Hospital stay, hopefully not for long

Overthemoon, sorry to read that your op has been cancelled, I’m sure it’s quite frustrating.

So sorry it's been cancelled. Maybe you could make up a bag so if you get a short notice cancellation you're ready
I was in hospital a couple of times this year. First time it was a day case so I took minimal stuff, slippers, phone, book, charger. I was picked up by a family member so didn't need money. My clothes and phone were put into a carrier and my details were printed onto a label which was stuck to the bag and it was locked away. In fact I accidently left my slippers there afterwards, as I was a bit woozy and they were just on the floor - I got them back, they had stored them in another bag with my details on
Second time I was scheduled to stay in overnight so took toiletries, and PJs, and one daysworth of my usual meds. But I was issued hospital ones, I guess they need to know what you are taking, in the event I had to stay in longer so they would have needed to give me more anyway, but you can ask when you have the preop appt. I didn't wear the PJs, they kept me in a gown, I had a cannula in my inner elbow, and was only up to go to the loo and get washed. I didn't need any money/card as I was being picked up. Towels were provided. Again ask what you'll need to bring at the pre op, and hope it happes soon

On the other hand if you forget something, the lovely nurses found me a miniature toothbrush, toothpaste & soap and wetwipes when I was admitted after an accident, they even found me an eyeshade which helped me sleep with the lights on.

I'd take some facial wipes too, great for freshening up as hospital atmosphere can be a bit warm. Also useful for hands. Hope all goes well.

Take ear plugs. Hospitals tend to be quite noisy at night!

Overthemoongran, very good question, especially the security aspect of valuable and vulnerable belongings. This is something that healthcare settings are having to take more and more seriously

Ipads and smart phones are invaluable for accessing services such as paying for television viewing , entertainment etc.

My advice? Phone the ward and ask them this very question.

Some hospitals admit you to one ward on the day of your operation but you will 'wake up' on another for your post procedure stay. You are right to be concerned about where your belongings will go in the meantime.

In that instance I would advise taking the bare minimum and asking hubby/visitors to bring the expensive stuff in afterwards.

PS, invest in a long length charging cable. Available power points are often a long way from where you want them to be! The close ones are likely to be in use for medical equipment.

Oh dear over the moon, how disappointing. Hope it’s not too long a wait and you have all our pearls of wisdom to consider when your time comes round.

Oh well, I was so prepared thanks to all you kind people that replied…….but my operation has been cancelled 😞 . At least I’ll be prepared for next time.

I agree with many of the above, but would also suggest a pack of cards (buy some cheap ones from a charity shop ) and again a cheap travel chess set if you play. At the worst if cards or pawns are lost it is not a great loss and you can try things out for yourself when you feel up to it, and if you are at that stage where you are nearly but not quite ready to leave you might find another patient to play with. Also if you are likely to be in the hospital for a while, I used to take some notelets. In fact used to split two packs so would have half flower pictures and perhaps half country views. Then I used to put second class stamps on all but one envelope and a first class stamp on that one. Then if you have visitors you can write small notes of thanks , no one expects long letters from the hospital, but that will mean you are ahead of the game before you get home. Of course you need your address book for that but again if there is a stamp on the envelope anyone can post them for you. Then apart from very close family I would be slightly vague about the day you expect to be home. However lovely it is to see friends it is better to have a quiet day or two before you get a lot of visitors. You can always say you got let out earlier than you expected.I do hope all goes well for you and that everyones ideas means that you become the most organised patient on the ward!!

extra long charging cable - plugs can be a long way from the bed
fresh lemons to make disgusting water palatable
knife for the lemons
eye mask and ear plugs
small salt and pepper shakers to try and make disgusting food edible
best of luck

Phone the hospital and ask whether there is a locker or cupboard that only you have a key to, and if that key is pinned to your gown when you go down to the operating theatre or to be locked away by a nurse on you ward until you are awake again.

Someone should be able to answer this query, as you will need things like your bank-card, phone and perhaps driving licence and car-keys and house key with you and you don't want any of that disappearing from your bedside.

Remember your reading glasses if you use them!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Eye Sleeping Mask
Silicone Ear Plugs
Fruity Sweets
Moisturiser
Small towel

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

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

Hope all goes well for you ..

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 😂

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.

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.

Also - take a bottle of squash or cordial