Best 3 things to pack in your hospital bag for your hysterectomy!

I packed a lot of things that I didn't use. 

When I went into hospital on the morning of the surgery I did not realise I would be waiting for a few hours in a ward that had no beds, just chairs. I also had to be in for 7 but as I was second on the list I did not go down until mid day. 

It would have helped to have bought some ear phones to go with my phone as I could have listened to some music etc while I was waiting. 

It was quite chilly waiting in a hospital gown and dressing gown- so I wish I had bought a cardigan or extra layer with me. 

Slip on comfy shoes were good as it meant I could put them on and take them off without bending down. 

Jane

I’m going to be in for at least 2 nights. Will loose fitting pyjamas be okay? I’m also taking a bottle of vimto, some sweets, book, sleep mask with headphones. Am I missing anything? 

Yes to all of the suggestions so far!

Wet wipes came in handy. Peppermints for wind too. As a strictly trousers person I did follow advice from hysterectomy friends and get a dress without fastenings. It meant I could just throw it on. Made getting dressed so much easier. My waist took a while to reappear! 

Loose pyjamas or anything you feel comfortable in. 

Squash is a good plan. Maybe a few snacks. I took my tablet in to play games on but did not use it. 

Some wipes are good to freshen up hands and face after you get back to the ward. I also took some hand gel. 

I took in a nightie as I knew that I would have a catheter in after surgery- however by the time I got back to the ward and was awake it was early evening. Catheter was taken out at 4am and I never changed out of the gown. I just showered and put my clothes on at 5 am and went for a walk around the ward. 

When I spent days at hospital having chemotherapy the nurse suggested bringing a blanket from home and I found it a comfort. Its nice to have something of your own if you are spending a bit longer in. 

I am definitely very much a pyjama person but knew I’d have a catheter in overnight post op so I opted for a large long baggy t shirt instead to make access easier. Dressing gown was important, also slippers - wore these from 7.30am onwards over my surgical gown as it was more comfortable, warmer and more dignified. 

I was in for 3 nights, as “cut open”, best things for me, definitely IPad, puzzle book, and believe it or not jeans! I had some that were on the loose side pre op, but I could wear them home. My friend couldn’t believe it when she came to pick me up, and saw me wearing jeans and boots, she thought I was going to be in a wheelchair. For me it was a motivational thing.

Love all the comments so far x slippers, phone (it was so good getting positive motivational messages from loved ones) and big loose pants (Bridget Jones eat your heart out ! ....ones that a snug enough to support your tummy and high enough to not bother dressings/incision sites ) x 

Best wishes to anyone reading this x you got this

I took a small fan with me when I was having chemo and wish I'd taken it when I had my op as it was flippin hot in the hospital.

I took my tablet to watch the Olympics which were happening while I was in. 

Snacks, loose cotton nighties and lightweight dressing gown. Small amount of cash for sweet trolley if you need chocolate (who doesn't?) or a bacon butty if you can get to the canteen. 

H 

Other things I took: a wheeled suitcase so I could manage it myself post op, a power bank to charge my phone or iPad in case I wasn’t near a socket or it didn’t work, a pack of one size bigger pants (which I didn’t end up needing), peppermint tea bags for post op wind (which I didn’t need and donated to the ward), a Tupperware with overnight oats and sultanas, and my own instant lemon tea.

So glad you mentioned Big Pants. I thought it was just me.