Hospital bag

[ValHunter2605]

What should be packed in my husband’s hospital bag in prep for admission for transplant?

[AyrshireK]

He'll probably not need much for first few days as he'll be in a gown and in ITU where the bag and contents can't go anyway.

But, when my hubby was listed we had a grab bag ready - taking into account that transplant may not necessarily happen and it can be many hours before you find out (so may need a change of stuff for homeward journey and something to occupy time).

Hubbies bag had PJ's, slippers, socks and pants and t-shirt, wash kit, EAR PLUGS, wet wipes (for a freshen up in bed), mobile phone and charger cable, a bit of cash, reading material, glasses(as required), some nibbles (flapjack), notepad and pen/pencil, pack of tissues, a few days of his current medication and a list of it. Plastic bag for 'dirty clothes'.

I'd also probably throw in a pack of disposable face masks and small bottle of sanitizer too.

I am sure others will be along to add any extra bits they found useful.

Katie

[ValHunter2605 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you 👍

[Ewife]

I asked this a while ago and got some really helpful replies - you can probably look them up from my previous posts.As well as packing what I could, I also have a list written out of last minute things to include and also things that I will send up to the hospital once my husband comes out if intensive care.

Its definitely worthwhile having all this organised, we have had 2 calls so far which didn't come to anything, and whilst we didn't have to rush too much to leave home, my head was in a flat spin. I was so glad I had got organised. We're hoping soon its going to be 3rd time lucky........

[Richard-Allen]

Hi Val, for the first few days, your husband won't be feeling like doing anything. His emotional mental state might be such that he's not really up for doing much. For the first or two might be spent in the ICU just so they can keep and eye on things.

Some people post-transplant can suffer with a condition known as Survivors Guilt. I suffered with this for 10 months and there is little or no support for this back in the local community. If this does happen, ask to speak with the psychiatric nurse of doctor at the hospital.

For about five days your husband will be coupled up to drip trays and a urinary catheter bag so movement is limited. What I was grateful for was my galaxy tablet. Here I could connect with the hospital's WiFi which was a great help, plus I had a few books I could read.

If all goes well, your husband should be home in about nine days. He won't be able to shower for about six days, and he'll be grateful for a change of PJ's also some loose fitting cloths for the journey home.

Hope this helps.

Richard

[Hidden]

Lots of first hand good advice. The only other thing I would add is to have a written down list of important contacts for your husband,for you and for the transplant coordinators. You might want to make a note of the Intensive Care number, transplant coordinators number etc. for yourself. Also an alternative contact number for you - it is very frustrating for the transplant coordinators if they can't get hold of you quickly - I speak from experience !

regards

[familyandfriends]

Hi Val, I would check with the transplant co ordinators at the hospital. We were told to take nothing in (other than mobile phone) as it was difficult to store things until out of theatre and in ICU. Guess Covid restrictions influenced that as well. Good luck - hope all goes well.

[Yellowsydney]

As others have said he won't need anything for the first few days as he will be in ICU, the overnight bag I took was left on the ward and given back to me when I was back on the ward. I also packed a larger bag for my husband to bring in. Personally I wore hospital nighties the whole time so my husband didn't have to wash anything and also there is a lot of fluid about. Didn't wear knickers due to drains. Things I did use were wash bag and entertainment, kindle, I pod. Something easy to slip on his feet as won't be able to bend, I wore my crocs as they are easy to get on and can be worn in the shower.Good luck

Hilary