What to take to hospital

In just 11 days I will be off to hospital with my bag packed and for those in the same position I thought I would list what I will be taking with me.

When I had my surgery before I wore the hospital gowns not my own clothes but I will take clothes along just in case, and I will need some to wear on the journey home.

• Clothes: loose fitting, comfortable clothes/pyjamas. Preferably tops with buttons which do up at the front just purely for ease of getting dressed.
• Slippers – slip-on slippers as you won't be able to bend down to put on shoes or booties
• Dressing gown – for when you can walk to the bathroom again. Also good if you get cold as it can be used as a blanket
• Eye-mask – there are always lights on in the ward so my eye-mask was great and will definitely be coming back with me
  
  
  
• Dry shampoo – a saviour for when you can't shower and wash your hair. I'll be taking the tropical or blush 'flavour' which have a nice scent and help make you feel better
• Soap/shower gel – you can take in your own nice smelling soaps for the nurses to use when they give you a body wash. Again this helps lots as it's nice to feel fresh and smell of home rather than hospital!
• Pocket mirror – you won't look your best but it's good to have
• Vaseline or similar – dry lips are the worst
• Face wipes/make up remover – while make up will not be worn, being clean helps you feel less groggy
• Moisturiser – again something which will just help you feel fresher
• Deodrant
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Mouthwash – mini travel size version. It's a personal preference but again it's something that just helps you feel cleaner and fresher
• Hair brush
• Hair ties/hair clips – to keep hair off face
  
  

• Diary/note book & pen – I'm so glad I kept a note of what happened each day, it's a great thing to look back on now and realise how far I have come
• I-pod – I planned to read lots but found I just wanted to listen to music and sleep so I'd definitely recommend taking one
• Puzzle/crossword book - I found these good as you can dip in and out without using too much concentration
• Books – just in case I do feel like reading this time
• Good luck/get well cards – you can put them up round your bed :)

You will have a little bed-side cabinet where you can put all your things so don't worry about having too much.

I will also be taking some VitaCoco Coconut Water. This wasn't well known when I had my surgery three years ago, but my brother found out about it and brought some in for me. It's brilliant for hydration and contains vitamins, minerals and electrolytes the body needs to keep hydrated.

Good luck all and hope this was useful

Rose x