< Blog 27/10/2019When you’re going through the emotions of having an operation (whether stressed or excited, nervous or calm), your mind will be in a thousand places at once. Here’s my easy checklists for what to take when going to hospital for an operation.Clothes:Button-up shirt/loose fitting topYou don’t want to pull a jumper over your sore post-surgical face - turtlenecks are a no goBaggy trousersPost-surgery you want to be as comfortable as possible so make sure your trousers are easy to get on and off, especially for hip bone-graftsLayersHospitals can go to from hot to cold in a matter of minutes (or at least it can feel like that when you’re recovering from surgery), so make sure you don’t limit your optionsUnderwearDressing gownSlippersToiletries:Tooth brushTooth pasteVaseline/hand creamFlannelBar of soapThere will be soap in the bathroom you use, but it can often feel a bit nicer when it’s your own – same applies for a towel, but remember you won’t have loads of spaceSanitary productsJust because you’re having surgery, it doesn’t mean you won’t be on your periodFor entertainment:Nintendo DS or iPod touchSomething portable and electrical that’s not a phone (save on battery)HeadphonesPhoneBookMagazineI wouldn’t recommend food magazines: before an op you’ll be ‘nil by mouth’ and jealous of anyone eating anything, and afterwards for most cleft operations your mouth/face will be very sore, so it may be awhile until you can eat normally againDrawing/colouring book with pens/pencilsOr something that doesn’t involve a screen (staring at a screen would make me feel sick after a while due to the anaesthetic, plus this doesn’t depend on being near enough to a charging point)Don’t take:ValuablesAny unnecessary jewellery and be aware with electronics – unless you have someone to look after them for you, the hospital often can’t be responsible for them if you put them with your clothesYour best clothesThis is a time to be comfy and to be realistic, often things like jeans post-op are your worst nightmare when you just want to be tired and chilled. Also, there may be a bit of blood or vomit at some point and the last thing you want to think is that you’ve got something on your favourite topYour worst clothesAlthough jeans post-op may not be the best idea, before the operation jeans or something more ‘normal’ can help you feel more at ease while you’re waiting. For my second jaw op I had to wait about 6 hours at the hospital and it definitely helped to just wear what I would normally to an appointment rather than feeling weird in a tracksuit I hardly wore (just make sure you have something chilled to change into)Make sure you always check what the hospital letter tells you to bring - there are often limits to space or extra things to remember, e.g. any medication you regularly take.

Hello!

My name's Beth

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I was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate.

This is the story of how being different changed my life.

Treatment

Psychology

Advice

Updates

17.11.2018 | 'CLAPA Adult Conference' - Cleft Lip and Palate Association

29.03.2019 | 'Cleft Net East: Adolescent Psychology Support Group' - Addenbrooke’s Hospital

What to Take to Hospital

Meeting the Team in Laos

Moving into Corporate Partnerships

Life as an Intern

#bethscleft