SC's V Successful Hospital Packing List

I have perfected the art of packing for hospital, mmkay? That should be clear from my health history. Now, I am not a doctor, and some might disagree with what I have outlined below. I have to thank one of my close friends, Emily, who is the only other person I know who spends more time in a hospital than I do. Keep in mind as well, everything you bring into hospital is at your own risk, you cannot hold it liable if you have something go missing.

Below is a list of the things I recommend for your purse/murse to keep with you/locked up during your procedure. I use a basic Longchamp as it is one big pocket, holds a lot, and is durable. Nick brought an overnight bag for me once I was out of recovery, more on that later. I cannot say enough how lucky I was that Nick was allowed to see me after recovery given changing COVID protocols

• Health card and credit card. Leave your wallet with a loved one. I did not need my CC at all, it was more as an in case situation. During the pre-op you will provide your CC information for your room accommodations of choice (private, semi-private, or ward). If this does not come up during your pre-op, ask the nurse.

• All prescriptions. In your pre-op appointment you will run through a list with the nurse and pharmacist what the hospital will give you, and what you will bring yourself. I recommend bringing everything you need in case there is a challenge sourcing the prescription in time for your operation.

• Phone and charger. I wanted to be able to update my family and FaceTime with Nick as much as possible before going into the OR.

• Some large pads and disposable incontinence underwear. The hospital will have this, but again, you will never see Sarah Clare leave the house without being stocked with period products.

• Hair elastics without any metal elements. You will be putting your hair into a hair net, but if you have longer hair like me you will want to try to put it into a braid or pony tail of some sort.

• Hair brush. I cannot tell you how important this was for my mental health - my hair becomes a nest so quickly and having my hair all over the place makes me feel disheveled.

• Jewellry bag/ziplock for all jewellry and piercings which must be removed before surgery. If you have something that can't be removed for some reason a nurse may tape you up as to avoid infection. I gave Nick my wedding rings to hold on to during surgery.

• Nail file and clippers. My nails are super weak after having my biogels removed and having a hangnail drives me insane.

• A book. I waited for an hour and a half before I was brought to the operating room, you will want to pass time and avoid doomsday scrolling on your phone which will only make your anxiety worse TRUST ME.

• Lip balm. Your lips will be chapped after surgery. I tried to lube up as much as possible, I have come to the conclusion this is impossible to avoid. Having my little Vaseline with me gives me a sense of control in this out-of-control world.

• Disposable water bottle. I did this to be able to take a sneaky sip of water before surgery. You need to stop eating and drinking a certain amount of hours before your operation, but the thought of having no access to water stresses me out (see Tinx' Emotional Support Water Bottle)

• Slide sandals. I do not recommend wearing shoes to the hospital that are sneakers/boots in nature. Wearing plain slides with socks is easy to slip in and out of. I find wearing my Blundstones with a hospital gown more unbecoming than socks and sandals, but hey that's my experience, to each their own.

This is what I packed in my overnight bag. I used a roller suitcase which made it easier on Nick for getting me out of hospital while also pushing me on a wheelchair. Yes, there is typically a porter who will be able to assist you, but not always available.

• Paperwork from pre-op appointment.

• Ear plugs. I am a light sleeper as it is and in the case you do not get a private room or you are in a busy part of the hospital etc, it does help.

• Eye mask. You don't always have control over all the lighting in your room or windows, also depending on the time of day. This can help you try to block the world out and get some sleep.

• Hand sanitizer and wipes. Wiping down hand rails, tables, etc, like I would in a hotel room upon arrival gives me a similar sense of control in hospital.

• iPad / laptop and ear buds. Do not forget your charger.

• Clothes to come home in. Pack loose and comfortable, and of course clean to help you avoid infection. I wore disposable underwear home, and opted out of a bra (hang loooose, baby).

• Socks. Lots of socks. Change them regularly (at least daily).

• Slippers. Better to walk around in slippers or your slides than bring hospital floor germs into your bed.

• Blanket and pillow from home. Speaking of beds, you will get some hospital blankets, and they will warm them for you typically if you ask. A blanket and pillow from home helps keep you warmer and makes you feel more comfortable.

• Face spray and flannels (aka face cloths). Keeping your face clean and feeling somewhat good was really important for my mental health.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. Need I say more?

• ESWB. I will make a separate post linking all of the important products that made a difference for me, but this was a big one. An insulated water bottle with a suction straw (so not to leak when on its side) was what got me through. After having a breathing tube in, your throat will be sore. There was not enough cold water and ice in the world, and while the hospital provides you with styrofoam and a straw, it ain't the same, honey.

Once you are home, get into some fresh pjs and ask your caregiver to get everything into the wash, or to be cleaned. You don't want to be bringing germs home. If you can go the extra mile and have a shower and keep your bed sheets as clean and fresh as possible to avoid infection, that is a big bonus.

Did you find anything missing above from your experience? Let me know in the comments!