Don't laugh - but any advice on what to take to hospital?

hi........sensible question....and one I would like answer to as well......

I've no real idea myself but on another website saw mints and wet ones mentioned

A good book (or 3 depending on how fast you read) is vital (hospital TV can be expensive). Bring your mobile and the charger so you can stay in easy contact with family and friends. Maybe an iPod (other non branded music player) and some headphones so you can listen to music / audiobooks.

I would take a packet of chocolate digestives (or soemthing equally yummy) so that when you've given up battling with the hospitals cullinary delights you can have an enjoyable snack.

Bring EAR PLUGS and one of those blindfold things they love on planes if you want to get any sleep.

I'd take a bath robe / dressign gown / whatever you want to call it.

Take all your normal medications with you, or at least a copy of your repeat perscription, and be honest if you're not actually taking them.

Take a big smile and be nice to the nurses, if you're nice to them they'll bend over backwards for you.

Good luck!

According to NHS choices a general guide is

two nightdresses or pairs of pyjamas (depending on the length of your stay)

day clothes (you may not need to wear your night clothes for your entire stay in hospital. Hospital wards are often kept warm, so bear this in mind when choosing clothes.)

clean underwear

a dressing gown and slippers

a small hand towel

toiletries, including soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner

a comb or hairbrush

things to occupy you, such as books, magazines or puzzle books

a small amount of money to buy things such as newspapers, phone calls and anything you may want from the hospital shop or ward trolley

any medicines you normally take, including nicotine replacement treatment, eye drops, inhalers and creams

a notebook and pen to write down any questions you have when the doctor is not available

if you wish, you can bring healthy snacks to eat between meals

your address book and important phone numbers, including your GP’s name, address and telephone number

proof that you do not have to pay prescription charges, if applicable (inpatients don't normally have to pay for the medication they are sent home with)

Limit clutter and gifts. Keeping your bed area free from clutter makes cleaning easier. Where possible, it is advisable to mark all items of personal property with your name.

You will have your own small locker for your personal belongings. Do not leave any valuables or money by your bed unattended.

Some hospitals have a safe in which you can leave valuable items if you are concerned about security. If you give anything to the hospital for safekeeping, make sure you get a receipt.

meant to mention, at my pre-op the nurse said to have a nice big pillow in the car for the trip home, and to place it in between my tummy and the seat belt for comfort. Would have never thought of that! 

Your pre-op nurse or a Dr may have mentioned sanitary pads/towels as well as this op can cause a small period type bleed. NOT tampons though.

Hi

I took peppermint tea bags although they did have

As it helps with the

Wind pains. Big knickers And

A size bigger than you normally have as

You will be

Bit distended. I took femfresh

Wipes so I could

Freshen up in the loo as felt needed to with the

Catheter.  Good luck and hope goes well. I was in from Monday to Sunday as had lot blood in catheter so kept it in for four days and then had

Temp so good job had taken extra night

Wear lol. Ear plugs would have been good as really noisy at night with

People being looked after and having obs done just back from theatre . Hope all goes well 

I had a full abdominal hysterectomy 7 weeks ago and I had a catheter. They put it in whilst you are asleep during op so you wake up with it in but it's painless and great cos you don't have to use a horrible bed pan like I did 23 years ago when I had my ovary out due to a large cyst.  Catheter is much better and the nurses just empty the bag every so often.  It's usually only for the first 24 hrs anyway.   Drink lots of water too because I think that helps recovery.   Don't use lip salve whilst you have oxygen tubes attached like I nearly did till a nurse stopped me     I took quite a few nighties and a couple of pyjamas, loads of knickers, sanitary towels although I didn't really bleed after.  Also took soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodrant, hairbrush, towels for shower, baby wipes.  Take some hard boiled sweets to suck as your throat will be a little sore after the operation.  I also took my kindle fire as it had music on it.  Took socks too but didn't need them cos you have to wear the horrible green socks to prevent blood clots.

I quite enjoyed my stay in hospital, everyone was lovely    The operation wasn't half as bad as I thought it was going to be.   

Good luck and let us know how you go on xxx