Same goes for me wishing you both (potty and skibum) an easy recovery. I followed Zanne's advice and took my own pillow. I even took my own soft blanket and pj's! It was the best thing I could have done for myself to help make the hospital stay more comfortable. As the surgeon team would come in each morning they couldn't wait to see what cute new pj's I would have on that day!! Thanks Zanne!
I took a flannel nightie for when I still had the catheter in for the first 3 days and then could switch to top and bottom pj's. Hopefully you can get a tv for your room, and I also brought my son's dvd player to watch movies. That really helped especially at night.
I took my own bath soap and hand cream. It really helped to smell and feel clean with a quick sponge bath. Each day as your strength increases, I would walk the halls (more each day) and by the time I would drag my IV pole to the bathroom and give myself a sponge bath it was good exercise and I was exhausted! Not overdoing it of course.
Another thing I will share that I wish I would have known sooner...the dietician came to see me on day 6 and she wrote a special order to the kitchen for my meals, so instead of eating the gross jello etc once I was off clear/soft liquids, she ordered me banana, saltine crackers, v8 juice, toast, slices of cheese. My bowels had just started to work I think around day 4 and D was pretty bad, I think they started me on solid liquids etc way to soon, so then they put me back on clear liquids for a day or so and started over. My belly was very dissented and uncomfortable until I finally passed gas on the toilet!
So I guess my point is that if you don't feel comfortable eating what they give you talk to your nurse or doctor right away, because mine had their wires crossed and weren't communicating properly and my food orders weren't changed accordingly each day. I think I ate some creamy soup on day 2 thinking they knew what they were doing and it was way to soon to eat that. So just go with what your gut tells you, literally!! Take care and your surgery will be done and you will be home before you know it!! Thinking of you!