Things to pack for the Hospital

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Compiled from Nancy’s Nook members

Always confer with your provider!

For Hospital Stay/ Hotel Room (if needed):

  • body pillow
  • abdominal binder – depending on your physician’s recommendations
  • comfy bra: i.e – soft yoga bra, larger sports bra
  • soft nightgowns to sleep in / lounge in
  • baggy sweatpants, t-shirts, t-shirt dress, maxi dress
  • stable, slip on shoes
  • mesh panties the hospital provides (try to ask for extras to take with you)
  • high waisted soft underwear in a size larger than normal for comfort
  • heating pad (for shoulder/gas pains from laparoscopic procedures if okay with your provider)
  • water bottle
  • long phone charger
  • travel squatty potty
  • thick clothed head band (to hide your bed head )
  • blanket/ stuffed animal/ comfort items
  • eye mask
  • cozy robe
  • Bag Basics: face wipes/ tooth brush/ toothpaste/ chapstick/ lotion/ hairbrush/ deodorant wipes
  • Covid 19: extra Face Mask, hand sanitizer

For Car Ride:

* DO NOT EAT ON RIDE HOME

* heating pad, if you have plug access

* extra pillows to put around you for barriers

* step stool if car is high up

* emesis bag/ have hospital send you home with some if possible (throw up bag, just in case)

* small pillow to splint your stomach from seat belt

* neck lumbar pillow for neck comfort in car

 OTC Comfort measures:

  • Make sure you have the medications gathered that YOUR doctor recommends having after surgery for bowels/ pain/ etc
  • Non caffeinated hot tea to help bladder move
  • Peppermint Tea/ Peppermint Oil/ Peppermint Drops to help with gas
  • hard candy to help with dry mouth/ dry mouth wash
  • BioFreeze for shoulder gas pain

For Home:

  • wedge pillow to help keep you inclined in bed after surgery
  • wedge pillow for under the knees to remove pressure from back
  • body pillow / curved body pillow (think maternity pillow)
  • abdominal binder (if your provider recommends- don’t forget to ask!)
  • comfy bra: i.e – soft yoga bra, larger sports bra
  • soft nightgowns to sleep in / lounge in
  • maxi dresses or tshirt dresses …nothing with a waistband
  • baggy sweatpants and t-shirts
  • stable, slip on shoes
  • panty liners and larger pads if any procedure was performed vaginally (according to your provider’s recommendations)
  • high waisted soft underwear in a size larger than normal for comfort, they also now make period underwear you could get and buy in a size larger
  • mesh panties the hospital provides (try to ask for extras to take with you)
  • baby wipes (for when you dont feel like taking a bath or need a quick wipe)
  • squatty potty
  • heating pad
  • For Night Stand: water bottle, chap stick, eye mask
  • thick clothed head band (to hide bead head)
  • step stool if your bed is high
  • compression socks
  • Large ice packs: 10.5 x 14 ice pack x 3
  • bio freeze for shoulder gas pain

Helpful Food Items:

  • Meal prep if possible prior to surgery or set up a meal train  (*think* easy to digest)
  • butter noodles/ chicken noodle soup
  • mashed potatoes/ applesauce/ jello/ oatmeal/ pudding
  • any drink that you can sip on if you are nauseated
  • Bendy Straws to help you drink 
  • saltine crackers