Having surgery soon and would like some advice please :)

If you're a reader, take a good book! Other than that they should provide everything.

Hi, MrsMunson, a long charging lead!! Then you can FaceTime, messenger, or similar. Puzzle book. Reading book. You may find your brain doesn't work quite as well in the beginning, think its the trauma of the operation etc. The kids might like to give you a small cuddly toy in lieu of themselves. (My big kid did!) You shouldn't feel pain, but you will feel tired, there's lots of healing going on, and you may not sleep as well as at home. Do the exercises you are given regularly, be as active as they will let you be. All the best in getting the tumour in the bin!!!

Hi, I'm going in for an op next week too, I've decided to do the free 3 month audible book trial from amazon, don't even have to hold a book then, and as I'm already subscribing to disney+ I can download movies and other stuff onto my tablet, just in case I'm bored, books, magazines, puzzle books, depends what you like really, remember to pack a pen, they're always handy.  Hope all goes well. Rosie xx 

Hi there Mrs M, 

I had my surgery yesterday. So far I would recommend a battery power pack, as well as long leads. And one of those little concentrated squash bottles. I’ve also got an iPad with Netflix and BBCiplayer etc on it but not watched any yet. Oh and my kindle. The other thing which I don’t normally use is a lovely soft eye mask. 
only awake at the moment as waiting for some piriton… side effects for me of morphine. 22 hours in and pain free. Good luck and keep posting xx

Hi there. 
I was last August and was allowed one named visitor

I took long charging cable for iphone and iPad. Took drawing stuff waste of time as couldn’t concentrate on drawing , reading or puzzles. Ha ha took those as well Easy access nighties at least three. Slippers. They get you up quick, dressing gown loose sleeved as you may have drips etc

Lavender mist pillow spray. , dry shampoo, lovely smelling shower gel for your first wash, small mints helps mint tea or whatever you prefer  isotonic sports type drinks  only the inexpensive types and squash

I treated myself to my favourite smells , it helped me sleep, eye mask may be good if you’re on a ward. Loose clothing for when your disconnected from any drips that are needed . I dressed and made up pretty quick and got my own food etc I was out in five days

Dont worry about pain that’s well under control 

Im not sure what op you’re having. Pjs we’re not apt for my LAR as I had an ileostomy 

Good luck with it. They will soon have that horrid thing out of you and you can rejoice coz that how I felt.
Just relief and joy

And earplugs. In a ward of three. One being a lady of advanced years who can’t hear when anything bleeps.  Yep earplugs. It’s 02.11. The nurses come and sort it but whatever it is goes off a minute later. Xx

Hi MrsMunson and a warm welcome to the board. You’ve had some brilliant replies so far so thought I’d just pop a link to this booklet on which also has a few ideas

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourOperation_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Hope everything goes well and you’re quickly on the road to recovery 

Take care

Karen x

Hi Kareno62,  I have had a look at the booklet, I'm having my LAR next Thursday, the 1st September,  done robotically, I found the booklet very helpful. So thanks for posting it. Rosie xx

Hi, You've had some excellent replies so far. I found my i-pods invaluable as well as along charging lead. There was that much going on in my eight person ward during the day that I didn't need any books, puzzles, etc. An eye mask and earplugs for night are a good call but you are woken every couple of hours for the nurses to take your obs. Pain was not an issue, as I was able to control it myself. A dressing gown is essential, especially as having an ileostomy, I wore the hospital issue backless gown all the time I was in.

There was a no visitors rule when I had my operation. However one of the nursing assistants was able to 'arrange' for my partner to 'drop off' some essential supplies for me, and for me to collect them from her at the ward entrance. Strictly against the rules but the one 'visit' in my 5 day stay made all the difference, and the hush hush nature made it quite exciting.

As well as the things others have suggested I would say some lip balm as I found my lips were very dry after the op and socks! Even though it was warm in hospital I found my feet got cold at night. 

Hope all goes well with your op.x