What to bring/buy for surgery??

[izzi'smom]

Alright...spill it!!
What did you appreciate for your ostomy surgery?
What would you have liked that you DIDN'T have?
Please feel free to share!
We don't yet have our surgery date, but Izz is declining quickly and I want to be prepared in case our consult/surgery end up being during the same visit.
Also, Myreinhard has a little girl, Rowan (4 I think), who is having the surgery this month...I am sure she will also appreciate any advice!
Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Nyx]

I'd bring her a portable dvd player with all her favourite cartoons/movies. That helps pass the time. And lip balm (like Chapstick)...it's soooo dry in the hospital and I went through it like crazy. Personal things like a teddybear or stuffy might make her feel better too (I had my hospital kitty with me...I know, I'm over 40 and still need my stuffed kitty....lol).

 

[Terriernut]

Dry shampoo. And lots of lotion for moisturizing her skin. Its so dry and hot in the hospital. Cindy is right about the lip balm.

 

[glum chump]

Slippers! No matter how well they clean the floors, I still find them a bit suspect.

I ended up being in hospital for almost two months, and my own pillow and smaller duvet were comforting.

Treats from home! Like Freezies to suck on, my mom's roast turkey and cranberry sandwiches, etc. The oatmeal and other foods I got at the hospital were awful.

Everything on Cindy and Misty's list + any games that she likes to help pass the time/books she likes to read.

I wish Izzy the very best---I know it must be so hard for you as you watch her get weaker...if she is to get surgery, I have faith that she will survive it magnificently with you in her corner!

Hugs,

Kismet

 

[Misty-Eyed]

I had a cuddly toy too! Never too old for a cuddly toy! I had my ipad but most of the time I was too tired to be entertained! Going to the bathroom for a wash was so much effort, so personal hygiene ie washing my hair didn't happen until I went home. Even then it was with some dry shampoo! My mum just gave me a standing wash.

I do remember eating quite a bit during my last few days there although hospital food is horrible. So I'd day some nice snacks/food and visitors!

 

[pielady72]

Bring a favorite blanket from home, I remember being cold in the hospital but I also had surgery in summertime and the ac was going full blast. My husband also brought me in a bathrobe and comfortable clothes to wear after surgery. I had alot of trouble with the hospital gowns being to big.

 

[calvinball15]

Have all of your friends and loved ones take shifts to visit during your hospital stay and also after you get home! I found the hardest part wasn't the surgery itself, but the recovery. I had trouble moving around for a while, so I really needed someone to take care of me and cook food, do errands, etc for a solid week and a half. Don't feel bad about reaching out for help! People want to support you, they might just not know how unless you ask. Let us know how it goes

 

[Terriernut]

Calvin, its her daughter having the surgery, just so you know.

 

[Terriernut]

I had a cuddly toy too! Never too old for a cuddly toy! I had my ipad but most of the time I was too tired to be entertained! Going to the bathroom for a wash was so much effort, so personal hygiene ie washing my hair didn't happen until I went home. Even then it was with some dry shampoo! My mum just gave me a standing wash.

I do remember eating quite a bit during my last few days there although hospital food is horrible. So I'd day some nice snacks/food and visitors!

Michelle, I still have my teddy bear from childhood 'Sherry' and she still sleeps on my dresser. But I didnt take her to hospital with me LOL.

I'm sure that having cuddly toys will help alot. Also, mum having help in shifts will help as well. Mum is going to need some rest!

 

[littlefreebird]

- dry shampoo
- night dresses instead of jammies
-i actually bought a v-shaped maternity pillow from ebay, they sell them for £10- it was amazing! after surgery its hard getting comfy as it is quite sore lying on your sides so most of the time your lying on your back, the v pillow meant i could turn my head to either side to sleep and it made recovery a lot more comfortable...it was also handy to sit on.
-i brought my own fan too cause the hospital never have any left and it gets so warm! i loved having a cold breeze in my face.
-mp3/music

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Misty, Chris gave me his cuddly toy Larry the lion to look after me! He got more attention than me lol. I still have to hug something in bed and often use it to support my stomach when I lay on my side. Oh well lol

 

[Terriernut]

Me too Michelle...I HAVE to have a 'cuddle pillow'. We are not sad. Really.

And I think its always good to have special 'talismans' especially for young patients to have with them. I gave special crystals and rocks to the kids upstairs in the childrens ward when I was in the L&D. They had magical powers to make them better!

 

[Lisa]

Don't forget a nightlight if Izzy is used to having one!

Warm socks, a sleeveless nightgown so she can have 'her own' clothes.....and activities such as coloring, DVD player.....

And expect a package in the next few days! :biggrin::ybiggrin::hug: