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Hospital stay, hopefully not for long

(36 Posts)
Overthemoongran Sat 09-Dec-23 12:09:53

I’ve been very lucky and haven’t needed a stay in hospital before now, but I have one coming up soon. I’ve been told to take my overnight things and a toilet bag. Can anyone advise me on anything else that might be useful? I’ll take a book, should I take bottled water?What will security be like, should I take my phone and iPad? I will be having an operation so what happens to my belongings whilst I’m away from the ward? I’m sure a lot will depend on the actual hospital itself, but any general pointers would be welcomed. Thank you.

Auntieflo Sat 09-Dec-23 12:28:44

I had a locker by my bed that presumably could be locked. Although the staff took my meds that I had brought in with me, and locked those away. Evidently not to be trusted whilst away from home 😲

downtoearth Sat 09-Dec-23 12:31:03

Hello overthemoongran
During a recent stay in hospital I took
Phone
Kindle
Ipad
Chargers for all 3
Any usual precription medication
Pen
Specs/case
Wet wipes
Lipsyl
Underwear
Loose change

In the room I was in,there where key safes by the bed for your valuables and usual medication,a nurse had the code and would un lock.

Depending in your procedure you are encouraged to wear day clothes,before that you will be in a hospital gown until you are encouraged to get out of bed for a shower,and slippers that are not flip flops,I took joggers and sweat shirts.
Food was plentiful,but any snacks take in with you,you may not have much of an appetite.
Water is provided by the jug full on your bedside you are encouraged to drink as much as you can,in some cases they may monitor your in put.

Good luck with your surgery,and a confortable recoverysmile

Overthemoongran Sun 10-Dec-23 10:11:36

Thank you for your very helpful replies.

Redhead56 Sun 10-Dec-23 11:34:53

Just wishing you well after your hospital stay!

grannyactivist Sun 10-Dec-23 11:44:05

I always take mints as I get a very dry mouth in hospital, especially after an operation.

Hope all goes well and you’re soon recovered. 💐

Overthemoongran Sun 10-Dec-23 13:09:14

Thank you @grannyactivist , another good idea to add to my bag.

Overthemoongran Sun 10-Dec-23 13:09:52

Thank you

Norah Sun 10-Dec-23 16:43:29

I take underwear, a gown, non-slip socks, a hair brush, hand lotion, paper, pencil for my bookwork, my laptop, my reading glasses.

Visgir1 Sun 10-Dec-23 18:50:37

Also.. I take an Eye - Mask /shades as there is always a light on somewhere.
I'm rubbish sleeping in lighted areas.

Overthemoongran Mon 11-Dec-23 13:09:55

Great tips - thank you everyone

kibera10 Mon 11-Dec-23 13:27:13

Also - take a bottle of squash or cordial

LondonMzFitz Mon 11-Dec-23 13:37:40

Noting above for future reference!
I took an eye mask and hand cream in for my neighbour - her eyes lit up when she saw the eye mask, the fluorescent ward lights were difficult on her eyes. I would add some boiled sweets too, as above, to freshen your mouth.

Franbern Mon 11-Dec-23 16:54:36

Any of your normal toiletries and do not forget your toothbrush and paste, and charger for this if electric.

Much time in hospital is waiting around, so, book or kindle is important plus any specific quiz type things you may like (my choice is Sudoku.)
Have a purse with some loose change in it in case you wish to purchase something, Do not forget chargers for things like 'phone, laptop/tablet, kindle, etc. étc.

Your own dressing gown and slippers, nightwear and also some easy to put on daytime clothes.

Some sweets, cordial, and some pre-packed sandwiches, just in case food is not so plentiful. A packet of biscuits

You will be asked to bring with you all your normal prescription medications, and they then take these away and lock them away from you - handing them out to you when they do medication rounds.

Do not forget things like reading specs, etc. Knitting if you are that way inclined.

Hope all goes well.

crazyH Mon 11-Dec-23 17:13:30

Take as little as possible. Leave jewellery at home. I just took my joggers and spare panties, didn’t bother with bras, a carrier bag to bring back your washing, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, and your iPhone and charger.
Oh yes, eye mask is a must 😂

crazyH Mon 11-Dec-23 17:14:31

Hope all goes well for you ..

Gwyllt Mon 11-Dec-23 18:14:27

Phone phone and remember your phone and chsrger. And check again on admission
On one occasion an emergency admission during Covid it dropped out of pocket in car
Felt so isolated
Everything else the ward can probably help you with
Hope everything goes well

RosesandLilac Mon 11-Dec-23 18:27:40

Ear plugs are essential on my experience! A packet of fruit sweets are refreshing and cordial because hospital water is horrible around here.

Barleysugar Mon 11-Dec-23 18:36:05

Eye Sleeping Mask
Silicone Ear Plugs
Fruity Sweets
Moisturiser
Small towel

silverlining48 Mon 11-Dec-23 18:48:28

Do make sure you use the toilet just before the procedure. I learned the hard way and was mortified.

Dottynan Mon 11-Dec-23 19:00:37

A friend had a watch and bracelet taken from his wrists while he lay very sick in bed. Don't take anything too valuable

Overthemoongran Mon 11-Dec-23 19:31:30

So many things I hadn’t considered, although ear plugs and an eye mask were the first things in my bag. I hadn’t thought about a loo stop on the way to theatre, but I will now @silverlining48. Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply and for you good wishes

Casdon Mon 11-Dec-23 21:20:13

If you’re a coffee drinker, take your own coffee bags or instant, as the stuff they serve in hospital is like floor sweepings, it’s absolutely dreadful.

SWT61 Tue 12-Dec-23 12:37:47

Hi, when i was in for my hip replacement we had lockers next to the bed with a lock up bit, the nurse had a key, so that was ok. I think you've got it covered by the sounds of it, don't forget your charger, there should be a plug by your bed. Best of luck xx

skate Tue 12-Dec-23 13:08:44

All of the above plus make up - lippy essential to boost morale when you catch sight of yourself post op.