violamama Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 My daughter turned 2 last week. She has a spine surgery on Wednesday at 6am and is expected to stay overnight after that. My parents are taking our boys for 5 days, so that's covered and they will love that. Advice wanted: 1. What should I bring for myself? 2. Any general advice to help a toddler deal with being in a hospital? 3. Tips for the at-home recovery period? (I also would love your prayers for us if you're so inclined.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Ipad. Bring an ipad with games. I bring bags of duplos or legos, depending on whether the kid is at an age to eat toys. Sticker books. Comfy socks, chap stick (the air is *dry*). Those crayola books that have markers that only work on special paper. Is it a children's hospital? Is there a child life specialist on staff? You can have them come in and bring toys. Bring an easily washable lovey and a familiar blanket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zimom Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 bring comfy, comfy clothes for yourself. Do not expect to sleep. Bring an iPad, kindle, some soothing music for both of you. Bring a lovey or two or three for your daughter. Bring whatever is easiest for your daughter to drink out of. Talk to her as much as possible on her level about what to expect without scaring her. With my daughter's surgeries I set up a mattress in the living area that she slept on post-op to make life easier for everyone. Thinking it might be helpful with spine surgery too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymonster Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Advice wanted: 1. What should I bring for myself? Bring food -- easy stuff that you can put in your bag and not worry about heating up... Little people post-surgery tend to be very unwilling for you to leave them. Chapstick, water bottle, headache medicine (it is **really** dry in the hospital, as whereneverever mentioned). Deodorant. Easy clothes that you can sleep in -- I do a lot of "travel clothes." Stuff for you to do, whatever that might be, but make sure it's the brainless stuff. 2. Any general advice to help a toddler deal with being in a hospital? Whatever they want, they get. Really. TV rocks. So do sweets, if needed. It's not bad parenting while it happens in the hospital. Keep an eye on staff -- make sure you understand her med schedule, and make sure they stick to it. If you think there's a problem, get help. If there's something that doesn't sit right, ask questions. If you have a support group for your DD's condition, USE it. Ask for experiences. Our hospital is a teaching hospital, and I've often told medical students/interns/residents to go get their supervisor. This is your kid, and they don't get to play Grey's Anatomy. (We've spent a lot of time in the hospital...) 3. Tips for the at-home recovery period? WATCH FOR CONSTIPATION. Make sure it doesn't happen. Don't let your surgical staff forget to prevent constipation. Really.... Other than that, follow instructions. Call if you're concerned. Make sure your other kids don't horse around near her. Try to get sleep (for you). Take quality help when offered.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 For her: Portable dvd player and dvds iPad. SSOs (Stuffed Significant Others) Favorite blanket For you: cash for the cafeteria and/or vending machines sweats or other comfy clothes a good book or two iPad or other device pillow A fleece throw or afghan Prayers for the 2 of you and the surgeons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegs Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Is this for the detethering? I have no advice, but wanted to wish to you all the best with it. Oh, actually, take plenty of nourishing snacks for yourself. Maybe a meal which you can heat up in a microwave oven, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applethyme Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 for you: snacks, comfy clothes and a travel blanket and pillow. For her: anything she likes. When ds is in the hospital I buy a few new dvd's and favorite treats but also bring old favorite movies, a blanket and a lovey. I throw out the idea of complete nutrition and focus on what he will eat. A few small new toys are always helpful. Ds gets quite out of sorts when his routine is not followed or his sleep is interrupted and since both happen at the hospital I plan ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Odd are the hospital will have a dvd player in the room, also will bring you food, too (but still bring yourself some snacks). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 For her: Portable dvd player and dvds iPad. The hospital will probably have these available for the patients to use. They even have stands to put them on so that they don't have to be held. Check with the Child Life Specialist (you can call them ahead of time to see what they have). Having mom's own personal iPad is a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I wear yoga pants and comfy t-shirts and sweaters 24/7 when camping out in hospitals. You have people coming in round the clock, and I'm always horrified to bump into people in the hallway who are wearing truly short little nightgowns. Chances are you are sleeping in an arm chair or on a horrible little wall mat anyway. Bring snacks. Cliff bars, a bit of fruit, a bar of chocolate. You never know if/when food you order will arrive. Some children's hospitals offer meal tickets. It's much easier to use those than to have to leave your child and go downstairs to order food. So, figure out the meal policy beforehand. A smart phone or an iPad are a good choice. I used to bring a couple of dvds as well--you know, the ones your child HAS to watch. Most children's hospitals have play rooms, or child life can bring in toys to play with. Sometimes this worked well, sometimes this didn't. Stickers, coloring, play doh were things I usually brought