Merry Xmas from within the NHS

[onthescrapheap]

I have been waiting for heart surgery since the beginning of the pandemic Two days before Xmas I have two heart attacks - seems that’s the way to speed things up. Xmas dinner was courtesy of the NHS - I have eaten worse however Santa did come and each of us ladies on the ward received a gift. I will treasure it. So now I am being sent into an isolation cube for two weeks while I await my two valves and bypass surgery. My question is - what do you pack for such a vacation, my family (all male ) have one chance to get this right - hit me with suggestions

Merry Christmas one and all xx

[Elfmaiden]

Hope you are feeling better soon. As well as practical things such as clean clothes and toiletries. I would pack slippers, some good books and snacks

[onthescrapheap in reply to Elfmaiden]

Thank you - useful advice. I have a feeling that the men will just pack gin and chocolates - I wouldn’t mind but I don’t think medically it’s a planStay safe

Kate

[stillaboveground]

Hi same as Elfmaiden also make sure you have a charger for your phone and an adapter if need be. I love your name I felt I was on the scrap heap at one time, but glad to be above ground now. Ruth

[onthescrapheap in reply to stillaboveground]

Thank you Ruth. I am hoping after my operation I will be able to move up to your level above ground Stay safe

Kate

[Ianc2]

Front fastening clothes and a cosy dressing gown. Nothing that has to go over your head

[080311]

As others have said front fastening, pj tops the other thing I had always worn mule style slippers found after my op when I was doing my walking couldn’t keep them on! Family had to get me a pair with backs in. Normal toiletries I had a very soft baby sponge my skin felt quite sore all over for the first few showers. I also had a baby blanket, I was given a rolled up towel by the nurses for when I did my breathing and coughing exercises, son brought a baby blanket, this rolled up went everywhere with me I slept with my arms wrapped around it. Made me feel more secure. Plus when out in the car had it between the seat belt and my chest, the family christened it Mums teddy! It still lives rolled up on my bed as a remembrance 4 years on.Sending you best wishes for a great recovery

Pauline

[Mallowme]

Ear plugs and eye mask-it’s never quiet in hospital and never dark. Just don’t use them together unless u want a fright ... I did and when the nurse came to do obs she nearly gave me a heart attack (excuse the pun) and u definitely don’t want another one.

Also a warm dressing gown or large towel which can double up as an extra blanket as the hospital I was in was always cold and the blankets kept getting pinched!

[onthescrapheap in reply to Mallowme]

I have now been placed in a padded cell (isolation cubicle) for two weeks before op. The system here is brilliant. They have volunteers to bring clothes and personal possessions to you on the ward and then take dirty washing back to family or friends. Practising now on putting my feet up. 12 hours gone 324 to go 😂

[Mallowme in reply to onthescrapheap]

Oh my goodness that seems like a long time. Hope u cope ok and that your op goes smoothly. Xxx