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Video: What to pack for a hospital stay
19
Sep
Sep
Video: What to pack for a hospital stay
Hospital stay coming up ? Learn what to pack with our exclusive video recording and list of 12 things to pack – specially written for those who are having a heart operation or procedure .
Important phone numbers
Make sure you ’ ve got contact details for anyone you ’ ll want to get in affect with while you ’ re in hospital. And it ’ s a dear idea to take along your GP ’ mho name, address and phone number .
Nightwear
A push button up the front design of pajama or nightgown might be easier to put on if your drift is limited ( following chest surgery, for example ). For ladies, a nightgown may be easier if you will have a urinary catheter fitted. You might want to pack one if you ’ ll be in for more than a match of nights .
Daytime clothing
comfortable, easy clothes are best. Bear in mind that hospital wards are normally warm. Don ’ t forget underwear, socks, and slippers. A dressing gown is besides handy for times you don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate tactile property like getting dressed.
For women, your choice of brassiere is authoritative after chest operating room or pacer or ICD implantation. A strong supportive brassiere is better after pacer implantation, so that the weight of the breast doesn ’ t pull on the weave. The strap may rub against the wind locate, however, sol consider a different design of brassiere such as halterneck or strapless. You can besides buy cushy pads to go under your straps, although you may find that tissues are sufficient .
If you ’ ve had open-chest operation, a soft, supportive non-wired brassiere is normally well. A front-fastening design might be easier ( so that you don ’ t have to reach your arms behind your back. ) Some major department stores sell particularly designed post-surgery bras .
Small towel/cushion (after surgery) 
Coughing or sneezing can put a distribute of pressure on your sternum after chest surgery and is uncomfortable, but you shouldn ’ thyroxine attempt to stop yourself coughing, as that can lead to a breast infection. rather, take a shock absorber or rolled up towel ( something that covers the length of your breast bone ) and hold it against your breast bone when you cough. A pillow or towel can besides be helpful if you ’ re going home by car, to place between your chest of drawers and the seat belt flog .
Notebook and pen
This can be utilitarian to write down any questions you think of when the doctor is not available – or for writing down your thoughts and feelings, or writing letters to friends or family .
Things to read 
Take things to occupy you, such as books, magazines or puzzle books – a variety show of these as your attention bridge may be limited. Make certain the books aren ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate heavy or they may be difficult to hold, specially if you ’ ve had chest surgery.
Eye mask and ear plugs
hospital wards can be bright and/or noisy at night than you ’ re used to .
Toiletries
Don ’ t forget your soup-strainer, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, hairbrush or comb, and a towel. Shower gel is better than a bar of soap, which will stay damp and could harbour germs ( you don ’ t need to bring soap for handwashing, as liquid soap will be provided ). Dry shampoo can be handy if you don ’ triiodothyronine feel like or can ’ t have a shower, while wet wipes will besides help if you just want a agile refresh up. If you use gargle or paring materials, take those besides, plus any accessories like denture clean if you have dentures .
Electronic devices
Consider cautiously whether you want to take any electronic devices, such as mobile call, laptop/tablet, e-reader, or music musician. They can be helpful to pass the clock, but check your hospital ’ mho policy on these devices and take them at your own risk. If you decide to take them, don ’ metric ton forget ear phones and a charger or spare batteries if you ’ ll need them. by and large, it ’ south best not to take valuables to hospital as their safety can ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate be guaranteed. Don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate forget understand glasses if you use them .
Food and drink
It ’ s not compulsory, but you might like to take some goodly snacks such as fruit, nuts, or clean or dried fruit. Prunes can be helpful as stultification can be an write out after surgery.
small cartons of juice with a straw are easy to lift and a straw makes it easier to drink while lying down .
Your medication
Take with you any medicine that you normally take, preferably in its master packaging, and a list of the doses for each. If you use eye drops, inhalers or creams, don ’ metric ton forget these. If you have a pre-operative assessment or adviser date before your hospital stay, it ’ sulfur besides a well theme to take all your medications, or an accurate tilt of them, along to that .
Optional extras
You don ’ thyroxine absolutely need all these things, but you might like to take coins for small purchases such as newspapers, bed socks, tissues, ( it can be an emotional time ) moisturiser, a compact mirror, lip balm, a spare part plastic bag to take base dirty laundry, and a photograph of your syndicate or a loved one .
- Read our guide to what to expect from a hospital stay.
