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What to Take to the Hospital

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 1:12 pm
by Carolyn in CA
I remember sometime back someone printed a list of what to take to the hospital when you go for your transplant. If anyone remembers the list and can find it, I would love to have it.

We're preparing for Richard's big day on the 20th and he is excited and stressed both, as you can imagine.

I appreciate all of the good words from my friends on this board!

Carolyn

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 1:51 pm
by JMan
Depends how far hospital is.. for first few days post transplant you won't feel like doing much anyway as it takes a while to recover from the anesthesia.. I packed a very 'basic' bag (nightclothes, clean grundies, dressing gown and washbag), plus music etc to fill in waiting around (boredom factor).

However I am relativley near to hospital (7 or 8 miles) and am aware that distances can be much greater (esp in US).

Most stuff you can get near/around hospitals anyway.

HTH.

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 2:16 pm
by Dionne
Hi Carolyn,
I remember that list, it served me well. I'm pretty sure it was written by Cheryl from CT. Although I don't remeber everything she suggested, here are some things I packed, as well as a few others that I wished I'd had! In the meantime, my thoughts are with you and Richard. I know it's a pretty exciting/unnerving time for both of you. Spouses, significant others, family, friends, etc. are amazing! You guys fight along with us and help to keep us going. :)

toothbrush
toothpaste
deodorant/anti-perspirant
soap
shampoo
comb
brush
(Although hospitals usually provide these things, it's nice to have the brand you prefer. Besides, I think the brands they use are less than generic!)

robe (May make you feel a bit better, trudging along the hallways after surgery.)
pajamas (or the alternative...hospital gowns :oops: )
slippers
socks (For those who get cold feet.)
pillows

books
magazines
cassettes/walkman
wrting paper/pens/pencils (Comes in handy for questions for docs., thank you lists, notes, thoughts, etc.)

ginger ale/ tums or another antacid (I had a hard time keeping anything down for weeks, so it helped quite a bit.)

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 2:21 pm
by Rachel in NY
Wow. Good luck. From my experience, this is what i pack every time i go into the hopspital.

1. a small bag of personal stuff. Toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.

then i'd say take plenty of your own comfortable clothes. Loose fitting stuff and socks and a robe and slippers, etc. You don't want to wear the crappy hospital stuff any more then you HAVE too.

Stuff to do. He will be cooped up in the hospital when he starts feeling better, and will need things to keep him busy. Does he like to read? I always pack loads of books to read, and some paper/pens to draw/write. Card games..etc. Anything to keep him busy. music cd's, headphones to listen to it with, etc.

hospital stays can be long long and lonely. and its easy to get depressed. I always take along a few small things to remind me of home and family/friends. a few photos, etc.

After the surgery when he starts feeling better, he'll be asking for what he wants. that's my basic list. the rest sorta "developes" and you'll see what u need.

take care of YOURSELF!

and good luck for the big day.

rachel

Stuff!

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 3:41 pm
by Nikki
:D I'm really pleased for you both, good luck!
I agree with everyone else, toiletree's, your own PJ's or tracksuit or robe and socks and slippers, being warm and comfy helps alot plus stuff to stop you having to count the holes in the hospital cellings ie books, magazines, paper andpen, music etc etc!!
Nikki. :wink:

PS !

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 3:44 pm
by Nikki
:D Me again, thought of something else! Drinks, ie juice to dilute in water, after the transplant he will be given a new fluid limit ie 4 litres which is really hard to get used to so different things to drink is always good! Tell him not to drink too much fizzy stuff as you fill up so quick and feel you just cant complete your limit, water and juice is best! x