What do I Pack in My Hospital Bag?
By a Member of our Community
So you’re going in for a laparoscopy, now what!? You may have left your specialist’s office with a bunch of forms to fill in, instructions for pre-op and details of your admission, but what should you take with you to the hospital, when you’re going in for a laparoscopy?
When I had my first surgery, I had no idea what I was in for and I was so unprepared. I had my handbag and the comfy clothes I was told to wear, and that was it! When I woke up, all I wanted to do was to brush my teeth (or have a mint, something to get rid of the post surgery feel in my mouth), and wipe my face, and I couldn’t. Luckily I was able to be discharged and I didn’t have to stay overnight, as I would have been in more trouble, than when Ross thought he and Rachel were on a break (Friends reference, anyone, anyone?)!
So when you’re packing a bag / handbag to take with you for your op, here are some handy hints of what to consider bringing, so your hospital visit can be more comfy than mine! Now, this list will be dependent on whether you’re there for the day, or overnight, however it could be good to have all this on hand in case things don’t go to plan, and you need to stay.
Socks or slippers, to keep your feet warm and toasty
Toothpaste and toothbrush, so your pearly whites are nice and fresh
Throat lozenges, to ease your throat from the aircon
Phone charger, so you can keep in touch, watch netflix, scroll insta or facebook
Earphones, so you can listen to your fave podcasts / music / shows without disturbing the whole ward
Peppermint tea or oil, for when the shoulder tip pain kicks in post op
Lip balm, to keep your lips from getting dry in the aircon
Face wipes, to give your face a refresh
Deodorant, for when you don’t have the energy to shower
Hair brush and dry shampoo, to sort out the post-hair-net-hair situation from your op
Magnesium oil or spray, so any aches or muscle cramps can be relieved (check with the nurses first before using)
Heat pack, to ease any cramping post op (again, check with the nurses before using!)
Pads or period undies, you’ll need them!
Thongs, so you don’t have to go barefoot in the shower
Body wash, to help you feel nice and fresh
High waisted undies (You’ll want them!), to go up and over your op site
Comfy clothes to wear home, no denim allowed!
A Pillow to cradle in bed, or in the car on the way home to make any bumps easier
Thankfully, QENDO has also made an information pack available here, which includes all you need to know about Endometriosis, pre and post op! It includes information about endometriosis for you and your support network, Endo Myths, a complete checklist of What to bring to hospital, your post op and recovery checklist, and EndoSister program info! What more could you want!? All I can say is, I wish I had this before my first laparoscopy. It would have made me feel so much more in control, and ready!
Stay tuned for our ‘Post Op Prep’ blog, coming next week!
Much love,
Xo
The materials available on or through the website qendo.org.au [‘QENDO’] are an information source only. Information provided by QENDO does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. To the maximum extent permitted by law, all contributors of QENDO make no statement, representation, or warranty about the quality, accuracy, context, completeness, availability or suitability for any purpose of, and you should not rely on, any materials available on or through the website qendo.org.au. QENDO disclaims, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you or any other person might incur for any reason including as a result of the materials available on or through this website being in any way inaccurate, out of context, incomplete, unavailable, not up to date or unsuitable for any purpose.