Hi Everyone
I need some practical advice on what to take in to hospital with me. Booked in on 11th June for Radical Hysterectomy
I have packed and re-packed my case several times and keep putting new things in and out like a blooming Yo-Yo!
I think I have way too much stuff packed but I don't know what to take that would be helpful.
I have been told that due to my other disabilities, I will most likely be in hospital 7 days after the operation.
I have been told that I will probably have a catheter for 3-5days
I will have an open operation with a vertical scar, which worries me as I am overweight and have a belly apron. Has anybody else dealt with this?
What happens on the day, when you go in to the surgery ward, to your case? Should I keep my phone or is it best to take a book or magazine to read and put your phone away in you case?
All advice will be most gratefully received
Starting to panic now!
Hi Paula54F
l’ve had multiple hospital stays of various durations, so my first piece of advice would be not to overthink things, and try not to overpack! Bedside lockers are small, so a case would also need to be very small-I've always just used a rucksack type bag.
I will let you know what I found useful, and hope it helps. First off, depending on what surgery I was having, a nightie was better than pyjamas, especially with a catheter in place. It’s easier then for the nurses to check your tummy and easier to manage the catheter. Plus you wouldn’t have a waistband over your wound-you don’t want anything restrictive or tight there.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant/body spray, body wipes to freshen up and a small towel. I have been in different hospitals for different things and found nothing, not even a towel, provided.
Something to suck like boiled sweets, as your throat might be uncomfortable after the anaesthetic and peppermint can help with any wind. A long lead to charge your phone-the normal leads are no use as the sockets are behind your bed and the short leads don’t reach.
I’ve mainly stayed in hospital gowns while I’ve been in, so wouldn’t recommend taking lots of clothes. Any clothes you do take are best to be loose and comfy. Slippers with a grip on the sole, and a dressing gown for when you go to the loo etc if you are in the hospital gown to preserve your modesty!
If you like reading or doing puzzles, take something to do. Days can feel long in hospital! If you want to download music or anything to watch on your phone in advance, take headphones so as not to disturb others in a ward. An eye mask and earplugs are very handy-nights can be noisy and it can be difficult to sleep, so these help. Some snacks to have in your bag are handy if you fancy something to eat outside of meal times.
I had a vertical incision for my hysterectomy, and my subsequent surgery, but I don’t think my size was an issue-I have been a little overweight for those surgeries but not by a huge amount. No-one ever commented on my belly anyway!
When you go for admission I was taken to an assessment ward. I was given a crate thing to store my things in, including my phone and it was labelled with my name. This crate then appeared as if by magic when I was put to the ward after surgery, but I was able to use my phone and anything from my bag right up until I was taken to theatre.
I hope some of this is useful-you will probably want to take much more than you actually need, even for a 7 day stay. I’ve been in as short as 2 nights, and as long as 14 nights for different surgeries and have learned there’s no point in taking lots of stuff!
I hope everything will go smoothly for you-not long now!
Sarah xx
What a good idea about the straws.
I hadn’t thought about taking pictures but it’s probably a good idea.
thank you 
Remember though that you’ll have a control on your bed to raise you from lying down to being in an upright position,
While I have had to be in bed after various surgeries, I only was lying down to sleep. For eating and drinking I was always in an upright position, where it’s much easier to do both. I’ve had several abdominal surgeries, both keyhole and open, and always sat up afterwards using the bed control.
Sarah xx
Oh, that might make things harder for you, undergoing surgery. Everyone is scared when facing surgery, especially if it’s their first time having a general anaesthetic.
I found the staff lovely getting me ready for my operations, and well used to dealing with scared patients in a kind and sympathetic way. The anaesthetist should come and see you before the op to say hello and reassure you.
Then when you go to the room before theatre to get the anaesthetic, the staff will be chatting away all the time, and before you know anything about it you’ll be asleep.
I hope everything goes smoothly for your op and you’ll come back and let us know how you got on once you’ve got over the surgery and started your recovery.
All good wishes-it will soon be all over and done with.
Sarah xx
I had an epidural prior to a general anaesthetic before my biggest surgery and didn’t have a good experience with it as it was incorrectly placed and leaked out! Wondered what the cold feeling was when I woke up!
It’s perfectly possible to go through surgery with the general anaesthetic only and I wish I hadn’t bothered with the epidural at all to be honest-very painful and ultimately ineffective. I would never choose it again.
The staff will take good care of you. Have you decided what to take in your case/bag now and feel more settled about that?
Sarah xx
Hi Paula
I’m pleased to read you are safely through surgery, but sorry to read things didn’t go well. My attempt at a hysterectomy didn’t go well either, and I’m always sad to see others in the same situation.
You’ll be welcome to post any time you feel ready if you want to share, but meanwhile I hope your recovery will go well. How are you feeling in yourself today?
Sarah xx
