose and comfortable, with a pair of slip on sandles or shoes.

Gown and robe

2 pairs of big cotton panties

Slippers (the one's with the open back so I can slide my feet in, not the one's that you have to pull on.)

Tummy pillow

My own bed pillow (maybe, depends on if I have enough room to take it.)

Warm fuzzy socks

An eye mask and backscratcher (If I can buy them, I haven't been able to find them yet.)

Cosmetics

Chapstick and gum/mints for that after anesthetic dry mouth and lips.

Deoderant, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, Noxema facial cleansing cloths, and moisturizer. (I'm not taking shampoo or conditioner because I probably won't feel like washing my hair until I get home. Also, my hospital provides any toiletries I might forget.)

Sanitary napkins for the spotting.

My migrane medicine. (I was admitted to the hospital a few weeks ago for complications from anemia and for a cardiac workup. I ended up with a horrendous migrane and couldn't take anything for it until after they did the chemical stress test, which ended up taking four hours! What a nightmare!!)

A book or magazine, though from what I hear, I probably won't feel up to reading it.

My cellphone and charger.

A small fan, if the hospital will let me get away with it. (I'm very hot natured.)

Insurance card and driver's license (but not my purse.)


I think this is all. And looking at this list, it sure does look like a lot!!


Lisa

The list on the drop down page is a good starting point, but you will need a u-haul if you take it all.
I used:
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo, cream rinse, moisturizer
A brush
Slippers
Lip balm (moisturizing formula)try to make sure it has no petroleum in it as it will react with oxygen should you need it.
Don’t bother with books, etc. You won’t feel like reading and it’s just something you’ll have to carry home.
Some ladies take their own nighties, but for such a short period of time I didn't bother. I figured I'd let the hospital do the laundry! I went in on Tuesday and came home Thursday.

Sashi, I have seen the backscratchers at longs drugs, rite aid, and i'm pretty sure medical supply stores carry them. thanks for the list, hope i helped you as much as you helped me. I will let you know how the stay at the castle was and exactly what i did and didn't use. thanks again everyone.

I've copied and pasted from one of my earlier posts. Hope it helps!

THINGS I DID USE:
- TUMMY PILLOW!!
- backscratcher
- lip balm
- slippers
- my own night shirt/sleepwear
- oversize cotton 'unders' (comfy panties)
- pads (also used to protect my panties from the incision site drainage)
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- shampoo and conditioner (try to get trial sizes)
- comb/brush
- facial cleanser (I don't use soap on my face)
- Q-tips (to swab my ears after the shower)
- deoderant/antiperspirant (for after shower)
- lightweight cotton robe
- lotion
- ponytail holder (something to keep your hair from bugging you)
- some gals have also suggested bringing a PHONE CALLING CARD – great idea!

things I did not use:
- mirror (I did not care what I looked like!)
- socks (because I brought slippers)
- book to read (never felt like reading -- I was asleep every 20 minutes or so anyway)
- game to play (didn't feel like playing - TV kept me occupied between snoozes)
- change of clothes (I wore the same clothes leaving the castle as I wore when I checked in -- I just did not worry about the fashion police at that point)

...and I can't think of anything I should have brought but didn't...

NO VALUABLES!!!

…And Some Advice from Carol (from the Ladies In Waiting Pull-Down Menu)

	Quote:
* Take notes * LISTEN when doctor speaks ... take notes or tape record ... say thank you * Ask for copies of your file * Be 'nice' so the nurses fall all over you * Be proactive with your care * Let staff know your needs (complain loudly if necessary) * Make friends with kitchen staff (to satisfy cravings) * Write thank you notes to medical staff

Best wishes for you as you approach the castle!

I keep seeing mention of a tummy pillow. Where do I get one or does the hospital have them?

The date of my surgery was changed because the bleeding never ends. The new date is 4/22. Everyone says how much more strength and energy I am going to have after recovery. I can't wait.

Linda

I've been thinking about taking one of those personal CD players w/headphones. Think it could help calm me before surgery.

What do you think?

	Quote:
Originally posted by tignet I keep seeing mention of a tummy pillow. Where do I get one or does the hospital have them? Linda

I don't know that a hospital would have them, but there is a great one in the Hystersisters Store, or you can find them in discount stores and some drug stores (travel pillow).

You can even use a throw pillow you might already have at home, and some gals have even used a stuffed animal.