Odd Items to Bring to the Hospital

I had my partial hysterectomy on December 1. I wish I knew enough to bring some of these items with me to the hospital prior to my stay. Luckily, there was a drug store across the street from the hospital that my husband was able to get some supplies for me to help make me more comfortable.

Because hospitals tend to be so dry (especially this time of year) and because most likely you will be sharing a room, think about bringing the following:

1. Foam Ear Plugs (snoring is simply not condusive to sleep)

2. Breathe Right Strips (non-medicated way for opening your nasal passages)

3. Chap Stick

4. Saline Nasal Flush (again non-medicated way for moistening your nasal passages to prevent nose bleeds)

5. Vasilline/Q-Tips (nose bleed prevention)


In addition, keep in mind these two additional thoughts:

1. Pain Scale. For whatever reason, I had trouble rating my pain on a scale of 1-10. I would rate the pain lower than it actually was, thus having trouble keeping on top of it. My hospital has a chart that goes along with the number chart that consists of smiley faces. Once I looked at that, I was able to much better evaluate my own personal level of pain. What I was judging as a 3 was actually a 7. If your hospital has a chart like this, don't be afraid to ask to see it if you're having trouble controlling your pain. If I had asked for it after surgery, I would have been able to go home the next day. Unfortunately, I had to stay in the hospital an extra day due to pain management issues.

2. Mouth Sponge. This is your friend after surgery. You'll be groggy (possibly nauseous) and your mouth will be as dry as cotton. Ask for it as soon as possible. At least you'll be able to lie there and not move and still have a little water to make your dry mouth moistened.


I hope you found this helpful, and I wish you the absolute best with your upcoming surgery and subsequent recovery.