My OH is in hospital in intensive care

northerntwo1 · 7 December 2014 at 12:50PM

Your OH doesn't need anything, however, you need to keep busy which is understandable. Pack a bag for the car with all suggestions above as it will help you and when he's better he will need them, so it will be there for when he makes a recovery and your adrenaline wears off.

What you need to think of today is practical issues for you and your family. There will be times you could be asked to leave the ward (very common as patients not just your OH need privacy). So ensure mobile phones are charged with back up batteries if possible, phones have credit, your DS has something to occupy himself like a tablet, book, console etc. Take a flask and or drinks, snacks to keep your sugar levels up, take a coat and hat for you and DS as a walk outside to get fresh air and stave tiredness isn't uncommon and can help patients families. Maybe consider a pillow and blanket in the boot if you have room in case someone fancies a lie down or a sleep in the car on the way home tonight.

If DS is prone to stress bleeds pack tissues and spare tee shirt change and wet wipes. I'd consider if he has a close friend phoning their parents and letting them know as he may need time out with friends so if this occurs having someone you know on standby can be good.

I hope he makes a speedy recovery.

Lily-Rose_3 · 7 December 2014 at 12:59PM

I can't add anything to what's already been said Victory, as some excellent advice has been given already; but my thoughts are with you (and your hubby.) I hope he makes a speedy recovery.

farmeress · 7 December 2014 at 1:16PM

Victory, I am choked reading this thread and my heart goes out to you all x
It sounds like you have an amazing family!!
Your sons are a credit to you both.
Wishing your husband a speedy recovery x

Georgiegirl256 · 7 December 2014 at 1:20PM

So sorry to hear about your husband Victory. Sending best wishes and thinking of you all.

Some really good advice has been offered, especially off Gwylim. I totally agree with them in that I know it's hard, but your emotions will probably have a knock on effect on everyone else. It's ok to cry, it's a release, but maybe try and have a little cry to yourself, or on a friends shoulder etc and if you can, paint on a calm face when you are around your sons and your other half.

If they see that Mum is "ok" (as can be) and is "coping" (as well as can be expected) then it'll help them tremendously too. Just try to carry on as normally as possible and try to keep yourself busy (which it sounds like you are doing) but also when at home at night, try and get yourself some rest as well.

It sounds like you are doing a brilliant job at keeping everything together, it must have been the most awful shock for you all. Once again, all the best and big hugs to you all. X

Newme2014 · 7 December 2014 at 1:24PM

My thoughts are with you hoping for a speedy recovery
I can't add much but to echo what others have said about keeping your own strength up and remembering to eat even if you don't feel like it.
With regards to the youngest and school let him decide in the morning. He may want to go and be with his friends, has he got a close friend who's mum/dad could pick him up from school and take him to the hospital after or back to theirs for tea? Could he maybe just do a half day? Either way let him make choices so he feels he has some control.

Naebbirac · 7 December 2014 at 1:26PM

So much good advice on here for you Victory. I hope it all goes well for your OH. Ask the doctors and nurses questions if you're worried. They will be more than happy to try to alleviate your fears.
Sending you and your family a big hug.
N x