What to Pack in the Hospital Bag For Dad’s Surgery.
My husband’s first surgery for cancer? Nerve-wracking.
We had no idea what to expect and it was a time of tremendous anxiety.
(Note: if you’re feeling super anxious about an upcoming surgery, it’s a good idea to read this. It helped me tremendously…
I was worried about everything…
- What if something goes wrong?
- What if they miss something?
- What if it doesn’t work?
When Dad is getting ready for surgery and you have no idea what you’ll need… We make it simple. The last thing you need is more stress.
You’re already dealing with way too much stress and anxiety to try and figure it out.
Whether the scheduled hospital stay is for one night or a full week, this hospital packing list for Dad will make the process quick and painless. Because you can do it and be done in a matter of minutes.
This list has everything he’ll need to pack to be prepared for his upcoming surgery, all you have to do is follow it.
Hint: If you’re a caregiver, support person, or a family member helping a loved one who has cancer, and you need to pack your own bag… You can find the list for the Support Squad go bag here…
Heads Up: What if we could take away some of your cancer-related stress?
What if we could show you a quick and easy way to organize important medical information so you can actually find what you’re looking for?
No hassle, no stress, it’s a quick and easy setup that takes minutes to maintain. And the best part… It’s 100% Free.
You can get the Cancer Binder Pack here…
Dad Hospital Bag Checklist
- Start with a small overnight bag for his hospital visit.
A backpack or a small duffle bag (not a suitcase) is a good choice. The hospital will usually give you a cubby in your hospital room (a small shelf) to keep your items, so there’s not a lot of extra room for your personal belongings.
Important Items He’ll Need on The Big Day
2. Insurance Information: This might be needed during check-in, but you don’t need it the entire time. Make sure to send this home with someone once you’re done with it, losing this will be a hassle
3. Driver’s license or Photo ID: to prove who you are, then send it home.
4. Complete List of Your Current Medications: You’ll want to have this clearly written down on a sheet of paper.
- Medication (Eliquis)
- Dosage (5 mg)
- Frequency (twice a day)
*NOTE* The medication list isn’t just for prescription medications, make sure to include any vitamins or supplements.
Things He’ll Need for an Extended Stay
5. Cell Phone: This goes without saying, as everyone takes their phone everywhere… Have someone hold it during the surgery, but make sure you get it back after. It’s essential for keeping in contact with family and friends, distraction, and the endless waiting… the phone will help with that.
And being able to talk to you will ease everyone else’s anxiety.
6. Long Phone Charger and Wall Block: (6 ft or 10 ft) So he can keep his phone charged when there are limited outlets. This will help him stay in contact with the people he loves, play games, binge-watch TV shows and listen to his Spotify playlist while he’s stuck.
7. Ear Phones: They help with the incessant beeping of the machines (and difficult roommates). Skip the portable speaker and opt for headphones.
8. Hand Sanitizer: This is a great idea to keep your hands clean. Because getting in and out of bed might be problematic.
9. Good Book(s) to read: Choose something he would LOVE to read and grab a backup in case it’s a bust.
10. Glasses, glass case, and lens cleaners: If he wears glasses, or contact lenses (ask about these, you’re probably going to need to remove them- so don’t forget the contact lens solution) don’t forget to pack a case to protect them and glass cleaners to clean them up.
They’ll likely need to be removed during surgery and will need to be protected so they don’t get scratched.
11. 1 pair of socks: To wear home. Hospitals make you wear the socks with the tread on the bottom to reduce the chances of slipping while you’re admitted, so he’ll only need these to go home.
12. 3 pairs of underwear: I pack a few extra pairs in case you have to stay a few days (you always feel better in your own underwear)!
13. Boxer shorts for men: I pack a few extra pairs in case you have to stay a few days (you always feel better in your own underwear)! Even if he wears boxer briefs, get a few pairs of boxer shorts if there is a catheter involved. They help tremendously.
