So, you've just found out that you've been scheduled to have a laparoscopy to get some answers as to why you are experiencing a myriad of symptoms like pelvic pain, irregular periods and fatigue - to name a just a few... And whilst finding out that you are having a surgery that is designed to relieve and/or lessen your symptoms is a relief in itself - it can also be a very overwhelming in trying to prepare yourself for your upcoming major surgery, mentally and in a practical sense.
As someone who has had a few of these surgeries now, I have compiled a small list of tips that I have found super helpful in preparing for the surgery and the best things to bring along with you in your hospital bag!
Firstly, if you are ever in doubt about what to bring and or specific details about your specific surgery, it is best to contact your surgeon's rooms for the best information as this list is not exhaustive and based on my personal experience.
- A large, over-sized nightie to wear after the surgery so that you don't have anything tight around your waist that could irritate your surgical sites - and if you want pants to wear leaving the hospital, I highly recommend soft waistband track pants that will not dig into your surgical sites
- A comfortable, warm jumper with a full length centre zip, so that you can easily slip it over your arms without having to stretch to get it over your head!
- A phone charger with a extra long cord as often the power outlets in your room can be in awkward locations, so this means you can lie comfortably but still charge your phone
- Baby wipes and/or face wipes - you might not feel like a full shower but these are a great way to make yourself feel refreshed after surgery
- A hot water bottle - I never leave the house without mine! After surgery you might not want to use it on your stomach as you'll have fresh surgical sites, but it helps with the shoulder tip pain that you can experience after abdominal surgery. And watch this space, we are working on a new design that is designed to be used around the neck and shoulders!
- Slides - I always pack a pair of my favourite slides to wear home from the hospital as they are super easy to slip on your feet, and don't require you to bend down and tie up laces ect.
- For a little hint of luxury, I always pack my favourite perfume that I can spritz on myself so that there's a comforting and familiar smell
By no means is this list the exhaustive, but it's a small compilation of things that I have found to be really helpful and make the initial recovery that little bit easier and comfortable.
