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Post by christine58 on Feb 25, 2024 13:13:08 GMT
A good friend of mine is having major elbow surgery on Tuesday. She fell while she was on vacation with me and my mom. Anyhow, she hasn’t been hospitalized in a long time and both times that I was in the hospital, I left my house so quickly I didn’t have time to think about what to bring with me
So here is what I’ve told her to pack off the top of my head and just wondering if anybody has any other suggestions. She’s probably gonna be there at least one night if not too, and then might have to head to rehab because she lives alone and I don’t know that she found anyone to come and help her out. I am headed out of town in a couple of weeks so she really needs to have somebody else. Hopefully her sister will be home from vacation by then.
So I told her to make sure her iPad and her phone are fully charged, that she has her cords with her and possibly a portable charger. I told her to pack her own underwear maybe a pair of comfortable pull on pajama pants and her own toothbrush, if she’s so desired. I know I’m forgetting something. I am going to suggest that maybe she bring her own hand, lotion, and Chapstick. Just wondering if anybody has any other ideas. She’s prediabetic so hard candy and stuff like that is not a good option.
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Post by disneypal on Feb 25, 2024 13:52:53 GMT
Maybe also a book or magazines
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Post by christine58 on Feb 25, 2024 13:55:11 GMT
Maybe also a book or magazines She uses her iPad mostly to read, but she found out that our local library will deliver books to her so that’s great |
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Post by disneypal on Feb 25, 2024 13:57:30 GMT
Is she going to be in a private room? If not, she may want to bring ear buds so as not to disturb her roomie
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,692
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Feb 25, 2024 14:05:42 GMT
An eye mask as the lights are so bright in the hospital rooms. Warm cosy socks as the feet get cold.
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Post by KelleeM on Feb 25, 2024 14:28:20 GMT
Hospitals here require their socks with grippy strips on the bottom. I was hospitalized for two nights last fall and really, aside from my own toothbrush, iPad, phone and chargers I didn’t need anything. I went in anticipating coming home the same day after surgery but my blood pressure had other ideas so I wasn’t prepared ahead for staying overnight.
Sorry, I meant to add…I hope she heals quickly!
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Post by littlemama on Feb 25, 2024 14:33:36 GMT
Toothbrush and toothpaste. Snacks. Stuff to do- it is boring most of the time!
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Post by peano on Feb 25, 2024 14:34:32 GMT
I am a notorious over packer and take virtually nothing except the basic face wash stuff/moisturizer, clean undies and a going-home outfit. I find hospitals hot so I just wear two johnny coats, the second like a robe. I take phone and iPad, ample chargers and cords and lip balm. I recently got noise cancelling earphones, so I would take those on any future hospitalizations.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,119 
Location: New York, NY
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Post by christinec68 on Feb 25, 2024 14:42:19 GMT
I was in the hospital for a week last year and used/needed most of the things mentioned:
Chargers for devices
Tooth brush/tooth paste
Moisturizer
Lip balm
Ear buds - I brought corded ones so they wouldnt get lost like ear buds might.
underwear
I also needed a brush and things to keep my hair up/out of my face, face cleanser and moisturizer.
I was there long enough to start showering and was glad I had other toiletries with me.
I wish I had a a nail file and a small pouch to corral small things on the bed. My movements were limited and I couldn’t reach the whole table top so keeping things together would have been easier. Although I think it would be handy either way sinc they always seem to accumulate stuff.
Her own pajamas would be nice…something that buttons assuming she won’t be able to raise her arm.
I hope her surgery goes well and that she has a smooth recovery
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Post by ntsf on Feb 25, 2024 14:56:20 GMT
short extension cord to plug in items.. outlets not always handy.
floss
hand sanitizer.. why they don't give this to bed bound patients is beyond me.
wear clothes home that you come in with.. don't pack extra unless you need something looser to fit over injury.
ear buds
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Post by gigito7 on Feb 25, 2024 14:56:27 GMT
I wouldn’t worry about pj’s because hospital gowns might be needed for a heart monitor or IV, etc. Bring panties and if she needs incontenice pads, her own daily meds like Prevacid anything she takes on a regular basis I would take in case hospital doesn’t have her particular meds. Tooth brush/ paste but she will get hospital issued ones. Phone chargers are a must, magazines, books. I’ve been in the hospital 4 times in the last 10 years. Same day surgery can turn into overnight or more quickly.
