Before you become hospitalised, you have to go shopping for a list of things.
For patients going for key-hole surgery (laparascopy), you have to consider that you will have three to four punctures in your abodominal area so anything with a waistband, especially the currently fashionable low-waist pants, are a no-no.
One-piece garments like dresses are ideal.
At home, you may wear those batik-printed dresses. These may cost from $6 upwards (if you buy from neighbourhood heartlands like Toa Payoh Central) or from $20 upwards (if you buy from the souvenir shops along Orchard Road).
Panties have to be either 'maxi' or 'bikini' style. This is because the surgery is from the belly-button downwards.
You will need a pair of footwear, preferably a cheap pair of flip-flops. This is because you will be down-and-out after the surgery and will be confined to your bed for at least one day, so nobody will be looking after your footwear. Ditto for jewellery, money and expensive personal items e.g. handphones - so leave them at home till you are fully conscious.
Depending on the ward that you have chosen to stay in, you may also need a set of toiletries e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, comb, and bath towel. (C-class wards do not provide any of these toiletries).
If you like reading, you may wish to bring a book to read to while away the hours, especially the afternoons, with only tea-break to break the monotony. There are others who played at their crossword puzzles and electronic games as pastimes.
Lastly, remember to put all these in a bag (together with your hospital admission card) and voila, you are ready to be hospitalised.
& Any other bits about you (:
