FEMALE BLADDER CANCER

Did you manage to climb your stairs at home or do I need to put the bed in the livingroom? Xxx

I was able to climb the stairs but I was wobbly the first couple of days.My house is on 4 floors and I was sleeping right at the top.I decided to move down to the 3rd floor bedroom after the op as it was next to the bathroom and that made it easier.My sister looked after me for the first few days.When she went back to work she left out the non perishable food on the kitchen worktop so I could reach without having to bend.The fridge was a bit trickier as it’s low down but I slid myself down to open and close it rather than bend.I managed ok home alone but was grateful for my sister and my dad’s cousin’s help for the first week.I’ll keep everything crossed that you don’t get Paralytic Ileus.Not everyone gets it,I did.Would it be helpful if I posted the list of things to pack that I sent Kiko ? Love Jane 

Wow yes please xxx thank you xxx

Hi,Here are a few things that might be useful to have in hospital

Loose fitting clothes that will be comfy over your abdominal area.I wore my sisters lounge style trousers which were ideal as they had a soft waistband.
Slippers that are easy to put on without bending.
sanitary pads in case you get any vaginal bleeding/leakage.Not everyone gets it but better to be prepared.I wish I had taken in extra pants as ended up having the hospital disposable string ones.

something to make the hospital water taste better as it’s iusually disgusting.I would have loved some bottled water.

mobile phone and phone charger if you use them.I was allowed to use my mobile in intensive care.

A bit of change for newspapers etc.

wet wipes.I found these really useful

sugar free chewing gum to help stimulate the bowels to work.

something to keep you occupied.My sister brought in books and some puzzle books.

I expect the others will have suggestions too and I’m sure to have forgotten something important.

Love Jane x

That’s brilliant thank you Jane, really helpful xxx

Also register for the free hospital WiFi so you can watch films and TV on phone. Best wishes.

Good idea thank you xxx

That’s a good point rily.When I was in my phone only worked for a short while.The nurse was saying her phone wasn’t working either and they had changed the wi fi code.

Hi LiRoss 

I’d add to make sure you have a longer than standard phone charger cable-I got some cheap on Amazon. I am not long out from another 8 night stay in hospital and the normal charger would not have reached to the sockets in the wall.

Also, some lip balm as the air is so dry, and I had one of those little concentrated fruit squash bottles to add to water. Some body lotion and hand cream made me feel better and a nice body spray. I brought night shirts but tended to be in hospital gowns in bed to give easier access to my wound and stomas and I was unfortunately being sick very often. 

Sarah xx

I wore hospital gowns and nightdresses as they were easier.I used dry shampoo when I didn’t feel well enough to wash my hair as usual.