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Post by christine58 on Feb 25, 2024 15:05:17 GMT
Hospitals here require their socks with grippy strips on the bottom. I was hospitalized for two nights last fall and really, aside from my own toothbrush, iPad, phone and chargers I didn’t need anything. I went in anticipating coming home the same day after surgery but my blood pressure had other ideas so I wasn’t prepared ahead for staying overnight. Sorry, I meant to add…I hope she heals quickly! Yeah that’s kind of what I told her. And knowing her she will ask for a private room and pay for it. I’m writing down all these suggestions from all of you |
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Post by christine58 on Feb 25, 2024 15:07:45 GMT
Thanks for all the great suggestions. He told her that she’d be there at least one night it won’t surprise me if she isn’t there for two. She’s very upset but I keep telling her it could’ve been worse. She could’ve hit her head she might not have been able to call and tell me where she was but she’s on the move every day volunteers for a great organization so I know that there will be people that will step up to help her besides me. She’ll have some company to.
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 6,958
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Feb 25, 2024 15:24:18 GMT
Personally, I would also bring a travel size pack of cleaning wipes. Like the Clorax brand for wiping down things like bed railings, the table, the tv/nurse remote, etc. And one for my hands. That is what I do when my DH has been in the hosp.
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pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,907
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Post by pilcas on Feb 25, 2024 15:26:29 GMT
I bring my iPad, phone and chargers. Underwear and leggings or pj bottoms so I don’t flash anyone. No tops because they need to have quick access to your arms and chest for IV and blood tests. Tooth brush and paste. They do give you the non slip socks. My face wash and lotion and that’s about it.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,884
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Feb 25, 2024 15:35:19 GMT
I've had three elbow surgeries, but did not stay more than a few hours after the surgery. I'm right handed, and it was my right elbow so that made it a little more challenging afterwards.
Opening packages, and reading books are not easy with one hand.... Maybe something to prop the i-pad on. If her library has Libby, borrowing some audio books would be great because you don't have to turn the pages or hold the book once you get it started.
I recommend she bring her own pillow, but I can't sleep without my own pillow...
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Post by grammadee on Feb 25, 2024 15:37:35 GMT
I keep my carryon bag packed with a fresh pair of pj's & undies, hair care essentials, a pack of the lozenges I use for dry mouth at night, a pack of Kleenex, and a charging cord for my iphone/iPad. Then if I have to go into the hospital--or stay over with dgs on short notice--all I need to do is tuck in my electronics and my pill pack for that week. If she is having elbow surgery, she will need a loose fitting top that will be easy for her to put on.
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Post by nightnurse on Feb 25, 2024 15:40:01 GMT
My mom found the hospital cold and I bought her a little wrap from Amazon without sleeeves so it was easy on and off over iv lines.
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Post by christine58 on Feb 25, 2024 16:12:43 GMT
Personally, I would also bring a travel size pack of cleaning wipes. Like the Clorax brand for wiping down things like bed railings, the table, the tv/nurse remote, etc. And one for my hands. That is what I do when my DH has been in the hosp. Great idea. She has a serious peanut allergy and wipes stuff down. |
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Post by christine58 on Feb 25, 2024 16:14:18 GMT
I've had three elbow surgeries, but did not stay more than a few hours after the surgery. I'm right handed, and it was my right elbow so that made it a little more challenging afterwards. Opening packages, and reading books are not easy with one hand.... Maybe something to prop the i-pad on. If her library has Libby, borrowing some audio books would be great because you don't have to turn the pages or hold the book once you get it started. I recommend she bring her own pillow, but I can't sleep without my own pillow... This is pretty extensive elbow surgery because she not only broke her ulna near her elbow, it’s also dislocated. The surgeon told her to expect to be there one night, and when she said she lived alone, he said it might be two nights. She has great health insurance, so staying two nights is not going be a problem. Thanks again for all the great suggestions |
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Post by zztop11 on Feb 25, 2024 16:36:38 GMT
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Post by hennybutton on Feb 25, 2024 17:15:19 GMT
My mom found the hospital cold and I bought her a little wrap from Amazon without sleeeves so it was easy on and off over iv lines. Remember those blankets with arms that they used to advertise on TV? For the life of me, I can't remember what they're called. Every time I've been in the hospital, I've wished I had one. It's always cold there and hospital blankets suck. I don't think a cozy robe would work because of the IV lines, but one of those blankets would keep the patient warm but leave their hands free. Edit: SNUGGIE!!! It's a Snuggie and they still make them. They even have a heated version. |
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
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Post by scrapngranny on Feb 25, 2024 17:21:44 GMT
I recently had stomach surgery and had to stay one night. I took all my devices and chargers. Toothpaste, toothbrush, and chapstick.
