Join Our Mailing List
Email:
Visit our blog  Find us on Google+  Find us on Pinterest  Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter

 

Safe Eggs
Log Out | Topics | Edit Profile
Forum Archive
 

What To Pack For Your Hospital Stay &... Log Out | Topics | Register | Edit Profile

TransplantBuddies.org Forums » Resources & Centers » What To Pack For Your Hospital Stay & Items You May Need On Your Return Home « Previous Next »
Author Message
Hostess Meagan
Forum Leader
Username: Newheart14

Post Number: 1803
Registered: 01-2009
Posted on Friday, March 25, 2011 - 04:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR HOSPITAL STAY

Thanks to the input of our wonderful members here on Transplant Buddies we have been able to put together a list of items you may want when you are in the hospital. Also listed are items you may need when you are discharged and able to go home, and tips for the caregiver.

When you get the call you should have copies of your list of current medications and your health/insurance card, and hospital identification card with you. While you are in the ICU you may want to have some toiletries on hand (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.). You may also want to have your slippers as the nurses will try to get you sitting up in a chair as soon as you are able. You will not need too much more at this point in your hospital stay, and the nurses will discourage you from bringing too much into the ICU due to the lack of room. You can have these items packed in a small bag to take with you when you get the call as you may have to wait awhile before being taken to the operating room. The rest of your favorite things should be packed and ready for someone to bring to you when you are moved out of the ICU and into your room.

Leave valuables at home - remove rings and other jewelry. Ladies, remember to remove your nail polish, and don’t wear makeup, as the doctors need to see the natural colour of your nails and skin.

It is not necessary to bring pajamas or nightgowns as you will have drains and a catheter in place and your gown may become soiled. The hospital supplies hospital gowns. The ladies will be happy to know that most hospitals have shampoo caps that the nurses can use to wash your hair with while you are in bed or sitting in a chair.

When you are discharged, you will need a small pillow to protect your incision on the trip home. Place it over your incision and under your seatbelt. You may want to have loose clothing to go home in as you may experience some swelling. Ladies, depending on your type of surgery, you may be uncomfortable wearing a bra for the first few weeks. You may also find it difficult to fit into the shoes you arrived with.

Remember to tell friends and family that most hospitals do not allow flowers in the ICU or transplant floor. You can double-check with your particular hospital as to their rules.

Following are some suggestions for items to have packed and ready that can be brought to you when you are out of the ICU and in a regular room:

- Slippers (with non-skid soles)
- Bathrobe
- Socks
- Toiletries (toothbrush/paste, mouthwash, comb, brush, lotion, soap, shampoo, deodorant)
- Lip balm (hospital air can be very dry)
- Moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Razor and shaving cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes
- Tissues (certain hospitals supply tissues)
- Earplugs
- Eyeglass case (if you wear eyeglasses)
- Underwear for when you are up and walking. You will have a catheter for a while and won’t need these right away
- Men may want pajama bottoms or track pants
- Loose fitting T-shirts
- Loose fitting shorts/sweatpants
- Notepad, pen, and pencil (you may want to take notes on what the doctors tell you during rounds)
- Books, magazines, puzzles
- Ipod or MP3 with music
- Portable DVD player
- Laptop
- Cellphone (use only in areas that permit cellphones)
- Important phone numbers
- Pocket calendar
- Change for the vending machine in case you want a snack or drink. Don’t bring a lot of money.
- Your favourite pillow may be comforting to you. Use a colourful pillow case to distinguish from the hospital whites.
- Favourite picture of someone you love
- Bring anything that will make you feel more at home
- Small pillow to protect your incision on the way home (that can be left in the car)

ITEMS YOU MAY NEED AT HOME AFTER YOUR SURGERY

Have food on hand at home that is light, nothing greasy or hard to digest. Your stomach will need some time to adjust after major surgery. For the first little while you may only want soups, jello, mashed potatoes, ice cream, Ensure or Boost protein milkshakes. You may not be up to a normal diet right away. It may take several weeks for your appetite to return to normal.

Have some meals prepared and put in the freezer. This is especially helpful for your caregivers as they will be busy running around tending to your needs.

Depending on your strength when you return home, you may need some of the items listed below. Moving around is key to your recovery, so make sure you do some walking as soon as you are up to it. Listen to your nurses and physical therapists:

- Shower/bath chair
- Safety bars in the bath/shower
- Raised toilet seat
- Booster cushion to help you get out of a chair
- Walker
- Cane
- Weekly pill organizer for at least 7 days supply of medication (most hospitals supply these but check with your hospital).

TIPS FOR THE CAREGIVER:

- Take care of yourself, get enough rest, and eat properly.
- Take some snacks, a book, music, etc. with you to keep yourself occupied.
- Keep a change of clothes, undies, socks, sweater, little blanket and toiletries for yourself in your car.
- Make sure all bills are on auto-pay, or keep current with them.
- Have supply of favorite non-perishable stuff in pantry.
- Keep your prescription spreadheet current and always have two extra copies to take with you to clinic visits, doctor visit, or hospital emergency.
- Emergency contact list and phone numbers
- Perhaps create a website like a Caring Bridge site to keep family and friends updated
- Prepare extra meals in advance and freeze, e.g. soups, casseroles, crock pot meals.
- Have a credit card on hand which you can use to pay for: a television and/or telephone, the patient's medications at the time of discharge

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks to our wonderful Transplant Buddies who contributed their tips and suggestions:

Frank J. – Forum Leader
Diane – Forum Leader
Joe Berry – Forum Leader
Papillonbleu – Forum Leader
LindyB – Member
Mariel - Member
Ono – Member
Toronto General Hospital Transplant Manual
Forum Leader
Heart-Liver Transplant - February 14, 2008
Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy 1991 and CHF

- Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept trying when there seemed to be no hope at all - Dale Carnegie
- Bumps in the road can sometimes be mountains, so I have learned to climb mountains - Meagan

Meagan's Blog
HeartlessWonder
Member
Username: Mbfoley

Post Number: 11
Registered: 07-2011
Posted on Saturday, September 03, 2011 - 11:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I have also found it very helpful to have a nalgene bottle. You will likely need to monitor fluid intak and output and nalgene bottles make it easy because they have the ruler on it so you can see how much you have had. Also since other people will be getting what you need for a couple of days it makes it easier than asking fifteen times for the tiny cups of water
Awaiting heart tx since 2009
Tufts medical center. Boston, MA

Add Your Message Here
Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.
Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | User List | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration
 
Contact Us
Established 2000 © TransplantBuddies.org