Orthopedics Orthopedic Surgery Print What to Pack for the Hospital for Surgery Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Written by twitter linkedin Written by Jonathan Cluett, MD Dr. Jonathan Cluett is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Learn about our editorial policy Jonathan Cluett, MD Updated on October 21, 2019 Westend61 / Getty Images More in Orthopedics Orthopedic Surgery Post-Operative Recovery Sprains & Strains Fractures & Broken Bones Physical Therapy Osteoporosis Pediatric Orthopedics Sports Injuries Shoulder & Elbow Hip & Knee Hand & Wrist Leg, Foot & Ankle Assistive Devices & Orthotics Medication & Injections View All Going to the hospital for an elective surgical procedure can cause significant anxiety. One of the best ways to help ease anxiety is to plan for your upcoming surgery. Whether you are having a hip replacement, knee replacement, or a spinal surgery, there are some things you can prepare to have available to make your hospital stay more comfortable. Essentials The essentials are items that you may need. If you have questions, contact the hospital prior to the day of your surgery. If they have medications, records, or imaging studies, you may not need to bring duplicates of these, but if they don't have these available you may need to bring these yourself. Medications - in original containers, if your hospital pharmacy cannot provide for youRecent x-rays, MRIs, or other scan you have had doneInsurance documentationAny crutches, braces, or other devices needed after surgeryDocuments requiring your doctor's signatureAny other preoperative documents (some hospitals keep on file, others have patients keep these)Identification Clothing Hospital clothing serves a purpose, but that purpose is not making you feel comfortable! After most elective surgical procedures, you can often wear more normal clothes within a day or two of surgery. Take a few items of clothing to the hospital to have available once you can get rid of the hospital gown. Nightgown/PajamasRobeComfortable clothing (sweatpants, loose shirts)SlippersShoes Toiletries Hospitals will stock basic supplies, but like most any organization that you don't call home, you will miss your usual toothpaste or your normal razor. Having a few of these personal comforts will make the other changes (the new room, the hospital sheets) a little less uncomfortable by giving you some of your normal comforts from home. Toothbrush/ToothpasteRazorSoap/ShampooFeminine Hygiene ProductsTissues Other You're likely to be busy in the hospital. Between surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery, you may not have as much free time as you think. However, you also don't want to find yourself bored. Bring a few things to keep your mind occupied (a good book or some work to get done) just in case you have some down time. BookPen/Paper What Not to Bring Anything that you would be upset you lost should be left at home. There are some items you may decide you can't live without, even for a few days. However, anything you can't easily replace should be left at home. JewelryValuables Check Before You Bring Cellular phones (some hospitals do not allow these to be used around hospital monitoring equipment)Personal computer Consider the value of these items and how secure they will be at the hospital. Hospitals are safe places, but they are busy environments where personal items can go missing. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. Click below and just hit send! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Continue Reading