I packed earplugs and eye mask. The only thing I used was the earplugs and eye mask.
I was so groggy after surgery I couldn’t keep my eyes open or focus on anything. My surgery was first thing in the morning and I don’t remember seeing my husband until the next day. Between the anesthesia and pain meds that day was a blur. I did use the earplugs because my room was close to the nurse’s station and was noisy. If you are only staying one night, you really don’t need much. My DH tried texting me, but I was too dopey to make any sense when I texted him back.
More than one night you might need something to entertain yourself, but one night goes by in a flash.
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Post by LilyRose on Feb 25, 2024 17:30:04 GMT
I just had my thyroid removed on Monday and spent one night in the hospital, so this is fresh in my mind.
I second charging cords for her devices, preferably long ones. Have the brick for charging, because I didn’t see any USB ports where I was.
Lozenges were helpful. I was intubated during surgery so my throat was not happy. Some brands have sugar-free versions.
An eyeglass case if she wears them. I forgot to bring that to protect my glasses while I was in surgery.
I had a small ID case for my driver’s license and insurance card for when I checked in. I needed to pay my out of pocket as well and forgot my credit card. Luckily my mom carries an authorized user version of my credit card. She took that ID case while I was in surgery.
Lip balm
Hair brush
I was pretty bored, but couldn’t concentrate on the book I brought. I surfed online.
Clothes and shoes that are easy to get into for the trip home. Hopefully she has some slip on shoes.
I had rotator cuff surgery a few years ago, and did as much as I could ahead of time—cleaned the cat boxes, bought extra litter and any beverages I might want in the coming weeks. Some friends gave me a bag with many pockets all around the sides. That was great for carrying things as I moved from upstairs to downstairs, etc. since I only had one arm, I could put my devices, water bottle, a snack, etc in there to easily carry it all at once while I moved from place to place.
I didn’t bring much, and didn’t need much.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Feb 25, 2024 18:46:15 GMT
Face masks. Crocs or something comfortable for walking. Cough candies. When ds had his appendix out we had to bring ginger ale in as it helped after surgery.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Feb 25, 2024 19:17:15 GMT
I would bring:
Phone and charger.
Earplugs. Hospital are noisy when trying to rest.
Lip balm.
My 5lb weighted blanket throw (it's smaller in size, than my other weighted blankets). Hospital are colder temperatures. The hospital blankets are thinner.
Eye mask for sleeping.
A book or two.
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mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
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Post by mlana on Feb 28, 2024 22:09:13 GMT
I spent 2 days in the hospital last week after - finally!- getting my gallbladder removed.
I made sure my satin pillowcase was packed and used. The hospital ones seem to catch and tangle my hair really bad.
If her hair is any length, she might want to do a simple braid so she doesn’t have to worry about messing with it for a few days
Marcy
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Post by peasapie on Feb 29, 2024 2:39:17 GMT
Is she going to be in a private room? If not, she may want to bring ear buds so as not to disturb her roomie This. The night nurses and rolling carts get loud. I’ve unfortunately spent considerable time in hospitals, and the worst thing IMO is the night noise. |
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Post by peasapie on Feb 29, 2024 2:40:03 GMT
I would bring: Phone and charger. Earplugs. Hospital are noisy when trying to rest. Lip balm. My 5lb weighted blanket throw (it's smaller in size, than my other weighted blankets). Hospital are colder temperatures. The hospital blankets are thinner. Eye mask for sleeping. A book or two. Great list! |
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