One day left! Tomorrow morning I’ll be waking at the crack of dawn to go to the hospital for laparoscopic diagnosis and excision of endometriosis.

We’ve gone over the basics of endometriosis, my story, and what my pre-op appointment included. Today, I’ll share my packing list for my hospital bag.

While my surgery is planned to be outpatient — meaning I’ll be released after surgery and not stay the night — there’s always the possibility of inpatient admission, depending on how things go. I’ve packed a bag with clothes, books, and a few other things in case that happens.

This list is largely a combination of the recommended list from the Endometriosis Reddit’s Lap Survival Guide and the info from my pre-op paperwork packet, with a few “can’t live without” extras of my own.

• “Easy to read” books. For me that included my new copy of the first American Girl Nanea book, childhood favorite The Ordinary Princess, and middle school favorite Book of a Thousand Days. Plus, a fully loaded Kindle and charger.
• Nintendo Switch with charger and games.
• Written list of all medications with doses and how often I take them.
• Glasses case and cleaning cloth.
• Several pairs of my new brief underwear (aka “granny panties”) — recommended by the Reddit group to avoid irritation or pressure on incisions.
• Pads. The hospital will probably provide these, but it’s nice to have backups in my preferred brand (Seventh Generation).
• Nightgowns and one of my new comfy dresses, plus one set of backup regular pajamas with loose pants.
• Several pairs of socks.
• Robe (aka dressing gown).
• Mini travel hairbrush and hair bands.
• Face wipes.
• Deodorant.
• Blank notepad, personal journal, and two pens.
• Nail clippers.
• Carmex lip balm.
• Hand lotion.
• Two packets of tissues.
• Wallet with IDs/insurance card.
• Albuterol inhaler.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Mask(s), in this time of COVID.

And here’s my list of things to add the morning of, since I still need to use them now:

• Headphones and earbuds.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Phone charger.
• Laptop with mouse and charger.
• Water/juice bottle for while I’m waiting.

Pretty sure that covers it. Surgery’s tomorrow. Wish me luck!