Introduction
Throughout my time living with ulcerative colitis and the surgeries that led to my J-Pouch, I’ve had multiple stays in hospital. I know how bright, noisy, and uncomfortable wards can be—especially when you’re feeling physically low but sharing space with others.
You can read about my journey on my book here
Whether you’re preparing for J-Pouch surgery or facing another hospital stay for ulcerative colitis, these are the items I genuinely recommend. They made the long nights calmer, the early days easier, and the transition home smoother.
In Hospital
🎧 Headphones (Bluetooth + Wired Backup)
Hospitals are never quiet. Therefore, a pair of noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones helps block the constant background sound so you can fall asleep to music or listen to something soothing.
Keep a cheap wired pair as backup for when your battery runs low.
https://amzn.to/4okMu8U – bluetooth – my pick
https://amzn.to/3J4ZwZ3 lighting wired
https://amzn.to/435TGxi 3.5mm wired
Headphones – I relied heavily on these. At night, and during the day, I could close my eyes and listen to music, or streaming TV from my phone and try to forget i was in hospital. I slept with them playing every night.
🔋 Power Bank & Extra-Long Charging Cable
Your phone becomes your lifeline for messages, notes, and entertainment. A power bank means you’re never stretching across IV stands to reach the plug.
I would not be without this. There were a couple of times when I was moved wards and without access to plugs for a while. This takes away the worry about your phone always being ready with you. When I got back to a ward, I would charge it back up. They can charge headphones as well.
🧻 Soft Toilet Rolls
In the first days after surgery, comfort matters. Luxury multi-ply toilet paper is worth every penny and gentler on sore skin.
Yes, they are more expensive than basic toilet rolls, but in those first few weeks it was a great investment. I recommend a big pack, as you will go through them.
🧴 Barrier Cream
A simple nappy-style barrier cream worked perfectly for me—long-lasting, soothing, and kind to sensitive skin. Keep a small tube in your wash bag so it’s always nearby.
https://amzn.to/47lqS6u – nappy barrier cream.
https://amzn.to/47jrIk6 – sudcrem general cream.
I have used both of these products to manage that early acidic burn. The nappy cream was recommended to me, and it definitely helped.
👖 Loose Joggers & Spare Clothing
Accidents happen. Loose-fitting joggers are comfortable, easy to change, and don’t press on surgical sites.
https://amzn.to/4mUyQYJ – black joggers
I took cheap black joggers with me. I brought a couple of pairs in with me. Dark colours hide any accidents and if they did get ruined from an accident, they went in the bin. I didnt want the stress of washing them etc whilst i was in hospital. So I went for a loose fitting size up, and then used the pull strings to tighten. I didn’t want the elastic pushing on my tummy.
👜 Hospital Bag
Choose a bag that’s lightweight but roomy enough for your clothes, charger, and toiletries. The easier it is to grab and carry, the less stressful those quick transfers become.
Get everything packed and ready – and then double check what you have packed. Surgery can raise stress levels so having things well organised can help keep things calm.
🩴 Slippers
Slip-ons only—no bending, no effort. They keep your feet off the cold floor and away from shared-bathroom surfaces.
https://amzn.to/3W4KXrl – slip ons
The floor can be cold in hospitals, so even if you are not someone who wears slippers normally, get a cheap pair of slips on – even if just for your stay. Going in and out of shared bathrooms and walking around the ward feels a lot better with your feet covered.
🧼 Wash Bag
Keep all toiletries, barrier creams, and wipes in one compact wash bag. When every movement costs energy, organisation really helps.
Keep everything together in one place. If you don’t have one – get one. Wet tooth brushes and hair brushes, cans of deodrant etc, all need a place to go.
At Home Recovery
🧻 Toilet Rolls (Again!)
Keep those soft rolls stocked for the first few weeks at home. Your pouch will be active, and irritation can flare up quickly.
Keep a stock of these in your home until you get to grips with slowing output and reducing the burn.
🧴 Barrier Creams
Continue using the same cream to protect the skin as things heal and routines stabilise.
https://amzn.to/47lqS6u – nappy barrier cream.
https://amzn.to/47jrIk6 – sudcrem general cream.
Also Keep a stock of these in your home until you get to grips with slowing output and reducing the burn.
👖 Loose Joggers & Comfortable Layers
Rotating between two or three pairs means you always have something fresh if leaks happen. Go for breathable cotton or soft jersey.
Easy to put on and take off. Comfortable for sitting around and recovering. I lived in joggers for the first few weeks, and stayed away from jeans.
🛏️ Mattress & Bed Protectors
Peace of mind matters. A waterproof mattress cover and disposable bed mats help you relax through the night without worrying about accidents.
https://amzn.to/4mZNLRm – bed cover
https://amzn.to/3WmDSmh – smaller protection pads
Give yourself some peace of mind in the early days as you get to grips with night time routines and managing yourself through the night.
🥣 Metamucil (or Similar Fibre Supplement)
When you’re home and starting to “train” your J-Pouch, soluble fibre supplements can make a real difference. They reduce acidity, slow digestion slightly, and help thicken output.
https://amzn.to/4o9haJS – orange flavour drink
Metamucil – I have saved the best until last. I still to this day order this all the time. It’s the best thing I have found for my J-Pouch in terms of thickening, slowing, and removing the acidic burn. Really – it’s very good – give it a try.
Closing Thoughts
Recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about making small, practical choices that bring comfort and confidence when in hospital and back to home life. These items won’t heal your pouch, but they will make things easier.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
Take a look at the ideas for stoma care in this blogs article I wrote here
If you like to watch videos then take a look at Pouch Heals on YouTube here