Hi all,
I realized it's time to get serious about packing the hospital go bag for when I get called. For those of you post-transplant, what items did you pack? Anything you missed that would have been helpful, or things you brought but didn't use?
So far I have: shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, phone charger, journal, book, socks, undies, pjs.
To go bag: I never wore anything but the hospital gown (ugh!) But I was only in for six days. Bring something to go home in, of course. Friends or family can bring whatever else you need. The first couple of days post transplant you will not want to do anything but sleep in between all those checkups. May your call come soon!
You really don’t need much more. Perhaps some slippers that you can walk in, because they will have you up and walking day one. Don’t wear your skinny jeans, expecting to wear them home lol. Something loose. They give you lots of fluid and you will be swollen. Leave all jewelry at home. I forgot I had earrings in. Agree you will want to rest. Pray that call comes soon!
I was too sore and in pain to wash my hair. The only thing I really used were my toothbrush, tooth paste, and charger. I brought underwear and pjs but I didn’t get a chance to wear them until I left. While in the hospital my husband had to give me a wash up and put back on the hospital gown. I did bring a pair of house shoes because they made me start walking immediately after the procedure.
So maybe dry shampoo instead? Thanks!
Perhaps a light weight robe that’s knee length. I’m short and the hospital gowns are always too long and bothersome when walking. Make sure your house slippers are full slippers not slides and rubber bottoms. For safety. Good luck and take good care of yourself so that you are ready when you get the call.
Good luck Jen! I hope you get the call soon! I had my transplant almost 5 months ago and feeling good now! Couple of things that came to mind about packing was that I didn't use the pjs I brought. They were pants and my belly was so tender and swollen that it was the last thing I wanted to wear (unless you packed a night gown)! haha I just stayed in the hospital gown. I was only in the hospital for less than 4 days so it wasn't that bad. Underwear a must! Also, not to get too personal on here, but after the catheter was removed, it was nice to have some feminine products because I experienced some bleeding (which is normal but ask your nurse/doctor just in case). Also, I wish I had packed my own lotion instead of using the hospital's.
Hope all goes well!
My transplant center actually had me get dressed everyday after the first day. I took sweats along since you need something loose. You will need something loose to wear home too. Might check with your center. You don't feel so much a patient and I think you wind up walking more and feel like going home sooner. Good luck to you! Hope that call comes soon. I didn't have a bag packed. I got the CALL at 2:30 am totally unexpected
They got me up the day after my transplant. The sooner you start walking the better you will feel. They helped me wash my hair on day 2. Day 3 I was taking a shower and did everyday after that. Made me feel better. And the more you move the better you feel !
Sneakers and socks make the walking much easier/safer after Day 3/4, but you will need friends/family to get them on and off. I agree with an earlier post about taking a robe (or a 2nd hospital gown can be worn backward) to minimize exposure.
Not sure if anyone else mentioned it but my days and nights were mixed up bring an old iPod or something with smoothing music do you can sleep. The nurses had me up at all hours and all I wanted to do is sleep but during the day. At night I was the only patient up and walking around. Bring a shorter room their gown is fine but my robe didn't have a place for my butt to hang out. I was a lot more comfortable knowing my robe was secure in the back
Dear JenN18,
I took T shirts, which I wore with Hospital 'PJ' Bottoms.... I don't use Pyjamas normally. A Razor perhaps, maybe 'Silly' things like Tweezers, Hair Pins.... Don't forget Slippers or Underwear, no really! A Dressing Gown, or Robe, might be an idea. Things to Entertain yourself, Books, hand held Games, a pack of Playing Cards, perhaps a Personal Item- maybe a Gift or something special, to you. A portable DVD player, is always a good idea, just Don't forget a Good set of Headphones! (I took the Player, that I used, when I was on Hemo-Dialysis.) Do you, or someone you know, have an Old MP3 Player- or similar?
On a Practical note, maybe your own Pillow- if they will let you use it, that is.....
Good Luck JenN18, I pray that it ALL 'goes well', for you.
AndrewT
Things that smell nice, body lotion, cologne & take a hairbrush - so when you do feel like sprucing yourself up-or smelling lovely before going to sleep.....all help feel human again, because you've' come a long way' & really worth the effort .Bless X
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