with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okra Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 3. Tips for the at-home recovery period? WATCH FOR CONSTIPATION. Make sure it doesn't happen. Don't let your surgical staff forget to prevent constipation. Really.... Other than that, follow instructions. Call if you're concerned. Make sure your other kids don't horse around near her. Try to get sleep (for you). Take quality help when offered.... I loved all of mommymonster's post, but I did want to address one more thing about constipation, because we have had this problem as well. There are the individually wrapped prunes that look like little candies, and they taste really good. I would spend the extra money on the individually wrapped ones because they are so much more pretty and fun to eat. Addressing problems that you might have with constipation before it is an issue is a very smart thing to do. And, good luck to you and your daughter, I will say prayers for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 A charger for your phone and iPad or whatever, and socks for both of you. Your own pillow and blanket. (I am not picky, but the hospital bedding was awful.) Your favorite beverage. I have done a few overnights on no notice, and these are the only things I really missed. (I always have a toothbrush and toothpaste in my purse.). Definitely your daughter's blankie or bear or stuffed mouse. Mickey even went back into surgery once--he got his own wrist band. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I second bringing your pillow, and your child's. There's something comforting about the smell and feel of your own pillow. Saying prayers for you-- And a shout-out to parents for whom the hospital is part of their routine lives--it must be hard, and you all seem to handle it with such grace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 You may not want to leave her, so someone on call to bring either of you what you might need. Prayers for both of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkTulip Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 When I was at the hospital with my son, they kept the room quite chilly. So I would add a fleece or layers that you can add or subtract as needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austen Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 My son had surgery at two, and we were in the hospital for two nights. I second the water, cash, comfy clothes, and snack type food. We had relative and friends send and bring in food baskets, which were very helpful. Someone would often come and take one of us to the cafeteria. Movies were helpful. We had a DVD player in our room and a TV in the pre-op. Afterwards, movies were the only thing that distracted him from the wires and the pain. I think all the wires were worse, actually. He also loved all the stuffed animals people sent. I went to the toy store and got him a couple of special things that he didn't open till we were in the hospital. That was helpful too. The thing I'm most thankful is that we had family waiting with us pre-op and post-op and so much support. Even our pastor got up at six and drove over an hour to pray with us. I'm hoping your daughter's surgery is not so difficult. Sending prayers your way! It was a difficult time for us, but it was well worth it to see him doing so much better afterwards. If this is tethered spinal cord, feel free to PM me, as that is one of the surgeries my son had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 My ds had surgery for a tethered cord. I remember him having to lay flat for a while and it hurting when he was finally allowed out of bed. I don't think he did much while he was laying down, maybe watched some TV. Another vote for an iPad for your child and a device for yourself. Yoga pants were made for this situation - perfect for "sleeping" on the un-comfy hospital "sofa" while being "dressed." Bring a change of clothes in case you need to be there more than one night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zimom Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Since I always do the overnights at the hospital, with no real sleep, my husband always brings me take out from my favorite nice restaurant, Including a slice of cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory :) It helps me survive the night. Might not be important to you, but much better then hospital food and granola bars to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 new DVDs as well as a favourite food! pillow ipad a mini battery-powered camping lantern also, many hugs to you and dd :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom@shiloh Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 You've gotten lots of great advice here. I have done many, many, many post surgery overnight hospital stays with our children and I am happy to report that hospitals are doing a great job of keeping mom and child comfy. Do bring along everything you think you will want. Your child will want you close and it's really difficult to get out of the room to get anything when they want you right there! I may be unconventional, but I always sleep in the bed with my child. Yes, even when they were little and they put them in those gigantic cribs. There are always IV cords and there may be other 'hook-ups' as well and restless children will spend the entire night getting them tangled, which means mom will spend the entire night untangling while bent over. In the dark. If you hope to get any sleep at all, just climb in there. Depending on the surgery, the first 12-24 hours will be the worst and then your child will act as if they never even had surgery. I hope it goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Mom@shiloh--the 3 hospitals we have been at had a no-parent-in-bed policy. We always kept our kids in their own pjs--2 piece cotton with no buttons/snaps/zippers. We fed the wires through the pjs as the monitors went on. IV sites were generally ignored, but if not they have soft bands they can put on elbows so that the kid can't grab them. The individual prunes are lovely. We also had luck with smoothies. They are particularly lovely if intubation happened--the cold is nice on a sore throat. We had them custom make a spinach one with either flax or chia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
