If you know anything about me, you would know that I am a professional patient. I have a Ph.D. in living with unlucky health. I use the term “unlucky” because as history has shown if there is a possibility of complications, I will get it. This is why I don’t swim in the ocean. Seriously… Yes, I do live in Southern California, 8 miles away from the beach… I can just feel you judging me. But with my luck, a shark would attack me as the riptide pulls me into a smack of jellyfish, and all while I get third-degree burns from the sun.
At the beginning of July, wrote a blog called “There’s always a plan B”. After many visits to the professionals at USC Keck Hospital, we have decided to skip plan B and go straight to plan C. The plan is to take muscle from another part of my body and create a cuff that would close the fistula coming from my internal pouch. If you don’t understand what that means… trust me, you don’t want a detailed description.
My biggest fear is happening tomorrow at 10 am. I will be going into the plan C surgery and will not know exactly what they have done to my body until I wake up… seeing as they don’t know what they will need to do until they get in there. It kind of sounds like they’re landing on Mars and don’t know what kind of terrain or extraterrestrial beings they might encounter.
The only certainty is that my nemesis “Steve the Stoma” will be back for a temporary stay. If you haven’t had the chance to read my book, I am not contagious, then you might not know that Steve and I have had a tumultuous past. I have had a colostomy bag on 2 separate occasions, one being for over a year. But this time, I have already told Steve that he better contribute to plan C and do his part helping me heal quickly. I think he understands this is a temporary living situation.
Now I’m preparing my bug out bag for my upcoming stay at the hospital and I thought you might want so advice from a professional patient on what I like to have with me at the hospital.
-Music playlist: I create 2 lists. One for my ride to the hospital that puts me in the zone, just like an Olympic Snowboarder… right before a run down the snowy slopes. I’m determined to be successful and driven to do my very best. Then another playlist that includes calming music and songs that make me feel good. This playlist I keep for the hospital stay and traveling home after my release.
-Small pillow: I like the Sobakawa Cloud Pillow. It forms to your head but is also small enough to toss in your hospital bag. Just don’t forget it at the hospital… you will never see it again.
-Hygiene products: Yes, I understand that the hospital provides the basics, which is helpful if you went into the emergency room, with no intention of staying, but got admitted. Seeing that I have planned this surgery, I can come prepared. I bring the standard toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, and a hairbrush. But I also like to include nice smelling body spray, earplugs, hair ties, and mouthwash. You might even like to take something for dry mouths, like Biotene. Eye gel can help if you suffer from dry eyes. For the ladies out there, bring your own panty liners… the hospital only has ones that are the size of a banana… no joke.
-Comfortable clothes: This includes extra socks, underwear, and also think about what you will be wearing when you get discharged from the hospital. I am sure that you don’t want to wear jeans when you’re heading home from abdominal surgery. For the ladies, I like to bring a cotton bra under my lovely hospital gown… make sure that it is wireless, so it doesn’t conflict if you have to get a CT or X-ray.
-Vaseline: Trust me on this… it only takes a couple of hours with a nasal cannula (the tubes that go into your nostrils, providing oxygen) and your nose will be dry. Put a smidge of Vaseline on your finger and coat you nostrils… Oh come on, you can’t tell me that you’ve never picked your nose…. just don’t get the scented ones. Peppermint Vaseline burns, or so I’ve heard… wink.
-Teddy Bear: This becomes essential if you have to cough, sneeze or laugh. You just hold that soft bear against your stomach and it provides stabilization. The teddy bear also gives you emotional support, how could you not feel just a tiny bit better hugging a fluffy stuffed animal?
-As or books or magazines: I have found that I’m usually too high on pain medications to put a thought together, so I stick with the gossip magazines… more pictures than text.
-A life-size cardboard cut out of my Dad: It’s an ongoing joke in my family, that during my past trips to the hospital, I would be on so many pain medications, that I wouldn’t really know if my Dad was there. This led him to the incredible idea of creating a poster board of himself and I would think he was there the whole time. Genius.
I will post updates on my progress, so I won’t leave you hanging, but for now, I’m interested in what you like to bring to the hospital? Any ideas?
For hospital stay, chapstick and an eye mask. Ear plugs if you don’t have headphones. I prefer to listen to ‘nature sounds’ like ocean waves or rainfall rather than music.
Great idea about Nature Sounds. They can be so calming. I need to remember that next time in the hospital. Which hopefully far far away. Thank you for your comment!
Are you okay? I haven’t seen you post in over a month and a half, I hope and pray you are doing okay.
It has been a heck of a month! I should be blogging out the details soon. It just seems so overwhelming lately to write about it. Thank you for your kind message and concerns.
I too have missed your posts and pray and hope you’re doing OK.
I am SO glad to hear from you. So sorry to hear that you’ve had a difficult month! I hope you are on the mend and doing much better! <3
Alison
I just read this and hope and prey it all went well. I hope you are back home with Crash and on the mend. Wow, you have really had enough !! I hope you will be back to work at some point and we can have a visit. Much love, Judy Jameson
I prayed a rosary for you this morning.
