What do I need to take to the hospital with me?

I'll be going to the hospital for an ileostomy soon (the actual date has not been set yet). So what are some items that I should take with me to the hospital?

I don't watch much TV, so I was thinking of taking one of my older laptops. That way I could watch a movie, or listen to music.

I also need suggestions on the more practical things.

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

-Eric

i always just use the soap, tooth paste, toothbrush they give me at the hospital. I bring my Kindle, cellphone and charger, laptop, DVDs, comfy pajama pants, undies, and tank tops for when I get sick of the hospital gowns, lotion (I get really dry at the hospital), deodorant, slippers sometimes (though I like the hospital socks with the non slip bottoms)

If you are going to be in a room with 3 other ppl like I was..you'll need ear plugs and maybe eye covers. I brought my music to listen to and my laptop to watch movies. Slippers that are easy to slip on cuz you wont be able to reach ur feet. I also took my house coat cuz it got cold in there at night. Wish u all the best. Celine

Robe, slippers with a rubber sole or just velcro gym shoes, warm sox, plenty of magazines, books or crossword puzzle books to do possibly.

But my best advice? You'll possibly laugh. Tell very few people you're going in for surgery. Why? Because the fewer that know, the fewer that will pop in for long visits, phone your room at all hours of the day, etc.

While my last surgery was the reverse of what you're doing, colostomy reversal, I only told about 5 people. Compared to my first surgery (at least 50). I had to have the ringer on my phone turned off, it was nice that people cared about me to that extent but my hospital room wasn't an office, one kind nurse said - you know, you are not obligated to answer that phone!

So my last stay was ever so quiet, some might say too quiet, but it was a very nice way to recover from surgery. Another kind nurse figured out I had told very few people, she said and I quote - you were smart to do that!

So that's my 2 cents.......most people mean well but they have no idea what bowel surgery is like to recover from.

I had my mom become my secretary. If I was sleeping (or attempting) she would tell them so. If I was awake and alert - she'd ask if I wanted to talk on the phone. Usually I had her tell them the latest and I'd be fumbling off to the 'loo.

Disinfectant wipes for the tv remote and the rails on your bed...they clean but I like to know it's been wiped down!

I always suggest the robe, slippers that slip on, hard candy and an ipod/mp3 player. Books don't always work when you are on pain meds:( Magazines are better and you cannot go wrong with your laptop since most places have wifi. Just remember the chargers for your electronics!!!

Like Marsky mentioned...you are in the hospital for a reason, and although people want to visit and show their concern, they should wait until you get home for that....recovery is different for all of us but it's not fun to have 5 people visiting when you don't feel well and should be resting!

Good luck and keep the questions coming as you come up with more:)

oh yes alochol wipes are good, for your hands because you wont always feel like getting upa nd washing them! sanitzer just doesnt do it for me, cause i like to actually get the stuff off my hands, lol. Plus you can use those for the bedrails and such.

Audiobooks might be fun. I DID read while in the hospital, but if you're on heavy pain meds at first, it can be hard to concentrate...plus all the activity the first couple days with yourself and the nurses and your roommate and his nurses.