Pouch Packages

Nothing says I'm thinking of you better than sending a care package to a friend or family member who is on the mend.  Care packages offer a little of everything.  They offer fun and laughs.  They offer love and comfort.  They offer smiles and encouragement.  Most of all they offer a distraction for the pain and discomfort.  Here is a list of items I would send to someone on the mend from j-pouch surgery I will call my "Pouch Package".

1. A funny card preferably with a picture of a cute animal.  The card should have a hand written message on the inside letting one know how much you care.

2. Some magazines.  Hopefully you know a little something about who you are sending the care package to.  Some magazines targeted to her interests are great.  After recovering for surgeries, I couldn't focus enough to read a book, so magazines offered a distraction without having to concentrate as hard.

3. Crossword Puzzles, Word Searches, Coloring Book/Crayons.  This is for something else to do.  Recovery is a long, boring process.  Depending on the person and her interests and cognitive level with all the drugs will depend on what is the best choice.  If you don't know, a variety will do.
4. Something Warm & Soft.  This can be anything from a stuffed animal to comfy, cozy socks.  Anything that would offer some warmth and comfort.

5. Chapstick.  Hospitals and dehydration dry out the lips.  There is never enough chapstick after j-pouch surgery and during the recovery time it is especially needed.

6. Hard Candy/Lollipops. It is difficult to eat real meals when recovering from abdominal surgery.  The organs take awhile to wake-up and after j-pouch surgery the body needs to remember how to work again.  Eating is especially difficult, but the patient still wants to taste and curb dry mouth.  Any kind of hard candy can help.

Now to the butt preparation kit:
A. Calmoseptine.  This is the wonder of all wonders.  A j-poucher is not complete until she has Calmoseptine.  It is a fabulous pink cream, similar to diaper rash ointment, that keeps the butt from becoming irritated.  When the j-poucher starts pooping for the first time it is extremely acidic and will burn.  Putting Calmoseptine on prior to the burn will keep the bum in top notch condition.  A pouch package is not complete without Calmoseptine.

B. Toilet Paper. A j-poucher can never have enough toilet paper.  If you deliver the pouch package while she is still in the hospital toilet paper is even more crucial.  The toilet paper in the hospital is like tree bark to a newly formed j-pouch.  I recommend packing Charmin either Extra Strong or Extra Soft.

C. Wipes.  When I say wipes I mean baby wipes.  It hurts to use any kind of toilet paper in the beginning no matter how high end the brand is.  Wipes will help get the butt clean without all the rubbing.  It is best to buy a wipe with no fragrance, no color, and no alcohol.  I have found the Sensitive Baby Wipes and Charmin Wipes were best for me.

D. Pads.  Some people might be embarrassed to buy these at the store, but it will be a life saver for a new j-poucher.  To provide some incontinence pads would be a great relief to her.  A new j-pouch is like a baby trying to learn everything all over again.  Sometimes there are accidents.

To be extra special try putting your pouch package in a cute box or snazzy bag to add some extra flare.  Maybe a bow or balloon for some extra sparkle.  Now your Pouch Package is complete and ready to give to the new j-poucher. 

This may be what I put in my care package, but recently a support site Girls With Guts have been able to put together care packages for new j-pouches with the support of on-line donations.  I am happy to be part of a community that cares about their fellow members and offer something so great.