ddcrook Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 My DD7 is going into the hospital for three days for a test. Most of that time she will be lying flat on her back and cannot eat. I want to make her as comfortable as possible. Any suggestions on what I should pack for the two of us? Here is what I'm planning to take: For DD: jammies, blanket, pillow, toothbrush and paste, favorite doll and stuffy, CD player, audio books, portable dvd player, DVDs, sticker books, Mind Benders, and read aloud books. For me: jammies, couple changes of clothes, soap, shampoo, deodorant, books, tablet. Is there anything I've forgotten? Any suggestions to help make the stay less unpleasant for her? Any advice is appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyontheFarm Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Baby wipes to freshen up quickly. If she is flat on her back, can some rig up a stand for the tablet that will allow it to hover over her and she can still play without straining her neck? No food at all? mints, etc? How about some blank cards, stickers, or sticky foam pieces so she can make her own greeting cards, or start working on some Christmas cards? Find out if the tablet will be able to use the hospital internet. Download a movie she hasn't seen yet, some free fun apps, maybe even a e-book. Is there a book you would like to read to her? Hand lotion, hospitals can be drying on the skin for both of you. Are there friends she could skype just during the hospital stay. You could see and get this set up as a surprise. Hope your dd feels better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Chapstick Lotion Slippers/flip flops Non smelly snacks for you (protein bars?) Water bottle and travel coffee mug for you Pillow for you Hope the time passes quickly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 chapstick! lotion earbuds or headphones for both foam earplugs For you: shower sandals snacks--bars, individual servings fruit, nuts, etc. slippers or fuzzy socks with grips on feet chargers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddcrook Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 Baby wipes to freshen up quickly. Excellent idea! If she is flat on her back, can some rig up a stand for the tablet that will allow it to hover over her and she can still play without straining her neck? Actually, she won't be completely flat. She will be allowed to lift to a 15 degree angle, so I think (hope) she should be able to see the TV on the wall or the portable DVD player. If now DH and I will take turns holding it for her. No food at all? mints, etc? The first day she will be on clear liquids. The hospital will provide the juice, broth, jello, etc. I think I'll pack some gum and ask the nurse if she can have some. The next day she will be on ice chips only. How about some blank cards, stickers, or sticky foam pieces so she can make her own greeting cards, or start working on some Christmas cards? Hmm, now you have me thinking. I'll see if I can come up with a simple but interesting craft. Find out if the tablet will be able to use the hospital internet. Download a movie she hasn't seen yet, some free fun apps, maybe even a e-book. I'm pretty sure child life will provide an ipad. My girls really don't play video games so I'm not sure if she will be interested. On the other hand it might be a novel diversion. I'm heading to the library tomorrow to find some new movies and audio books. Is there a book you would like to read to her? I'll definitely need to bring a few books! Hand lotion, hospitals can be drying on the skin for both of you. Good to know! I'll add it to my list. Are there friends she could skype just during the hospital stay. You could see and get this set up as a surprise. Oh, that would be great! If I can use the hospital internet, I'll have DH bring the laptop and we'll Skype grandma and grandpa. Hope your dd feels better soon. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddcrook Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 Chapstick Lotion Slippers/flip flops Non smelly snacks for you (protein bars?) Water bottle and travel coffee mug for you Pillow for you Hope the time passes quickly! Thanks! I'll add these to my list. I'm focused on making this as comfortable as possible for DD but I need to remember that I need my sleep and nourishment if I'm going to take care of her. I think I'll take some tennis shoes and try to get out for a walk when DH and other DD are there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddcrook Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 chapstick! lotion earbuds or headphones for both foam earplugs For you: shower sandals snacks--bars, individual servings fruit, nuts, etc. slippers or fuzzy socks with grips on feet chargers Oooh, I didn't think about earplugs. Excellent idea! Apparently, at night the nurse will come in every hour to check on her. Earplugs could be helpful. I always forget to pack chargers! Thanks for the reminder! