I hope this will help those of you about to have a cystectomy
Loose fitting clothes especially around the tummy as this will be swollen post op.I lost a stone in hospital but my trousers still didn’t fit.My sister had to lend me her lounge style trousers for the stay
I bought a lightweight dressing gown specially for surgery online from Asda.I wore the hospital gowns
slippers/shoes that slide on so you don’t have to bend
a long lead phone charger if you are taking a mobile.I was allowed my phone in intensive care.
pads.I had a lot of anal leaking and vaginal bleeding and leaking.The hospital did provide pads but they were very bulky.I was never told about the anal leakage but I know from this group that others had it for some months afterwards as I did.
plenty of pants.The hospital did provide disposal string pants
wet wipes
tissues
sugar free chewing gum to help stimulate the bowels into action.You may be asked to bring this in if you are on the enhanced recovery programme
Enough money to get something from the hospital trolley.The hospital shop was a very long walk away.
juice/water.The hospital water tasted foul and all I wanted was something to disguise the taste and I was too weak to walk to the shop.
Something to occupy the time.My sister brought in books but I mostly did crosswords and puzzle books.
Ear plugs will be useful if it’s too noisy.
Dry shampoo.
Perhaps others can add anything I have forgotten or that they found useful ?
Love Jane xx
Hi Jane
I’m sure your list will be very handy for those going into hospital. I’d add the following-
lip balm and hand/body lotion(found my skin got very dry in hospital)
Soothing sweets/lozenges for a scratchy throat after the anaesthetic.
Eye mask-hospitals can be very bright and difficult to sleep in.
Little bottle of concentrated squash-smaller to pack and easy to add to water.I had a Robinsons one.
For the ladies-a nice body spray-I had an aromatherapy one from M&S and it was cooling and made me feel better.
Headphones to watch things on iPad/phone. Download any films etc in advance.
Nightshirts rather than pjs-easier for you and the nurses for access.
Will have a think and see if I can remember anything else!
Sarah xx
