I'm having surgery, what have I forgotten to pack?

[ColitisSucks]

I'm having a big operation on Saturday (I hope, it's already been cancelled once!) my bag is packed, but what have I forgotten? I'll be in for 1-2 weeks.

It's abdominal surgery so no food. I've packed comfy clothes and pj's. Slippers and a dressing gown. Washing stuff (shower gel, toothbrush etc) face and hand cream. Phone charger, headphones. A cross stitch kit. Phone has my kindle and Netflix on it. Carrier bag for dirty washing.

Anything else I need? DP will be visiting, and will bring anything I need, but mulling over this is stopping me thinking about the operation...

Thanks everyone.

Had a phone call with the surgeon today, everything is still on for Saturday. It was originally scheduled for a few weeks ago on a Saturday and was cancelled on the Wednesday before, so if I get through tomorrow without a cancellation I'll be ahead. I'll still be worried about a last minute cancellation right up until they put me under I think!

Keep seeing news stories about ambulances queuing outside our A&E for hours, worried beds are going to repurposed and Saturday ops cancelled.

Oh no, fingers crossed it all goes ahead as planned, and that you and your well-packed bag are back home soon.

I just twigged on your username. Yes, colitis truly does suck.

I am rooting for you having a great outcome and feeling much better without your misbehaving colon.

If you feel comfortable saying, are you planning on further surgeries to create a JPouch?

Thinking about you and hoping it goes well.

Earplugs, baby wipes for freshing up

Ear plugs are a must. I'm not sure I got any sleep despite trying lots of homemade versions.

@LoveFall I don't know tbh.

A j pouch will be possible, and is a decision they've said we can discuss in 18 months or so.

Part of me doesn't want a bag (who does!?) but the surgeon said a pouch means going 5/6 times a day, and probably once in the night, which just sounds like having colitis again! The urgency won't be there, obviously, but I can't actually remember what I used to do for fun before I had to plan every day around toilet provision. So my plan is to live with the bag for 18 months, and I may then decide to keep it if it's working well and not bothering me.

Slip on slippers and clothes which means no bending for the first week. You'll be sore.
But with a new stoma you'll want to keep easy access to it, so nighties with big pants or shorts. And loads of spare of nightwear as accidents and spills are highly likely in those first few days.

Hi again OP. I have heard the same a out a JPouch and having to go all the time.

When I think about it, I tend to prefer the bag because you can control when you empty it.

I don't want to be rushing off to the bathroom in the middle of meetings or when out shopping. Or worrying about where the toilet is.

I know I am lucky to be in such a good remission on Entyvio. A nuisance to have infusions once a month, but well worth it.

I'm glad it's working for you, humira worked for me initially and then I developed antibodies after a bit. All the other biologics did nothing unfortunately, so here we are!