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Entropymama Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Music to play if she likes that, or audiobooks since she'll be lying flat. Ear plugs and eye masks for sleeping. Depending on your set up there may be monitors beeping, lights flashing and nurses coming in every couple hours. I like a rice bag scented with lavender or something. They'll heat it up for you in the microwave and it gives a pleasant scent but won't bother other patients or smell up the room. I hate that hospital smell. Maybe a special something each day - a new book or inexpensive toy or something. Hope all goes well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 If this is at a children's hospital they will likely have a lot of movies for her to chose from, activities, etc. and maybe even special visitors. You will want a sweater/sweatshirt for your self as often hospital rooms are cool. Comfy clothes as well as sitting there gets tedious. Tennis shoes for walking are great. Even a few minutes every hour or so will really help. Depending on what they are doing they may or may not allow your dd to wear her own jammies or maybe the bottoms but not the tops, etc. Hope all goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 fun socks, pretty hair thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddcrook Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 I just thought of something fun. I'm going to take some fancy teacups and dishes for a tea party on the clear liquid day. Apple juice and lemon Jello will be much more appetizing when served in fancy dishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest submarines Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 I'd plan a little special gift for each day as well. Or at least for when the testing is over. I had a surgery at the age of 7, and when we left the hospital I felt really betrayed that there was no gift for me. I'm not sure why I expected a gift, as I hardly ever got gifts in general, but I felt I deserved it, as the hospital stay was such an ordeal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 No suggestions, just well wishes for an easy and short stay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymonster Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 It seems like the prior answers have you pretty well covered. A few extra things to consider: If you have problems with dry eyes or get nosebleeds during dry weather, bring something for that. I get sinus headaches in the hospital (because it is so dry), so bring headache medicine if that is an issue, a well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pod's mum Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 For you and maybe for your daughter too, eye covers. Hospitals leave lights on all night. Maybe crossword or Suduko type books if you like them, and a book you are already involved in, it can be hard to break into a new one in that setting. For you, chocolate + biscuits, (absolutely necessary) and a small jar of non-caterers-blend coffee. Maybe cup-a-soups if there is a kettle you'll have access to? Here they tend to look after the needs of the kids well, but parents have to fend for themselves. Another tip, we always stripped the hospital bed as soon as we arrived and put one of their cotton blankets between the bottom sheet and the vinyl mattress cover. If you can bring a bright bedspread from home it makes the room less clinical too. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Thanks! I'll add these to my list. I'm focused on making this as comfortable as possible for DD but I need to remember that I need my sleep and nourishment if I'm going to take care of her. I think I'll take some tennis shoes and try to get out for a walk when DH and other DD are there. My DD was in the hospital before/after an appendectomy, so she was drugged up and well taken care of by the hospital staff. We, on the other hand, were wandering the halls looking for scraps. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 If you're going to a children's hospital, they will likely have a library, video game consoles, dvd's and tablets that she can use. There will probably be a DVD player in her room. I'd save the packing on all of that. If there is a Ronald McDonald Family Room, they will have things like that as well. Likewise, if she is in a position where she can't see the tv in the room, there may be one on a cart that they can bring in for her. Oh, and they had these nifty stands to hold tablets, too. You might not have to hold that for her! Call ahead, ask to speak to a child life specialist and find out what they provide. It's difficult to balance bringing just enough vs. too much. Remember change for vending machines for yourself, although our children's hospital provided beverages us for us as parents (we were in the PICU, not sure if that made a difference) when the Ronald McDonald Family Room was closed, otherwise beverages, snacks and a small selection of freezer meals were available free of charge in the family room kitchen. They also had a no-cost washer & dryer. The family room was open to all of the families, not just the PICU families. I doubt they will let her have gum or hard candy to suck on. If she swallows it, she's no longer NPO and it can mess up tests, anesthesia, surgery, all kinds of things. If she has to lay still, she will probably be on an air mattress so that they can prevent bed sores. DS had a hard time sleeping on that once he was conscious - the noise & motion kept him awake, so be prepared for some sleepless times. Don't hesitate to ask if she can have something to help her sleep if that becomes an issue. If they can give her anything and what they can give her will depend on how alert and responsive they need her to be. Don't forget to get out of the room some - a brief walk up & down the hall does wonders! Hope this helps - it's all fresh on my mind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSurprise Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 roll(s) of quarters sweater for you, robe for dd (and slippers if she'll walk at some time)...many people don't use jammies because they're in a gown the whole time crafty type things like pipe cleaners, glue, etc. dvds to watch And call to see if they have a Child Life specialist. If they know you're coming they can be there for distractions when preparing for any procedures and bring in cool stuff or tell you about special children's programs while you're there (clown, pet therapy, toys, video games or dvds). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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