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What to bring to hospital

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/20/2013 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
I am having the first of my three surgeries to remove my colon and get a j-pouch on Nov 4th. I have been reading everything I can to prepare myself for the surgery. But I have not found anything that tells me what I should bring to the hospital with me. I am looking into stealth belts and other accessories. What are your opinions on these? And what should I bring to the hospital with me?
Posted 10/20/2013 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
You don't need to take any ostomy supplies with you to the hospital. I would wait on a belt too, you might not be up for using it for several weeks.

Sue
Posted 10/20/2013 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
The nurses will help you with all the supplies you need before you are released from the hospital so need to worry yourself about that now. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Posted 10/20/2013 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
I didn't have the same type of surgery but I had a bowel re-segment (that had an issue) which required me to have a second surgery and a loop ostomy. The hospital supplied all the ostomy bags etc for me while I was there. They had the ostomy nurse come by and change it out and give instructions a couple times before I was discharged. They also gave me enough supplies for 5 bag changes when I left. They were one piece "clear bags" that I wasn't crazy about but it was enough to hold me over till I got my preferred bags that I wanted.
Posted 10/20/2013 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
You don't need to bring any ostomy supplies or think about buying any for now. Regarding the stealth belt, some people like it but I hear from many more people who bought it very early and found it to be a big waste of money. I wouldn't order anything like that until you've lived with the ostomy for a couple of weeks.

Stuff for the hospital... bring comfy clothes, especially sweatpants with a very very loose/soft/elastic waist, your own slip on shoes, something to keep you entertained (phone with charger and headphones, laptop, tablet, books, etc). Other than that they'll probably have everything you need. If you tend to have dry skin/eyes/nose/lips etc it's nice to bring your own lip balm/eye drops/nose spray/whatever.

Don't forget to bring an outfit to come home in and remember your belly will be swollen for at least a week after surgery so you probably will NOT fit into your jeans at first, hence the sweat pants with a loose/soft waistband.
Posted 10/20/2013 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
I'm with Liz, bring things to keep yourself comfortable and entertained. I had comfortable pajamas that were loose fitting, my laptop loaded with movies, my phone/charger, my mother brought in some toiletries like deodorants, razor etc.
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