Stay perky, my friend!
Definitely praying for surgeons with steady and able hands and a quick recovery for you. I’ve not had any hospital stays yet but I am taking your advise for when/if I do. Making a list. Get well quick!
A couple suggestions for you bug out bag:
A arm extender grabber claw to pick things up at the foot of your bed or drop on the floor. About $20 . No one wants to bend or stretch after surgery.
You and your docs are going into battle. How about some adrenalin pumping fighting tunes for inspiration – ACDC ‘s Dynomite pre op and afterward the Clash’s London Calling is always inspirational .
BEST WISHES to the only Parkie that can both educate AND make us laugh.
You are in my thoughts and prayers! ❤️🙏🏽
I hope you don’t get that 1 head nurse that fits into that category that you always here about, haha.
Praying for all the best results for you and a quick recovery from a not so nice surgery.
Allison- hope all goes well with the surgery and thanks for the list of must haves at the hospital. I especially like the life sized cardboard cutout of your dad! Clever😄
I’ve gotten where I go and buy treats. Then, the morning of surgery I have competitions if you will: what nurse can get my IV on first stick, etc. I just give the nice ones a treat no matter!
Also, mints or gum. I’ve grown to love the strawberry altoids. You’d also be surprised at what a hit these are with the post-op crew.
Lady, stay strong!! You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
What a great idea! Thank you!
Wow Allison. I don’t know how you do it. You keep rolling with the punches with amazing strength and determination. I’m sure I would have caved in years ago. I wish you all the best and all the strength to get through this.
Thank you Gary!
You’ll be in my thoughts all day tomorrow. Hang tough…and just for fun (you know, after surgery)..I’d love to know what’s on your playlists.
Hugs & Prayers,
Steph Kallay
Thank you Stephanie! I knew I should have posted my playlist!
You are a warrior and a hero! My father who passed away 2 months ago on the 7th showed PD who was the boss for almost 20 years. He too recovered from a fistula in his colon at 83 years old, and I’m sure you will too. I know your battle and I’m cheering for you👊🏻
Thank you for the cheers Elizabeth!
Sending good vibes your way!! You are awesome!!! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Thank you Hilary!
You might consider putting a small speaker on the cutout dad that could repeat, “uh-huh” every 10 minutes or so.
Everything will eventually be fine. Try to be patient. 💕 you!
Thank you Dad! Love you too!
Wishing you all the best Allison… you continue to inspire even in your most personal situations..
You may want to pack some Q Tips ….always handy
Small scissors ..
… and trim the toe nails down in case you need to trim them later and your abdominal area may be sensitive when you bend ..
Great idea! Thank you Shane.
Sending good vibes from the People’s Republic of Boulder – aka the nexus of all things DPF. Here’s to a genius surgeon with deft, nimble hands and a gentle touch. Looking forward to your update when this is done and you’re on the road to recovery. Sending big love to you!
Thank you Polly! Miss you guys.
Wishing you all the best Allison…. you continue to inspire and invite us into the private corners of your world
How about bringing some Q Tips …they are good for a number of things..
…and maybe a small pair of scissors.
..finally, make sure the toenails are clipped down low enough that you won’t have to worry about them …especially with your abdominal area possibly being a little sensitive if you have to bend..
With admiration always..Shane
Prayers for you Allie I know what a fistula is and am glad they are going to fix yours Take courage my thoughts are with you
Thank you, Connie.
I would add pajama pants to the list, Makes moving around less revealing
Sue, great idea!
As you get attacked by the jellyfish and shark don’t forget to look out for the lost shoal of piranha who stop for a snack as they ask directions
Oh! I missed that one, thanks for the heads up, Jon.
Good luck! I hope everything goes well!
Thank you Mary!
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….. IF I know anyone that can face adversity and come out of it bigger, better and more powerful, it would be my friend, Allison.
It seems like you forgot something on your list to take with you, FroYo.
and
Don’t worry, I am sure that Crash will be in good hands while you recover!
Putting all puns and bad attempts at humor aside, I do wish you the best and I look forward to being able to continue to read your posts. Take Care and God Bless
Thank you, David. Got the froyo stashed, and Crash is going to a slumber party at his best bro’s house.
Hi Allison! After 6 surgeries, like a silly sausage, I often go unprepared. Other than contact solution and the little plastic contact holder (so I can see up to the last minute) I generally just want my own bed pillow. I have to say though, that I love the thin blanket/sheet they give me out of the warmer. Aaaahhhh instant comfort. But the whole time, I just want to go home to my comfort zone with family and lil doggie. Once stable, it’s the best environment to heal in. I hope for the best outcome for you no matter which plan you use! Your truly courageous and inspiring! May you find all the comforts you need while recouping 😊
Kristine, the warm blankets are the best!
Praying for a quick recovery! Keep us posted!
Lauren
Thank you, Lauren.
You got this!!😎😘
You know it girl!