What to take to hospital when you’re heading in for stoma surgery

Preparing for stoma surgery can feel overwhelming, but packing thoughtfully for your hospital stay can make the experience feel less fraught, knowing you have everything you need around you, below I’ve popped a short list together for must haves in hospital after stoma surgery. 

1. Comfortable Clothing

 Post surgery, you’ll most likely stay in hospital gown for a period of time, it’s easier for medical staff to get to wounds that need dressing and also for drips, pain meds and your stoma to be accessible. Following that time, you may feel more comfortable in your own clothing, consider taking in loose fitting pyjamas and a dressing gown. Slipper socks (the ones with the grips) and crocs are also items I don’t go into hospital without now! 

2. Toiletries and personal care

It’s easy to forget the obvious…hospitals in the UK do provide basics for washing but it’s probably more comforting to take your own, a nice bar of natural soap- best to have a natural one as sometimes your skin can become more sensitive with medications. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm and a moisturiser are all essential. Dry lips and skin are something else to take into account whilst in hospital and after a general anaesthetic. Also, it may be worth packing some dry shampoo to keep your hair felling nice. Having your own toiletries will help you feel refreshed and a little bit more like yourself after surgery. 

3. Paperwork & Admin

Take in a list of medications, including the dosages & times you take them, also jot down a list of surgeries you’ve had in the past and details of any health conditions you have. It’s also a good idea to have your emergency contact details to hand and maybe a notepad and pen to write down what has been discussed during a check with consultants and any questions you may have. 

4. Entertainment 

The first few days after surgery will probably be a bit of a blur, and it’s likely you won’t feel up to watching anything, but the nights in Hospital can be long so go in prepared with ear plugs and an eye mask. Headphones and some sort of device with some light-hearted films or series downloaded on to it, would also make it to the top of my packing list.  I would recommend downloading at home so you don’t have to rely on the WiFi in the hospital. If you’re not a TV person, maybe a podcast or kindle, books, magazines or a colouring book will help you pass the time. Don’t forget the chargers (extra-long ones if you can find them!)

5. Well-being and comfort 

I would class the next items as not essential but little things you can take to make it more comfortable for you. Starting with your own pillow, there is nothing like your own pillow to make you feel a like you’ve got a little bit of home with you. I also take a pillow spray, so it still smells familiar after a few days of being in there. Snacks and drinks, once you are able to eat, it’s nice to have something you really like (and is ok to have during the early stages) or maybe you have a favourite hot chocolate, or squash flavour. Take it in and you’ll be able have it whilst you’re there. 

Any kind of surgery and hospital stay can be overwhelming, but taking those few extra bits to make yourself comfortable can make all the difference. 

As always, thank you for reading. 

Love, 

Nikki x