Patients undergoing surgery for removal of an acoustic neuroma often wonder what they should pack for the hospital stay. Over time, many patients who have gone through the experience have contributed to this "what-to-pack" list. We have compiled their suggestions below and hope new patients find it useful.

• Eyedrops
• Paper and pen/pencil
• Lip balm
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
  You might find that an electric toothbrush is useful. The vibrations and the noise took some getting used to, but you might appreciate not having to move your head around too much.
• Lap blanket
• Lotion
• Hand sanitizer (antibacterial)
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner
  In most cases, you can wash your hair within three or four days of surgery.
• Brush or comb
• Bandana(s)
• Pajamas
  Bring at least two sets with button-down tops.
• Bathrobe
• Thick socks (to keep feet warm)
• Slippers (mandatory)
• Clothes for discharge
  Remember: button-down top.
• Several changes of underwear
• Companion/advocate
  Arrange to have a family-member or friend with you throughout most of the hospital visiting hours if possible.
• Cards for communicating
  Someone suggested that you should pre-print some small cards with simple concepts on them to communicate your needs in case you have difficulty speaking after surgery. Some things you might need to convey: "I can't reach... (my food tray, the water, etc.)" "I need a straw" "It's cold in here" "It's hot in here" "I need to use the bathroom" If you remember the paper and pencil, you can just write these things if they become necessary. But it's good to be prepared.
• Glasses or contacts (if you wear them)
  You might find you have an easier time dealing with any changes in balance if you have your corrective lenses so you can use your visual cues. However, putting contacts in and taking them out might be difficult in the first couple of days because you have to change your head position (balance issues and tenderness in the incision area make you not want to move your head too much). On the other hand, wearing glasses will be extremely uncomfortable because the piece that goes around the ear to hold the glasses on will come close to the incision with any surgical approach. Someone suggested removing the earpiece of the glasses on the surgical side until there is no longer any discomfort.
• Quiet activities
  If you're travelling a long distance for your surgery and plan to stay in the area after your discharge from the hospital (i.e. people going to House Ear Institute), you'll want some quiet activities for entertainment, such as a good book or two. You should get out to walk once or twice a day to practice exercising your altered sense of balance, but there tends to be a lot of fatigue post-operatively, so you'll want something to do when you're not up to going out and about.
• A pillow
  Some people have suggested a supportive neck pillow, and/or a buckwheat pillow. That might be appropriate for you as well, but at least bring a regular pillow. The pillows in most hospital rooms are extremely uncomfortable.
• Prescription card (if you have one)
  On discharge, you will receive anywhere from three to six prescriptions that must be filled immediately (one for pain, a steroid, an antacid to help you tolerate the steroid, probably a topical cream for the incision, and maybe other medications).

If there is something that you think should be added to this list, please email Kimberly or Philip by clicking on one of the links below.