Having surgery is really not an easy thing to do, and it’s even harder if you are not prepared for it. To make it a little easier for you, I’ve created a list of must have items for when your are in the hospital, on your way home, and for when you get home. Click here to access a downloadable pdf version. Let me know if I missed anything!
Hospital Essentials
1. Hair Bandanas
You’re going to want an easy way to get your hair out of your face.
2. Bobby Pins
3. Hair Ties
4. Dry Shampoo
You are probably not going to be able to shower and having dry shampoo is a great alternative.
5. Bedside Care Foam
6. Baby Wipes
Personal hygiene is important, so having baby wipes around is a great alternative to the real deal.
7. Brush Your Teeth in Bed
8. Hand Sanitizer
Because hospitals have tons of germs.
9. Your Favorite Lotion
10. Your Favorite Lip Balm
Make sure you have a good lip balm always handy for those chapped lips after surgery.
11. Saliva Producing Candy
12. Lots and Lots of Bendy Straws
They really help when you are trying to drink something in bed.
13. A Water Bottle
A water bottle that is spill-proof is really important for drinking in bed.
14. Night Mask
Hospitals tend to be really bright.
15. Ear Plugs
Hospitals tend to be loud too.
16. A Super Cozy Robe
17. Easy Slip on PJ
You’ll get a hospital gown but you’ll probably want your own.
18. Slippers
Bring cozy comfortable slippers that you love to wear.
19. Your Favorite Stuffed Animal
It’s nice to hold something while you’re sleeping.
20. Fuzzy Socks
I like to have the knee high ones so they do not slip.
21. Head Massager
Because it’s nice to get some relaxation in.
22. Long Back Scratcher
23. Guest Book
24. Prunes
You are going to want fiber in your diet to make it easy to go to the bathroom.
25. Add Some Flavor to Your Water
Drinking endless amount of water gets old – add some flavor.
26. Your Favorite Chocolate Bar
It’s nice to have a special treat when you’re not feeling well.
27. Your Favorite Snack
28. Your Favorite Magazine
So you can easily skim through and read.
29. A Coloring Book + Coloring Essentials
Because coloring therapy is amazing!
30. An Audio Book Subscription
Makes it easy for you to just listen to any book you want to read.
31. Your Favorite Book
You may not be awake most of the time, but in case you are, it’s nice to have a book you love.
32. Bedside Caddy
Makes it easy to keep everything you need close by.
Everything You Need For the Drive Home
1. Comfy Panties
Any loose fitting panties made of cotton works well.
2. A Loose Button Down Shirt
3. Yoga Pants
You may want to get several pairs to make it through the next few months while you are recuperating.
4. Donut Cushion
Makes it more comfortable for you to sit in the car or any seat for a longer periods of time.
5. Lots and Lots of Pillows
Provides stability and support on your way home.
Home Essentials for After Surgery
1. Picker Upper Tool
2. Shower Seat
So you can easily shower alone.
3. Bedside Serving Table
Makes it easy for you to eat in bed.
4. A Nice Electric Heat Pad
If your Dr. recommends heat therapy.
5. Cold Press
If your Dr. recommends cold therapy.
6. Elevating Leg Pillow
Really helps with lower back pain – still use one today!
7. A Bedrest
So you can sit comfortably in bed.
8. Pain Relieving Lotion & Oil
9. Mederma For Your Scar
I found it really helped me, but I would recommend talking to your Dr. before you use it.
10. Sleep Time Tea
It’s not always easy to fall asleep when your in pain, a good tea might help.
Just a reminder, all items on this list are my personal recommendation based on my experience. I am not a medical professional, so please consult with your Dr. before using or purchasing any of my recommended products.
Photo Credit: canva.com
The Curvy Spine 
A few tats and a trip to Africa? Sounds pretty wild to me! 😉
I think we all have a few wild stories ♥
A lot of nurses in the medical field can’t find the vein. Scary…that’s there job. But I agree, donating blood is a valiant effort.
Well even if they have difficulty some one has to do it, and I am glad it is not me 🙂 SO, maybe the price is a few bruises and a sore arm, but its probably worth it in the end ♥
Thank you for sharing this post. I’m so Bless for the one’s who donate so I can have my transfusion. I so know how you feel about the nurses not been able to find your veins. I have pretty much experience that a lot in my life. Now I’m at the point of going for port so I don’t have to worry about going through so much pain in the near future! God Bless You:)
have you did a post on your trip to Africa? I so would love to read it and hear about your experience if you don’t mind sharing!
It’s a great thing to donate blood, and I will do once I can 🙂 My boyfriend donates regularly, which is always a good thing.
I have done a post on my trip to Africa, but not on The Curvy Spine, you can read about it here: http://truthseekers.cultureunplugged.com/truth_seekers/2010/03/heart-of-africa.html
My mom had to have an emergency heart operation during the operation many pints of blood were used. I have always been thankful to those who had donated their blood. I have also become a blood donaor knowing that, in a small way, I am able to help save someone’s life.
Exactly! It’s something so simple, and it can really make a difference in someone else’s life. It’s an honorable thing to do, and I think more people should really do it 🙂
I try to donate blood every couple of months — sometimes it goes well, other times not so well. It’s definitely an easy way to bless people…
It really is, you never know who your helping and it doesn’t really take much out of you 🙂 I wish it were easier to donate blood here in Sweden, but I am not allowed to donate if I am not Swedish…so I have to wait a few more years.