Going into Hospital
Before you are given a general anaesthetic and have surgery you will need to have your general health checked. Most hospitals ask you to visit a pre-assessment clinic for this before your surgery date. The assessment may involve some tests including blood samples. Some people may also require other tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a chest x-ray. This may depend on your age and other health conditions. You will also be asked about any medication you’re taking. Please take a list of your medications with you to pre-assessment so they can be documented.
Your hospital team should provide you with information about your admission and hospital stay as well as what to take with you.
The length of your hospital stay will depend on what type of surgery you have, how you recover and the support available at home. Most people who have had breast surgery without reconstruction are discharged from hospital the same day. In such cases some people might still have wound drains in place. You will be told how to look after this if you go home with a drain in. Your specialist team will talk to you about how long you’ll be in hospital. It is important that you have someone at home who can help you for the first few days following your surgery.
What should I bring into hospital?
Most people have their surgery as a day case (come in and go out on the same day), so you do not bring too much with you.
Things to bring:
• Your medications
• Dressing gown
• Slippers
• Nightwear (if this opens at the front, this is easier)
• Toiletries
Please avoid bringing:
• Electric items
• Large amounts of money
• Valuables
Somebody from the ward will ring you a few days before your admission to go through everything with you, confirm details and answer any questions you may have.
Disclaimer: On this website you will find advice to help you manage some of the more common but milder symptoms and side effects of breast cancer surgery. Please ONLY use this advice if you are currently participating in the ePainQ research project, otherwise you must follow the advice given to you by your medical team.
Clicking on the links in the left hand menu will take you to advice on looking after yourself during treatment. If after following the advice you don’t feel your symptoms are being successfully managed or relieved, or if you become more unwell, you should contact your hospital medical team immediately.