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Need help.

Hi I am due to go into hospital on the 3rd december for a routine gall bladder removal op. I know that I will be in for 2 days but not sure if I will be in longer yet.

I am needing to buy things for my hospital bag but not sure what to buy and where from.

I have 1 pair of PJ's and some mini toiletries, slippers and a dressing gown and just bought a bag from ebay. I used quidco, but did buy it now through ebay not sure I will get money back or not.

Any help or suggestions would be gratefull.:j
:wave: Wins in 09 = A vodka cocktail kit thing lol, £150 Amazon voucher.
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Comments

  • Had my Gall Bladder removed year and a half ago, can't help with the hospital bag though cause I was rushed in as an emergency and it took my OH 3 days to bring me some things in, good luck!
    AKA: PC

    ...
    Rest in Peace Fred the Maddest Muppet in Heaven :heart:
  • I havent had this done but maybe a baggy t-shirt too to sleep in if you want something loose to let the op area breathe?
    Maybe take yourself some mints or chewing gum if you want a quick refresh? body spray? and some light snacks for you for after?
    OnePoll - £12.40, Yougov - £1.00, VO - £24.25, youdoo miles - 24292, MHF - £0.00
    Not much, but its a start :rotfl:
    Helpful?? Moi?? Hook me up :o >>>>>>>>>>>
  • oliveoyl
    oliveoyl Posts: 3,395 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    A book/magazine or something else to do... being in hospital can be mighty boring.
    TOP MONEYSAVING TIP

    Make your own Pot Noodles using a flower pot, sawdust and some old shoe laces. Pour in boiling water, stir then allow to stand for two minutes before taking one mouthful, and throwing away. Just like the real thing!
  • Poppy9
    Poppy9 Posts: 18,833 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Spare PJ/Nightie, pants, a flannel to wash your face to freshen up, cleansing wipes, hair brush, your own pillow.
    :) ~Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone.~:)
  • jenniewb
    jenniewb Posts: 12,841 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    If its anything like when I had my appendix removed (as an emergency, then spent the following 5 days after that in to watch it heal), you may need the following:

    Squash! -Water is free and easily available but can get bland and dull- providing the doctor says its ok, squash can liven things up just a little- just try to get the sugar free stuff though as keeping your teeth from being eroded is also a good idea!

    Mascara, or lipsil or hand cream or nail varnish.... something that gives you a perk- it can feel so depressing and something that brightens your appearence can be enough that you don't feel so bad.

    Air freshener. I wich I had had this when I was in. I have no idea if it was legal or ok to use, but OMG did my ward need it. I actually requested to go home early- (hence 5 days and not the longer time the doctor wanted me in for- let me tell you, this was a BAD apendix!) and the reason was down to the stench. I am sure not all Hospitals were as bad as the one I was in (now knocked down, was in Bromley) but I wouldn't go into one again without airfreshener. Regardless!

    Soduko or something that is different from the countless celeb magazines you will no doubt aquire when you get someone to visit the shop for a magazine for you. Something different then reading or watching.

    Clothes wise not much really, just enough that if you are in more then a day, you have clean underware and clean clothes. It can feel really grotty if your in the same thing for too long, and if you are in any pain, you will sweat and need to change clothes anyway.

    Cleaning products. I have no idea what happens with a gall bladder op so any cleaning products would need to take that into consideration (eg wounds, bandages, etc) wet wipes and travel bottles of things are useful. Bodyshop and larger boots stores and superdrug stores are great for these.

    If you are allowed to, snack foods, as it can be hard to get hold of things you like and can also be very expensive in a hospital. Things like dried fruit, nuts, chewing gum... can all be kept without too much fuss.

    Cash! for the TV, for the Phone, for just about anything, you will need cash.

    Something you can lock away all your valuables in. I know it sounds daft but the amount of thefts that happen in hospitals is daft. It shouldn't happen. It does. I get more and more suprized every time I hear about it but it does happen. Apparently maternity wards are especially hit so if you are near to one, take a lock up box and ask someone/a nurse to keep it somewhere safe. Don't take anything valuable.

    Good luck with the op!
  • Poppy9 wrote: »
    Spare PJ/Nightie, pants, a flannel to wash your face to freshen up, cleansing wipes, hair brush, your own pillow.

    OMG how could I forget THE most essential item, for me more essential than undies or toiletries
    AKA: PC

    ...
    Rest in Peace Fred the Maddest Muppet in Heaven :heart:
  • Hi OP

    Hope all goes well for you...I unfortunately have a lot of experience of hospitals (disability) and have an op myself week after next. I'm not as organised as you but off the top of my head:

    Something to do: I tend to go for puzzle books, trashy mags (you probably won't be up for anything too taxing) and definitely not knitting (tried it once - far too hot to be covering yourself in anything made from wool!) whatever takes your fancy really but doesn't take up too much space as you don't get much in the way of space!

    Orange squash/other cordial (not fizzy if you're having tummy op as fizz will bloat you and hurt as a result!)

    Food supplies - I always take stuff but never end up eating any as I personally don't find hospital food as bad as others make out and I'm generally too ill to feel hungry but I always take some just in case!

    Wet/face wipes, nice tissues and moisturiser will probably all get used at some point. Definitely a pen and something to write on...I always forget these and always regret it even when I think I won't want them I always do for something or other!

    Baggy clothes for when they let you out. Also make sure the PJ's aren't fleecy, I made that mistake last time and sweated buckets!!!

    A small amount of money (£5-10) - they usually bring a trolley round the ward each day with a selection of things from the hospital shop like mags, chocolate, essentials like shampoo etc...I always find an excuse to buy something! Just don't take too much money as there probably won't be anywhere to lock stuff away - leave any valuables at home (bracelets rings etc) as you will only have to take them off when you get there anyway...

    I'm going in before you so I'll pop back if I think of any more...I'm starting to think I need a bigger bag... :rotfl:
    "According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way that a bee should be able to fly. Its wings are too small to get its fat little body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyway. Because bees don't care what humans think is impossible" Bee Movie 2007
  • I have not long come out of hospital, please take your own towels, One bath and one hand towel.I also had my hair dryer brought in.
    Dreams Do Come True
  • ZLS1984
    ZLS1984 Posts: 1,246 Forumite
    wow thanks guys so many good ideas here I think I might need a bigger bag lol.

    I am going to make a list and add things to my bag.

    jenniewb I dnt have air freshner but I am taking in some detol wipes to clean around lol.

    mcspanna I think my pj's are fleecy but I get cold, and they only give you 2 thin sheets. I will take some cooler ones just incase.

    Thanks again guys, you have helped me loads.
    :wave: Wins in 09 = A vodka cocktail kit thing lol, £150 Amazon voucher.
  • bcl999
    bcl999 Posts: 3,620 Forumite
    I've just been in hospital. I'm no good sleeping in anything but total darkness - use blackout linings on my bedroom curtains - but there was always a light on. I wish I had thought of taking an eye mask in to hospital with me. Felt as if i didn't get as proper night's rest till I got home again.
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