14. 2 pairs of sweat pants/gym shorts/ or pajama pants: A nice addition to the hospital gown and great for walking the hallways without exposure.
Plus, they’re comfortable clothes to go home in.
Toothbrush/toothpaste or denture cup (if needed): Many hospitals provide this, but some don’t, and brushing your teeth is a pretty big deal if you have to stay a few days.
15. Deodorant: Most people prefer their own, especially if you’re not able to shower.
16. Wet Wipes: Are great for everything! Hands, face, arms, neck… being able to somewhat bathe (BY YOURSELF) is a pretty big deal when you’re stuck in the hospital for days.
17. 1 T-shirt: Part of your change of clothes/going-home outfit. They’ll make you wear the hospital gown for your entire stay. Putting that t-shirt on means you’re finally out of there!
18. Lip Balm: Consider this one of these essential items. The one they give you in the hospital is weak. We recommend you bring your own. You won’t be sorry.
19. Notebook and a Pen: For notes, and occasionally “screaming” in writing! Plus he can use it to keep score during card games.
20. His Own Pillow: This could be his regular pillow or a travel pillow. Either are good options to increase his level of comfort and avoid additional aches and pains (like neck pain).
21. Slip-on Comfortable Shoes: Easy to get into shoes (with solid traction) so you can walk around a little if you get the chance.
22. Comfort items: For my husband, it was a picture of me and the kids, and his Hot Cherry Pillow that provides a warm soothing comfort and helps immensely with pain. Staying in the hospital can be pretty nerve-wracking.
23. Deck of Cards: For tons of game options to pass the time. Solitaire, Rummy 500, Golf, Poker…
24. Electronic Devices: Like an iPad or a Kindle to read, play games, or catch up on social media while you’re waiting to get out.
25. Cash/Credit Card: I like to keep a few dollars in cash, and sometimes you need credit cards to turn on the TV and/or phone service. This also gives you the option to send someone out to the vending machine for a protein bar, trail mix, or their favorite snacks (you know healthy snacks with the nurses okay) when he gets sick of hospital food!
26. Medical Equipment: Like a CPAP machine and CPAP mask for Sleep Apnea (don’t forget to pre-pack distilled water and cleaning detergent).
27. Shopping Bag: To separate and carry out any dirty laundry on the first day after surgery.
What Not to Pack in Dad’s Hospital Bag
Don’t pack medication: The nurses have to give you ANY medication you take in the hospital, even Tylenol. They usually prefer that you don’t bring any meds to the hospital, but there is an exception. If you have something rare or unusual (my dad had a Testosterone patch that was not a usual medication). I usually packed one in case the hospital didn’t have it (that happened frequently).
Don’t bring your wallet: Hospitals are not secure and it’s easy for things to go missing. If Dad needs a debit card to turn on the phone or TV use it and then send it home.
Don’t wear jewelry: Wedding rings are usually okay, but anything else will likely need to be removed before surgery, so just leave that stuff at home.
Don’t bring your car keys: He has enough stress without losing the keys. Plus he likely won’t be driving home, so he should leave them with someone else.
Don’t bring canes/walkers/personal wheelchairs: Unless they ask you to. Things get lost and it’s really hard to keep track of items like that. Hospitals have accessible wheelchairs for moving around if you need one. And when you’re discharged it’s generally mandated that you leave in one as well.
**We brought our own wheelchair and it added 10x more stress on me to keep track of it all day.
Don’t keep your insurance cards: The hospital will have this all sorted out before the surgery, sometimes days beforehand, but you don’t want to keep insurance or a Medicare card lying around the hospital.
P.S. What if we could take away some of your cancer-related stress?
What if we could show you a quick and easy way to organize important medical information so you can actually find what you’re looking for?
No hassle, no stress, with a quick and easy setup that takes minutes to maintain. And the best part… It’s 100% Free.
You can get the Cancer Binder Pack here…
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