Any tips for a hospital stay?

Savvy_Sue

Well it's now March, so allegedly some time this month I will get a phone call offering me a date for my brain surgery (no I'm not joking, but it's minor in the grand scheme of things!)

Since this will be my longest hospital stay EVER - 5 days minimum - and the last was a long time ago, what tips can you all offer me? Moneysaving and other!

Someone elsewhere suggested slipper socks to keep feet warm, but I've got new slippers as well because I don't trust toilet floors anywhere (well would you if you lived in a house full of chaps?)

I also have new button up pyjamas in case there are tubes coming out of my head, and a silk dressing gown for lightness and warmth. Little pots of moisturiser and handcream are on hand, along with 'nice' lipsalves etc. What else should I shop for while I still can? (It's excellent displacement therapy!)

shrek101

Can't give you any advise unfortunately as I have only been in hospital for an op fortunately. But I wish you best of luck and speedy recovery.

suki1964

Sorry to hear you have to go in, wishing you a speedy recovery.

Just a few ideas that have helped me through stays in hospital

Ear plugs - wards can be extremely noisy at night and not getting enough sleep can make you feel worse then the op did

Cheap personal stereo or radio - hospital radio is a hit and miss affair

I found short stories to be better then the blockbuster as there is often so much going on around you, concentration goes to pot.

Glad

Tissues
baby wet-wipes [ideal for freshen-up when you stuck in bed, and to wipe around toilets and sinks before using]
squash
bottled water
biscuits [tea is often served at 5pm so need a snack later, don't take any food that may go off as hosp wards are very warm]
magazines
notepad and pen [for jotting down things you think of you want to ask on next ward round]
carrier bags for dirty washing [especially if the odd drop of blood etc on your clothes, this helps keep them seperate from other items in locker]
loose change [for telephone, sweet/paper trolley]

Sofa_Sogood

I'd take an old pair of PJ's in too Savvy_Sue, that iodine stuff seems to get everywhere. And make sure the socks are the slipper socks - I got told off a couple of times for not wearing the non-slip type on the slippery floors. I'd have a spare pair of the anti-DVT socks too - they were in short supply for some reason.

I also found the Oil of Olay face wipes, or Dove (the ones you have to moisten first) a great help too. Not very money saving this is it? Maybe someone else can suggest a good cheap substitute?

Not sure what your situation is, but my friend collected 'housework credits' before she had major surgery. Before she went in she did shopping for various friends, and ironing (she must have been mad lol) for another friend, and various jobs for others. They in turn returned the 'favours' when she was out of hospital but not able to do a lot.

Don't forget change for the phone (if necessary) for when you're able to use it, and I'd make a rota out for who can visit and when. Those visitors either drained me or turned up when the anaesthetic was having one of it's unladylike after effects. Very embarrassing for me not sure if it's applicable in your case though.

Can't think of anything else just yet, except to say don't worry and good luck!

Sofa_Sogood

Sorry glad, I must have been typing as you were posting.

Your list's far better

frizz_head

I was in last week for an Op - but only as a day case, and it was bliss! A whole day in bed, feet up, watching TV and drinking tea. Well, makes a change from school runs, work, after school activities, shopping, washing, cleaning, cooking!! You get my drift.

If you're looking for reading material - after just one day I was sick to death of Magazines, I can really recommend Harry Potter. For years people kept on telling me how great they were, but I just couldn't see how a 'kids' book could be so good. Well I gave in to pressure, and was not disappointed - they are brilliant. Pure escapism.

You will, I imagine, be given surgical socks to wear. I was given them even though I was only in bed for a day.

Good luck Savvy - hope all goes well.

queensway_boy

Just want to wish you a


SPEEDY RECOVERY

elona

Good luck with your hospital stay.

The food is normally horrible so something like bags of mini ryvita,Seasons etc and boiled sweets can be a lifesaver.

A home made spray of water and essential oil can freshen the atmosphere and essential oil of lemon or orange is supposed to kill germs better than antiseptics. :):)

elona

At the risk of offending any hospital staff - who are lovely- the system in some areas can be such that if you imagined you were being sent to prison and then what you would give anything to have smuggled in- would give you the tips you need:)

Prepare for the worst in terms of conditions and you may be pleasantly surprised

Sarahsaver

a mist spray to cool yourself down cos it gets hot in hospital
sweeteners if you use those
slippers definitely, and flipflops to wear in the shower.
a tub of value baby wipes to use for cleaning yourself, toilet seats etc bcos of the wonderful array of bacteria etc in our hospitals.
Don't forget your moisturiser, cleanser, hair conditioner etc. These little things make all the difference. And I made good friends with some lovely old ladies who hadnt been 'fussed over' for ages - a little bit of moisturiser cheered them up no end!
Radio tomes or something like that because the radio is the most interesting, and around here you have to pay to watch telly in hospital.
I wish you all the best, I spent a month in hospital after my stroke. I never really got used to the mealtimes - lunch at 11.30 /12 and tea just around 5 - way too early. Choose things (if you get a menu choice) which you may be able to save for later! such as fruit juice, fruit, biscuits, sandwiches.
If the menu looks particularly dodgy then go for the hindu vegetarian option if you are offered one - at least you get much healthier food and its not SO mass produced!