Endometriosis Laparoscopy – What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

I’ve had an endometriosis laparoscopy twice now. My doctors had suspected endometriosis for a while, so they wanted to investigate whether any endometriosis was present. The first laparoscopy didn’t uncover anything, but as the endometriosis symptoms continued over the following years, my doctor wanted to take another look.

The first time I had endometriosis laparoscopic surgery, I had no clue what to expect and unfortunately the hospital I went to didn’t prepare me for what to expect or what to bring.

Luckily, the second time around, I had my surgery at a great hospital with a great team of surgeons and nurses. Along with doing my research, I had an amazing specialist who talked me through each step. At my pre-op appointment, they also gave me a printout of what they would do during surgery, what would happen post-op and they also gave me a list of items to pack.

Now that I’ve been through the process twice, I know what to bring and what I would bring if I ever have to do it again. So I’ve put together a list of items to pack if you’re having an endometriosis laparoscopy.

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR ENDOMETRIOSIS LAPAROSCOPY

• Duffle/ overnight bag – Of course, you need a good sturdy bag to put everything in. I love this one because it’s sturdy, holds a lot and also has a shoulder strap which comes in handy, as post-op, the last thing you want to do is heave around a heavy bag. I’ve had this one for a while and still use it years later, compared to others I’ve had which fall to pieces after a few uses.

CLOTHING TO PACK FOR YOUR ENDOMETRIOSIS LAPAROSCOPY

• Slippers-The second hospital I went to was amazing and gave socks and slippers, but I packed a pair just in case to keep my feet warm and to feel comfortable if I had to walk to the bathroom or something. These are the ones I ordered and they still have them in stock. They’re really comfy and keep your feet warm (they’re also pretty cute). 

• Socks – Most hospitals should give you compression socks, but just in case you may also want to bring your own compression socks, which help with blood flow post-op, these are the ones I have. I also bought these fluffy socks to keep my feet warm. They also have loads of similar ones on Amazon.

• Loose underwear – When you come out of surgery, you’ll want to have on comfy loose underwear. It’s best to size up, as your stomach will be a little bloated and you’ll probably have to wear a pad. These are the ones I bought. They were really comfy and washed really well. I went up two sizes and ordered a few for when I left the hospital and for when I got home. 

• Period underwear – For my first two surgeries, I had no clue that there was actual period underwear, so if I had to do it all again, I’d definitely invest in some. Here’s one I found which has really great reviews and is also a reasonable price. 

You can also check out this post by Glamour Magazine, they’ve put together a list of the best period pants in 2021.

• A nightdress – Having to sit around in a hospital gown with your ass exposed isn’t the most comfortable feeling. So you can pack a nightdress to slip into. I got this one, it’s super comfy and cosy.

• Robe – After my first surgery, I had the most uncomfortable clothes to change back into going home and I can remember thinking, why didn’t I just pack a robe that could slip on and be out the door, no hassle. This one is super comfy and also has a hood. Great, if you’re leaving during colder weather or want to be incognito. 

• A change of clothes to go home in – Get something really loose that is easy to put on and that won’t rub on your incisions. Coming home on both occasions I wore this tracksuit, it doesn’t have a tight waistband, and is really easy to slip on and off.

• Hair bands/ scrunchies or headscarf – The last thing you want to worry about is your hair being in the way of getting on your nerves. The first time around, I wore my hair up and had a few hair bands to hand in case I needed another. For my second endometriosis laparoscopy, I wrapped my hair instead and wore a headscarf; they have so many cute ones on Amazon. 

TOILETRIES TO PACK FOR YOUR ENDOMETRIOSIS LAPAROSCOPY

• Toiletry bag – I didn’t have to stay overnight, but I had an overnight bag just in case. I have this one which has also come in handy when I’ve been travelling. It has enough space to fit your essentials into one bag and is slim enough to fit into your overnight bag. It’s also waterproof, so no need to worry about liquids leaking and ruining everything.

• Toothpaste and toothbrush – I got this travel sized toothbrush as its foldable into a neat case. 

• Travel size deodorant

• Small towel – I also got a pack of small towels and packed a couple, in case I wanted to freshen up or wash my face. 

• Sanitary pads – You may bleed a lot after surgery (I know I did) so you’ll need to have pads at the ready, and a good amount of them. I went for these, which are 100% cotton and plastic free.

• Body wipes – You probably won’t be able to take a full on shower. So you can use wipes to freshen up. I packed these FreshWipes.

• Hand sanitizer – I know it’s a hospital and there will be sanitizer all over the place. But I had a small one, anyway.

• Lip balm – Coming out of surgery, your lips will be chapped, so bring a chapstick or lip balm. I use this one which is one of my holy grail products.

TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES TO PACK FOR YOUR LAPAROSCOPY

• Headphones – I had my headphones with me as I was really nervous and listened to music to help keep me calm. You can also listen to a podcast or ebook whilst you wait to go into surgery or when you come out. 

• Portable charger – A lifesaver if you end up being admitted. I have this one.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Medication and vitamins – Bring any medication and vitamins you’re taking with you in case you’re admitted. At the time of my second laparoscopy, I was on medication that I had to take three times a day, so I brought them with me in a pillbox. This is the one I have, but amazon has so many.

• A book or kindle – Just in case you get bored or want to take your mind off of your surgery.

• Water bottle – Your throat will be dry after surgery after having tubes down your throat. You’ll, of course, be given water at the hospital, but I also had my water bottle with me. I bought one similar to this one and still use it to this day. 

• Throat lozenges – You’ll be under general anesthesia, so they will put an endotracheal tube down your throat to give you oxygen during surgery. Because of that, your throat will probably feel a little sore when you come out, so having some throat lozenges can really help to coat your throat. These are the ones I used which were really helpful.

• Peppermint tea bags – this is something I didn’t bring to either surgery and I really wish I had. I was told I may have a little gas pain, but I didn’t expect it to be that bad. Peppermint tea, ginger tea and water were a lifesaver. Out of everything on the list, I’d say this should be in your top five! 

• Blanket – Hospitals are cold as hell! Well, sometimes. So you can bring a cosy blanket like this one to keep you warm. 

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