Topic Explanation
The forum discussion centers around preparing for a permanent ileostomy surgery scheduled for June 16. The surgery will take place at a hospital not located in the patient's hometown. The patient seeks advice on what to bring for post-surgery care both in the hospital and during a week-long stay at an Airbnb before returning home.

Advice and Insights

- Clothing and Personal Items:
- Comfortable clothing and slip-on shoes.
- Robe, slippers, crocs, or sandals.
- Headphones, laptop/iPad, Kindle/book, and glasses if needed.

- Hygiene and Cleaning Supplies:
- Flushable wet wipes for cleaning the end of the ostomy bag.
- Disinfectant wipes and lots of paper towels.
- Inexpensive washcloths in dark colors (gray, black, or brown).
- Dial soap and a peri bottle for rinsing the ostomy bag.
- Chux pads to place on top of the fitted sheet.

- Food and Hydration:
- Easy-to-digest foods like yogurt.
- Hydration drinks such as Gatorade.
- Ensure the Airbnb provides extra towels and sheets.

- Ostomy Supplies and Support:
- Contact the Stoma Nurse at both the hospital and hometown for guidance and supplies.
- Request samples from major ostomy product makers.
- Inquire about the hospital providing ostomy products post-surgery, including pouches, scissors, mirror, stoma powder, skin prep, and barrier rings.
- Ensure the hospital provides disposal bags for used ostomy bags.

- Educational Resources and Support Groups:
- Check out UOAA (United Ostomy Association of America) and Ostomy101.com for information on foods, blockages, skin care, clothing, ostomy products, travel, and activities.
- Consider joining a local support group for additional support and information.

- Additional Considerations:
- Ensure someone is available to stay with you post-surgery if you are in an unfamiliar place.
- Make inquiries before the surgery to know what to expect regarding supplies and support.
- Plan for potential follow-up visits if the surgery is far from home.