Hospital Bag - What to pack?

A few more bits to think of taking to hospital - even for a short stay .... 

After you leave hospital - a cushion/pillow to hold onto your chest if you have to negotiate rough roads - or going over gutters (think Petrol Stations, shopping centres & your home) as these gutters REALLY jolt your boobs for about 4 weeks after surgery.  I learned where ALL the pot holes are in my home town.

For night time - Using a small pillow to elevate the 'affected arm' (if you sleep on your side) can also assist in getting to sleep, as sleeping on your tummy is usually restricted for some time post op!

Comfort in bed - if still cold

• Fluffy blanket or wrap or large cotton scarf to keep your shoulders warm
• Favourite pillow or triangle pillow - great to support the affected arm
• Ear plugs to block out noise and eye mask to block out lights

Clothing

• Zip front jacket or track suit
• Easy to slip on shoes or slippers
• Light dressing gown & Button up PJ's/night dress
• Loose comfy pants trousers - easy to put on the next day.

Toiletries

• Facial wipes to freshen up without a shower
• Dry shampoo is great until you can have a shower and wash your hair
• Lip balm for dry lips in air conditioning
• Nice body wash or soap and moisturizer
• Small manicure kit and small mirror

Food and drinks

• Medications you are currently taking in their original packaging
• Drink bottle with a sipper top (easier than cup and straw)
• Snacks for in between meals
• Your preferred tea bags/coffe etc

Entertainment

• Note pad or diary and pen to record your experiences
• A kindle or magazines/puzzles - it is too busy to concentrate on a book!
• IPad/iPod with music, movies and games (don't forget earphones and chargers)
• Mobile Phone (with charger and extension cord so it can reach the wall)
• Meditation app on phone

Both surgeries my stay was only over night and I went home the next day.

Thank you ladies for all
your help. 😊💖

I always take a thermos mug. I have a tendency to wander around the wards at night searching for cups of tea, and a decent mug means you can take a hot cuppa back to bed or you can send a visitor down the café to get a proper coffee that will stay hot for long enough for you to enjoy it.

Take some face wipes as if you're like me, your face will always feel greasy in hospital.  If your hospital has a garden attached, take a dressing gown you feel comfortable being seen in and some easy footwear for wearing outside - it's so much better to take your obligatory walks outside than to pace the corridors (get permission from your surgeon).  And something to drink that's not hospital tea or coffee.

Don't forget all your chargers for phone, iPad, computer, etc .... and a USB/240v plug to accomodate them all!

Bendy straws,easier for sipping without having to sit up completely. I took a light pashmina shawl as the air conditioning can be a bit chilly. Lollies for sucking such as Werthers, mints etc. I found my kindle easier to read in bed instead of trying to hold a book. Also able to read lying on my side without my glasses, so the side of my head didn't get tender...just increased the font size. Slippers that just slip on without you having to bend down and use your finger to lift the back of the slipper onto your foot. I fancied a bottle of Bickford's Lime cordial as the bottled water dispensed is at room temperature and ugghhh when not cold.  I (of course) took my knitting as well. Ear plugs if you can tolerate them...the banging of doors, buzzing of bells, clack clack of inconsiderate staff's shoes. yakking in the corridors and so on is unbelievable!! Dark eye mask to block out corridor and night lights...also the glowing of lights on IV monitors. Best of luck xoxo.

Even though I was only in overnight I took extra underwear, just in case..
put an extra pillow in your car, so when you’re collected you have extra cushioning, I had an hours drive home from hospital,so that was a god send for me just to support my arm, even with the little horseshoe pillow they give you.
whilst in hospital I asked for an extra pillow to put under my arm whilst I slept.
Any idea how long are you in hospital for?
Hope all goes well.

@jodles

Here's a great link 
What to pack for hospital

https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/information-sheets.html

Thanks ladies! It’s all helping 😊