What should I take into the hospital?

Hello.

I am 23, male with UC.
In 2 days I'm going to a hospital to have a total colectomy done laparoscopically.
I am already gathering things to take into the hospital.
I will not have the ability to get anything later as it's 200 miles away from my home.
Please give me some ideas as to what to take in so that I don't miss anything crucial.

So far on my list are:
Laptop + charger,
cell phone + charger,
headphones,
shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, a towel, shaver,
notebook, pen, studybooks.

What else would you recommend me to take?

Best regards!

1. Gym shoes with good soles. Slippers with gripping soles would be a good second choice.

2. Good robe, that ties easily and covers your hospital gown.

3. Pen and small notebook.


Shoes and robe are for walking, walking, walking! You'll be glad you brought good fitting shoes and not just warm sox. But pack extra sox, hospitals are cold buildings. The robe is for your privacy. The nurses put me in two hospital gowns, one tied in the back and the second one was on backwards, tying in the front for my first hospital stay (my colon resection). I didn't know I was supposed to bring a robe! When the nurses tell you it's time to sit up, swing your legs to the side of the floor, stand up, move to a chair and eventually walk out into the hall, you'll be happy you packed a robe.

Pen and paper were for my second stay (takedown), similar to packing good shoes and a robe. I was a dunce with the first surgery, clueless as to what to bring. Takedown surgery, I was prepared - I recorded hourly breathing exercises and walking trips out into the hall, increasing them each time. At discharge, I was walking two complete laps around the surgical floor, several times a day (3 or 4). I wanted to regain my strength and recover. All that steady and slow walking did the trick. I got out of the hospital 2 days early.

Good luck to you!

Lotion that you like (it's really dry) and air freshener that you like because your output will smell really nasty at first. Something to keep your feet warm in bed if they get cold; the hospital socks are very flimsy.

Hope the surgery and recovery go smoothly.

books to read, or puzzles to do as you will be bored.. and comfy clothes to wear home! Something like sweat pants..You won't want to get into jeans right away..
And maybe some panty liners for men.. just in case :)

And something I always want to pack, and always forget.. Thank you cards!!! To give to nurses and staff who go out of their way to make you feel better :) Maybe some little candies to toss in them too.. like lifesavers..with an opening line of "Thanks for your thoughtfulness, you're a life saver!"
Or take some cute pencils..and write something like "You are right on point with your care"...
Just something silly, but
It is amazing how some kind words goes a long way for them too!

and if you forget those, write down their names and what they did, then make sure you give your patient advocate the glowing report before you leave.. this way they get praise form the bosses too :)

Oh, another thing is an eye mask if you have trouble sleeping with the lights on -- they're always turning them on in the middle of the night (and often it's for something w/your roommate, not you).

All good ideas!

I also recommend the earplugs and a sleep mask if you can. I was kept awake or woken a few times by roommates or nurses.

Your own pillow for sure.

Yes to lib balm and moisturizer

Make sure your slippers are slip on, or go for flip flops. Bending to put something on your feet won't be fun.

The notepad and pen are helpful for keeping track of your input and output. Don't just rely on the nurses for that.

Good luck!

Thank you so much!
I cannot wait for my surgery. So excited to finally get rid of that nasty ulcerated thing :D.
Today I will have my last pizza pre surgery.

Some sanitizing wipes are always good! to clean off your remote on your bed, and your hands you won't be up walking around much.
If you wear contacts be sure you take extra solution, my eyes always dry out very quickly. Also some gas-x, it is sometimes hard to get the nurses to bring it and it will help.
This isn't something to take, just something to be aware of, something I wish I had known. When you wake up, the bag you will have on will probably be clear, and your first output will probably be this crazy color green never seen in nature and smell like death warmed over. Do not panic, it will not stay that way. I was so upset that I thought I would have to deal with that forever.
good luck!

Great thread! I am going in on May 7. Keep us posted on how you are doing..

Nose tube? Was told not to expect one of those- knock on wood.

I remember my temporary ostomy had a clear bag too. Quite a shock to see, first time, that's a good comment summerstorm! For my takedown I had to wear a clear one again and I remember lifting my gown to say good bye to my temp stoma, my husband shook his head. I knew I couldn't keep it, my ostomy nurse kept saying - oh I can tell this is a temp stoma. But in hindsight, 14 years later, I believe I probably should have had a permanent colostomy. Sigh.......we have terrible insurance now, and it's not only recent, for at least 6-8 years now. So I'm living with my reconnected, messed up colon - as is.

But I wish you nothing but the best wrikisli!

Re inflatable pillows -- if you're having your anus removed, you don't want the kind with the hole in it, as it'll spread the stitches.... they gave me a "waffle" pillow at the hospital, which did not have a hole....

Ewww, I had the dreaded nose tube too and it wasn't draining properly and I ended up throwing up all over myself.....it was awful. Best day when they finally took it out. That was the day I turned the corner, cath out and nose tube out. I had the best nurse that day. She really helped me pull it together. Thank you again Jean!!! Xoxoxo.