WSIW: For my husband's medical procedure? - YouLookFab Forum

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WSIW: For my husband's medical procedure?

JAileen

Veteran

I'm likely to be at the hospital all day, from very early in the morning to possibly into the evening. There is 30 percent chance of snow, with a forecast low of 25 and high of 42. Also, I don't know if the hospital will be warm or chilly. I want to be comfortable yet look presentable. Any suggestions?

ETA: WSIW - what should I wear?

Dressing

41 replies

Latest reply was from JAileen

Sal

Veteran

Either jeans or soft pants, with warm comfortable shoes (ankle boots, sneakers), a merino top with a puffer that you can take on and off. Or your equivalent.

Maybe a scarf in your bag, along with a book or magazine (not a challenging book), some snacks, a water bottle, a crossword and some money to buy coffee or a treat during the day.

Hope it all goes smoothly and well.

JAileen

Veteran

Sally, great ideas. Thank you. And thanks for the well wishes.

Anonymous

I would wear soft (knit) pants combined with an oversized knit top. I always go for layers so that I can add or remove as the climate dictates. I like to feel engulfed in my layers for security and comfort. I also carry a huge tote. I carry snacks, books, and water. I shove everything I think I might need into that tote.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

First of all, GOOD LUCK with hubs. Sending healing thoughts.

As a care-giver, I believe you need to dress up a little when you meet doctors and healthcare workers, because you get better care and it's respectful (granted you are not the sick patient of course). I vote polished casual. Jeans, pullover, scarf, nice boots, fun bag, and a warm coat (puffer or wool). Wear makeup and a little jewelry.

In my experience, hospitals are warm because of the patients. But sitting and not moving around makes you cold, so make sure you layer for warmth.

Bring all sorts of stuff to keep you busy, and snacks too.

Traci

Veteran

My favorite is knit pants and a tunic because you never know what the chairs are going to be like and you want to be able to change positions for comfort. I like to wear slip on shoes with socks, so I can kick off my shoes and pull my feet up under me in the chair if needed for warmth and comfort. Make sure your fabrics are breathable because often the chairs are plastic and you're sitting in them all day long and your tush sweats and you want a good wicking and breathing fabric for that. No boots. My feet and toes have to move after 6-8 hours. Scarves are nice b/c you can put them on and off if the temperature is fluctuating. You can usually get a blanket if you're very cold.

Bring a very big water bottle or beverage because you don't know what the accomodations will be. Bring a nice sized snack. Sometimes the cafeterias close early and then you're out of luck if the procedure runs long and you forgot to eat.

Either consider making sure your outfit for the day can be slept in, or consider bringing a very simple outfit of leggings and tank top, just in case they decide to keep him overnight.

You don't have to dress up, but do put some thought into "looking nice." It goes a bit of a ways if you have to advocate, if you look reasonable and pulled together.

Joyce B

Veteran

I wish your husband good luck on the procedure and good luck to you, too.
The above suggestions are good.
Like Sterling, I find it useful to take a "hospital bag" with whatever he may need, such as slippers, change of clothes, toothbrush (although they will give him one if he needs). It sounds like an outpatient procedure so maybe you don't need the toothbrush. I think it may be handy to pack a few snacks for yourself.
As far as how to dress, I like to be comfortable but still look professional so I always wear a jacket, nice but comfortable pants and nice shoes with a good grip, appropriate for the weather. Hospital temperature is generally on the cold side so layers will help.
ETA: I like to look professional so that they take me seriously and I can better advocate for the person I am caring for.

Bonnie

Veteran

You've gotten some great advice. Hope all goes well.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I agree with Angie. Once again some type of soft suiting a knit jacket and trouser jean. Staff tend to respond better or more professional.

I would bring a big bag fullof goodies chargers for electronics. A big shawl or blanket scarf.

