Overnight Bag?

[Sillygurl21]

I've never had to pack an overnight bag for the hospital, so does anyone have any tips on what to take. I am having a bowel resection and was told I would be there five to seven days. Thanks in advance.

[Sillygurl21]

Thanks fo the info and the well wishes!

And yes my bowel resection will be the removal of part of my colon, which is the large bowel. They are only removing the sigmoid section at this point, so they will reconnect what's left of the large intestine to my rectum. Not sure what they will do if they find anything further up the line. Just so you know though, bowel resection can happen any where in the intestinal tract, including the small bowel. They can also remove the entire colon and attach the small bowel to the rectum.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

wow sillygurl my thoughts and prayers are with you , had no ideal you was having this problem, my sister had a surgery like that if its where they take your colon out and pull down your large intestin.  she did great was there 5-6 days up walking the next day.

plz keep us up with how your doing and i will be praying for you to recover fast and get back on here helping other

[geminigirl1963]

Pretty much everything you will need can/will be provided by the hospital.  At least for the first couple of days they will more than likely want you to remain in a hospital gown.  Sometimes, once your IV is remove, some hospitals will permit you to wear your own pj's if they make you more comfortable, but it's so much easier for them to help you change, as well as have access whenever necessary if you're in a hospital gown while you have an IV in.

You'll probably want to pack some underwear, although depending on where your incision is and so forth, you may be more comfortable for the first couple of days anyway to not even both with underwear.  I know it's not the best look or the most non-embarassing thing to be bare a**ed, but majority of your time will be spent in bed the first couple of days anyway, so comfort is of the ultimate necessity.

The hospital can and usually does provide some toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, etc., but feel free to bring your own if you'd like.  And usually the hospital will only be able to provide a small comb, so if you like/need something more for combing your hair, definitely bring it.  I always find that my skin gets extra dry whenever I'm in the hospital, so I always also like to bring some hand/body lotion.  I also usually make sure I have chapstick or blistex with me because again, the air seems dry to me and if you're not able to take much by mouth, your mouth/lips may get very dry and chapstick or blistex (I prefer blistex because chapstick always makes me feel like I've got candles on my lips!) definitley help.

Also consider throwing in a book or two or puzzle books, etc. - it can get boring just watching tv all the time, so if you have something to read or keep you otherwise occupied, it'll give you options.

The hospital also usually provides slipper socks, but if you have a pair of slippers that you like to wear, definitely take them with you - and a robe if you have it.  They can/will give you an extra gown to use as a robe, but if you have your own, it might make you feel more comfortable.

I think the most important thing to bring is COMFORTABLE clothes for coming home in - keeping in mind of incisions, etc. - so nothing that fits tightly - and if you can, I would recommend sticking to elastic waist things - they defintiley tend to "give" a bit more than anything with zippers.  Remember too, you may have some swelling after surgery, so anything that fits a bit snug right now may feel even more snug after surgery - so opt for something that fits loosely right now.

Many hospitals do now permit cell phones, so if yours does, remember to take your charger with you so you dont' end up wanting or needing you phone and having a dead battery.  I know most hospitals do not permit long distance calls made from the phones in the room, so having your cell phone if you need to make LD calls is definitley a good idea.

DO NOT pack valuables such as cash, credit cards, etc. - leave them at home or with a trusted friend/family member.  Also do not take any medications with you unless your doctor has told you otherwise.  Most of the time when they check you into the hospital, they will ask if you have either valuables or medications with you and if you do, they will offer to put those things in their safe, but I think it's just much safer and better to leave them at home.  Trying to remember to get those items back when you're ready to leave the hospital is something you shouldn't have to worry about.  You shouldn't need any cash while you're there, but if you do take any, deifnitely only a small amount.  

You can bring your own pillow from home if you want to, but it's not necessary.  I know sometimes having some of your own things make havin to stay inth ehospital a little less frightening and uncomfortable.

Best of luck with your surgery - I hope some of the things I've mentioned are helpful!