violamama Posted February 10, 2015 Author Share Posted February 10, 2015 There is so much great advice here. I would never have thought of this stuff. It is for spinal cord untethering, and her surgeon thinks it's a relatively minor case. They expect the surgery to take less than an hour, and I hope they stick with just one night in the hospital. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocelotmom Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 If you bring your own pillows, use distinct, brightly colored/patterned pillow cases - no whites or light pastels. That way they'll be blatantly distinguishable from hospital pillows. Bring adequate entertainment/distraction for you, as she's likely to sleep a lot, and you'll probably have a harder time sleeping than normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I have been in and out of hospitals sleeping on the uncomfortable beds they have many a night. I saw what I can only describe as a pro getting ready to go home with her child. She had one of those egg shell foam things you put on beds. She made an uncomfortable plastic couch-bed comfy! I was very impressed. See if the hospital will give a parent meal in the kids room. Sometimes you have to pay, sometimes it's included. There is always plenty to do for a kid. They even have staff to make sure the kid is well entertained. I wound up using laptops or books for myself. Last time I was in the hospital with my daughter, she just watched Frozen again and again. She was in Elsa and Anna heaven. She thinks hospitals are great places to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Seconding yoga pants, layers. Seconding healthy snacks. Seconding having dh or a friend pick up a nice healthy take-out meal for you. I would add a small bag of toiletries. Being able to freshen up by brushing your teeth and washing your face can do a world of good for your state of mind. You might want to prepare a "back up" bag to keep in your car, with a change of clothes and another day's supplies, in case you need to stay a wee bit longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Lots of great ideas. Cell phone charger for sure. WARM comfy clothes for you as the hospital rooms get chilly. Comfortable shoes. If you child dozes or will allow you can take a quick walk around the hall. There is nothing as tiring as just SITTING in the hospital. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I'll pray for the two of you. Slippers for you; it's exhausting to stay dressed and in your shoes all night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakelly Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 My best advise is not to bring your other kids to visit. We did that once, and everyone got the stomach flu. It was terrible. We had kids at home throwing up and a kid recovering from a cleft palate repair with stitches hold ing his mouth together. Fun times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I was just recently in the hospital with a 2yo. My laptop and phone were vital. #1 for my ability to communicate with the outside world and #2 to play Starfall.com. Ziploc baggies - duplos, puzzles, crayons & coloring book. Keep it super simple. You don't want too much floating around the room. And, your child probably won't feel much like running around anyway. Our hospital had several movies available for us. We watched Frozen, Finding Nemo, Tangled and a few others. (We were there 3 nights.) We were in isolation (RSV), but if we would not have been, they had wagons and a safe play area to visit on the peds floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 (((Hugs))) I hope all goes well tomorrow. My thing is comfy clothes with layers. Slipper socks for night time. Bottled water. And mindless reading. My kids usually watched TV if they were up to it but oftentimes were too sick to do that or much of anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Thinking of you today and sending more hugs :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
violamama Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 We're in her room for the night and all seems to be going well. Thanks again for the advice and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 That's good! Thanks for the update! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Happy to see your update :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
violamama Posted February 12, 2015 Author Share Posted February 12, 2015 Eek, spoke a little soon. She had a "paradoxical reaction" to morphine and freaked out for 4 hours screaming, thrashing around and hallucinating, and then had trouble breathing for a bit. She seems good now and they decided not to take her to the ICU which is a relief because she finally fell asleep. Hopefully her recovery is straightforward from here on out. I didn't have a minute to use any of the great things I brought until now! Glad to have a few comforts. I think I may go to bed at 9pm, a personal record for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegs Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 My goodness, violamama! How scary. I'm glad your little one is ok now. May it be smooth sailing from here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 How scary! Hoping your little one doesn't remember the episode. Glad you guys avoided ICU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Pook kid, I hope her recovery is well on the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 My dd had those to fentanyl. She never remembered them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 :grouphug: Hope she has an easy recovery from here on out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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