Sending good vibes that all goes well.

kkards

Veteran

sending well wishes to your husband, and calming and smoothing thoughts for you...
I 2nd everthing Traci said.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

Sending best wishes for your husband. I'm in your same boat--mulling over what to wear/pack when I chaperone MY husband to a routine medical test/procedure tomorrow morning. I'm thinking I'll wear white boyfriend jeans, black Jack Purcell Converse, Eileen Fisher knit top and a monochromatic grey/black pashmina scarf. It may prove to be too casual, but I think it looks crisp and tidy and it will be comfortable for lots of sitting. I'm also going to pack a bunch of snacks, meal bars, water, kindle, magazines, and light reading.

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JAileen

Veteran

Thank you Sterling, Angie, Traci, Joyce, Bonnie, Ledonna, and KKards. Thank you for your great suggestions. Thank you for your well wishes. Just thank you.

I've picked out an outfit based on Angie's suggestion that looking nice and respectful will be best for my husband's well being. I have jeans, charcoal turtleneck sweater, grey boots, grey North Face hooded puffer, an interesting arty necklace and earrings, a large grey Pendleton blanket shawl (for in case), and a checked tote bag. It's the only color in my outfit. I chose it because it has a huge zippered section inside so I don't need to bring a purse. I hope you all approve. Thanks again.

ETA: Emily, I just saw your post. Best of luck to your husband.

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Joy

Veteran

JAileen, my thoughts are with you. You have excellent advice. I find sitting in hospitals cold. I was told that they keep them cold to try to prevent germs spreading. Layers would be best with something that can be a blanket if needed. Take protein bars or other snacks. It is easy to miss out on meals when waiting for the doctor. I agree with Angie, that looking polished can get you better service. I hope all goes well.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

JAileen, First the coat purchase, and now this--I feel like we are sharing a weird parallel experience. Take care!

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Prayers for your husband and you tomorrow. It sounds like you're sorted for an outfit.

Bijou

Veteran

JAileen and Emily K, you have great outfits sorted. I hope the medical procedures go well for both of you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds great, Janet.

Emily, best of luck with your hubs too. Outfit looks good.

JAileen

Veteran

Joy, Columbine, Bijou, thank you for your advice and good thoughts.

Angie, thank you for your outfit suggestion. Polished casual is perfect for this casual town. My husband's well being is most important to me, although the outfit will be plenty comfortable.

Emily, it is kind of weird. I hope your husband's procedure goes very well.

rachylou

Veteran

Ah, I was going to mention a puffy... !! And yes, it helps to push the professional button...

Definitely take snacks - or a whole meal. I once got trapped in ER because they brought in gunfight casualties. As a type 1 diabetic, well eventually I had to trouble the desk for a juice...

Will your husband go home same day?

JAileen

Veteran

Rachy thanks for the suggestions. He might or might not come home the same day, depending. I've cut up some veggies and fruit, and plan to take some nuts and string cheese. We have two main hospitals. The other one is the one that gunshot victims are taken to.

Anonymous

Is this tomorrow? You and he are in my thoughts!
Same for you and your husband, Emily!
You both made good choice on what to wear/take.

Anonymous

Hope all goes well and the time passes quickly.

JAileen

Veteran

Ryce, yes it's tomorrow. He has to be there at 7am. Thanks for your good thoughts.

Delurked, thank you.

lpr200

Veteran

You've gotten great advice, make sure you have a phone charger--wishing you both luck.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am late here but hoping it all goes well.

Inge

(website)

Lots of great advice from our Fabbers. I love your blanket and bag, JAileen, and will be holding thumbs for your husband and you tomorrow.

Emily, for you and your husband too, of course. Your outfit also looks wonderful.

Glory

Veteran

Hope all goes well!
I agree with the excellent advice.

Anonymous

I hope the procedure goes well.
I haven't checked the replies yet, but did anybody tell you to bring shoes?

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for all the well wishes directed towards me and my husband--we are home now and doing well except for a pretty hilarious degree of disorientation on his part. Post surgical advice included: "do no driving, sign no contracts, do not shop on-line." Haha!

Apologies to JAileen for hijacking your thread. I hope everything continues smoothly, today, for you and your husband.

ClaraT

Veteran

What to bring: Don't forget your charger and headphones! (Download some podcasts or videos in case the connection isn't good.) And bring a book or magazine just in case. Best wishes.

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