Going into hospital tomorrow

Buddingblonde

I have been told I am very very anaemic and that I must go into hospital tomorrow for a possible blood trsansfusion.
I need some hugs and also practical advice about what I might need and what I should get from home and what i shouldnt get at hospital. i have been told to pack an overnight bag so what do I need.

Many thanks

BBx

Moomum

I've had a few of these over the last year hon, they aren't so bad once you get used to them. You will most likely be bed bound for the most of it so bring reading material, laptop if allowed, portable DVD player, basically things to keep you occupied. Drinks, snacks etc and comfy clothes. They will give you lunch, dinner, breakfast etc so just nibbles incase you get peckish, your iPod if you have one. I always use the time to catch up on sleep, have an 8 month old so don't get many interrupted rests so I make most of it :-) best of luck x

treliac

If you are anaemic you probably feel weak and low so hopefully this will soon leave you feeling better.

Perhaps they will be able to give you some advice on preventing it from happening in the future.

Good luck and take care.
x

penelopedee_2

Hugs x

With regards to your bag; bedwear that covers everything including a nightgown or a cardi, socks and slippers, undies, deod, toothbrush & paste, a good book, mp3 player, sweets and/or nibbles, squash if you don't like water, change for the hot drinks machine or if you get a newspaper trolley come round. (DH is diabetic so we are used to this )

Best to get sorted before Chrimbo x

Bronnie

Antibacterial handgel and a a pack of wet wipes would be top of my list.

A_Name

Antibacterial gel has always been freely available by the bucketload at any of the hospitals I frequent - don't worry about it.

I think natmid and penelopedee covered everything you're likely to need - I just wanted to add some hugs and support! I've had a blood transfusion too and it's not half as scary as it sounds. Pretty much the same as having IV fluids of any kind!

Mine was also for anemia, so you'll likely have a similar experience. I had 3 bags of blood total, each taking 4 hours to go through - bring plenty of entertainment, and be aware that one arm/hand will be attached to an IV and you might not be able to use it as normal. I brought my DS which I couldnt really play as my cannula stopped me bending my elbow properly.

Be wary of the hospital food! It can be grim. I swear they served me up lukewarm catfood one time... that said, some hospitals are suprisingly ok. Take extra snacks just incase!

Last time I was in hospital, my partner brought me my childhood teddy bear to keep me company because he couldn't visit me often - I really appreciated having something personal of mine from home that made me smile. I know it's usually kids who need toys, but being unwell isn't fun for anyone. I don't know if you have something similar, but it might be worth considering.

I'm sure you'll be feeling much better in no time at all After mine, I literally skipped down the corridor... though that might have been because I was just so very glad not to be sitting in that bed!

jenniewb

I was in hospital a few days when my appendix burst! Had I known beforehand I'd have packed the following:

Mascara. Know it sounds daft but I felt so manky and this would have really made me feel better!
Facial wipes. Just easier to use if you do end up bedbound.
Comfy and easy to put on slippers.
Bed clothes and then a spare set, just incase.
Underware! Mainly pants, a sports bra or non wired t-shirt bra if you are dead set on wearing a bra.
A dressing gown. It is normally very warm inside a ward but its strange how you do still feel the cold and there is always someone who HAS to have every window near to them wide open. This person will normally be situated next to you.

Deoderant.
Body Wash, facial wash, body moisturiser, facial moisturiser.
Hand cream and a manicure kit- great to do when your bored.
MP3 or similar music player- and a charger!
A good book or good few magazines, the Christmas issues are out at the moment for many so good to have to plough through. Mags with a Suduko or crossword are also good.

Money for the phone/TV/anything else they charge for but beware, these things don't come cheap!
Coffee powder or tea bags and anything else you have in hot drinks (chocolate powder, soya milk, syrups for eg) just makes all the difference.
A diary to write in if you keep one.

You didn't say how long you were in for, the above was based on my stay which was about a week but it really depends on what you value and how much you value your creature comforts. Wear comfy clothes when you go in, your likely to wear these as you leave and are unlikely to want to wear close fitting sturdy things like denim or leather on the journey home.

sorryImoved

Sending hugs your way! Best thing you can do is insist that nurses, doctors or anyone else that comes near wash their hands. Bring whatever you enjoy - knitting, reading materials, etc. It will help the time pass. Hoping you feel better soon.

Nile

I hope you're feeling better Buddingblonde.

Buddingblonde

Thank you all - I ended up staying in hospital for nearly a week which was far too long but at least I am on the up. I ended up taking everything and anything.
I think the one thing that I needed more than anything was dry shampoo - as I was so extremely weak, even washing my hair was exhausting so dry shampoo kept the worst off it (My dear MIL brought me some)

flissh

A_Name wrote: »

Be wary of the hospital food! It can be grim. I swear they served me up lukewarm catfood one time... that said, some hospitals are suprisingly ok. Take extra snacks just incase!

:rotfl::rotfl:

This made me laugh! This has to be "corn beef hash" served about once a week for supper in the hospital where I work, doesn't taste too bad but looks like !!!!!!.