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Having op on Saturday, any suggestions please.

(54 Posts)
Bluebellwould Thu 07-Jan-21 16:54:14

I’m having surgery under general anaesthetic on Saturday, I’ve never had a general anaesthetic or surgery before. Do you have any hints on the best things to take in (apart from clean knickers) or tips to get over surgery quickly. Thanks in advance.

Marydoll Thu 07-Jan-21 17:08:12

Make sure you have your phone and charger. If anything like me, your family won't be allowed in the hospital.
I always have a bag packed, but forgot the charger. Staff are too busy to answer the phones to relatives just now.
As a shielder, I wish I had packed hand wipes and sanitizer, but a heart attack doesn't really give you time to think of that!!
I also usually have provisions like biscuits, so think of that, it's very problematic getting things from family.My husband was passing item through the receiving ward window!!!
I wish you all the best.

welbeck Thu 07-Jan-21 17:16:15

and take some small nappy bags for disposing rubbish in when you are bed-bound.
note book and pen.
write down people's names, and designations. it helps steady you as well as useful for reference.
baby wipes. slippers. light dressing gown. tissues.
you'll be ok.

kathsue Thu 07-Jan-21 17:22:26

And something to read. Best wishes flowers

EllanVannin Thu 07-Jan-21 17:22:47

A bottle of water ? Soap bag with contents, small hand towel.

Bluebellwould Thu 07-Jan-21 17:27:19

Many great suggestions which I wouldn’t have thought of. THANK YOU. Xx

Jane10 Thu 07-Jan-21 17:28:38

Nice hand cream with a pleasant smell in addition to the other suggestions. If you're in an open ward how about some ear plugs in case there are snorers!
Try not to worry about the GA. I've always woken after one feeling like I've had a lovely refreshing sleep.

silverlining48 Thu 07-Jan-21 17:29:21

If it’s a longish procedure always visit the loo before your op. I made that mistake once, total humiliation. shock

petra Thu 07-Jan-21 17:29:47

As Marydoll said, a charger. This might sound bizarre to some but the last friend I visited in hospital needed an extension cable as her lead couldn't reach the plug ?
But being able to charge our devices as absolutely essential for our sanity ?

cornishpatsy Thu 07-Jan-21 17:35:09

When you are coming round from anaesthetic you will cough, if you have stress incontinence bare that in mind.

eazybee Thu 07-Jan-21 17:40:57

Non-slip slippers, hospital floors are notoriously slippery. Something like a shawl or poncho to put round your shoulders in bed rather than a jacket which may be difficult to put on.
Money?
Sponge bag with handles to carry items en route to the bathroom if you can't walk easily.
A mirror if you are bedbound.
A small luxury to reward yourself for being brave.

May7 Thu 07-Jan-21 17:42:46

Lip balm. Nothing worse than dry lips post anaesthetic

crazyH Thu 07-Jan-21 17:46:48

It's all been mentioned, so I will just wish you all the best. General anaesthetic is great - one minute you're talking to the anaesthetist, and the next you're in the recovery room talking to a Nurse. It's great !!

Fennel Thu 07-Jan-21 17:47:41

Wishing you good health, Bluebelland hope the op is successful.
Silverlining - that rings a bell. When I had my hip replacement I was first to go to the theatre. The time I usually needed to 'go'. The nurse gave me the first injection and then it was urgent. I told him and he asked "avez vous pete?"ie "have you farted?" I lied and said "yes" so he let me go, keeping an eye from a distance. Just as well.

grandMattie Thu 07-Jan-21 17:49:29

All of the above. For me, I would add a book or 10 of varying intellectual challenge! Soduku, etc. It can get very boring in hospital - depending on how poorly you will be afterwards, of course.

Nonnapg Thu 07-Jan-21 19:05:26

Possibly a credit or debit card if you have to pay for TV and/or internet access, although someone can do it for you from home if needs be. Hope it goes well.

MissAdventure Thu 07-Jan-21 19:25:05

A bag to put dirty washing in.
Magazines, some sweets.

Jaxjacky Thu 07-Jan-21 19:43:33

Pens, to do crosswords, take notes etc.

BlueBelle Thu 07-Jan-21 19:46:51

Good luck from one BlueBelle to another I haven’t had many ops a couple when I was young but I always woke up feeling brilliant but hungry

sodapop Thu 07-Jan-21 19:50:52

Good luck Bluebellwould All good ideas here, don't forget your sanitiser as well.

Gwyneth Thu 07-Jan-21 19:58:11

Hope all goes well bluebellwould. ??

ExD Thu 07-Jan-21 20:06:49

How long will you be staying on hospital? If its just overnight you won't need much apart from toiletries (don't forget toothbrush as your mouth will feel dry), clean underwear and phone (+ charger). You'll feel drowsy for several hours afterwards so just an easy-read magazine (no RVS trolly selling newspapers just now). Hope you soon feel better.

NotAGran55 Thu 07-Jan-21 20:15:09

Earphones to go with you phone / tablet , to listen to books , radio etc .

Oldbat1 Thu 07-Jan-21 20:21:42

Don’t forget your glasses if you need them. Husband ended up in icu after op for 24hrs - no glasses, no phone. Definitely lip balm.

Meaux Thu 07-Jan-21 20:24:24

After a general anaesthetic your eyes can feel really dry and gritty so popping some eye drops into your bag might make you more comfortable, also, a packet of tissues. Good luck, I hope it all goes smoothly for you x