It will be three years in January since I had my hysterectomy (click on my name if you’d like to read my story) but I still remember how helpful I found it to make a packing list for my hospital overnight bag and even to go out and buy a few new things. Focusing on that gave me something else to think about, enabled me to feel a bit more in control and all in all it helped to ease some of my anxiety. So I thought I’d do another thread now for those with upcoming ops - what did YOU pack in your overnight bag, and which things did you find particularly helpful? Here’s a few suggestions that I picked up on here and found especially worthwhile:
- my own pillow (it was a sheer relief to lay back on it when I was on the ward post op and I wouldn’t have got any sleep without it - the familiar feel and smell was so reassuring, as was the literal coolness of not being on a pillow with a plastic cover underneath!)
- an extra long charging lead for my iPad and iPhone as the power points are usually behind the bed
- snacks (in case you don’t feel up to a meal), sweets (your throat may be a bit dry from the anaesthetic), squash (plain water can be a bit boring and squash can give you some energy too)
Feel free to add any further suggestions!
Hi Marmitefan
Great idea to do an updated thread.
I took a small blanket from home on the suggestion of one of the nurses.
I also took some hand gel and some wipes to freshen up.
Slip on shoes, so I didn't need to bend down.
I took a puzzle book and pen, also a couple of magazines.
I also wrote down a list of contact numbers
Jane
