BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 05:42 PM

Kent and Alice, that is exactly what I have done and what we did for my mother. We're fairly intelligent in this house about meds. I do understand however, that some people just don't realize they shouldn't take asprin and a prescribed blood thinner at the same time tho!

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Alice
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 04:13 PM

I took my 3 prescription meds with me when I went into the emergency room and ended up staying 4 days in the hospital. They told me to have a friend take the painkiller home as they did not trust even having it in the lock box.
The other two they locked in a box by the nurses station until I left and gave them back to me then.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 02:30 PM

In the UK you HAVE to take in your prescribed medicines, and they are kept in a locked box by your bed and issued to you at the appropriate times by the medical staff. Presumably this is so that they KNOW what you're already taking, and therefore DON'T give you stuff that would fight with it? That, and it makes sure that you continue to get the correct prescribed drugs.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Kent Davis
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 10:33 AM

Spaw and Sorcha,
I practice in the U.S. I have written orders to allow my patients to bring their own medicines and have had no objections from the hospital administrators.
I can't do this routinely, for many reasons. Whether I do depends on the reliablity of the patient, his or her condition, the potential side-effects of the medicine, etc.
Please let the doctor know what you are taking, however. I have had patients who secretly brought their own medications and then experienced complications because I gave them a medicine that interacted with the one they were taking secretly.
Kent

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: gnu
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 07:24 AM

maeve... "You've gained quite a long list, gnu. It is a brainstorm, however, so now you can edit as you need to."

Right on. It is indeed a brainstorming session! And, yes, Spaw, less is more. I totally agree. However, it's better to strike things off a brainstroming list than be on yer back with a wishlist. Why, what if ya fergot lip shit fer yer slippers? The nurses would be upset... they don't just hand out lip shit willy nilly!

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: maeve
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 06:30 AM

You've gained quite a long list, gnu. It is a brainstorm, however, so now you can edit as you need to. The fewer things your friend has to keep organized, the better. Best wishes to all who are going into hospital, and may you all escape in better health and vigor.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 06:00 AM

Oops, thanks, ragdall. I meant to say "mix all ingredients in a blender!"

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: ragdall
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 03:11 AM

gnu,
Don't forget a blender for making smoothies out of anything that comes in on a meal tray.

How long does your friend expect to be in the hospital if there are no complications?

I wish your friend all the best for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 12:20 AM

No, US hospitals don't 'allow' you to take your own meds, but....

We always took my moms with her in the ORIGINAL bottles and all were prescribed by the Adimitting Physician. We also provided the hospital with a complete dosage/time chart and they always used HER meds to the specs given. MUCH cheaper than buying the same meds In House.

And I have taken MY own meds into hospital and when asked what I'm taking and when, said I am taking nothing. I hid the meds I carried in and took them when I knew I was supposed to. This is assuming that I was conscious and cognizant to deal with them and that I knew the meds I was taking would not in any way interfere with what the hospital was about to do to me.


Bottom Line--know what you are taking, what it does, what they are going to be likely to give you and what that med will do. There are some drugs that NO ONE should ever play this game with but I can't see paying a hospital for my Lexapro when I have already paid for it. For inhalers or other bronchial enhancers I have always just told them that I have my own, thank you, and they have always accepted that.

Meds--do your homework and take charge of your own needs. YOU care more about YOU than they do. Really.

Another choice is to have an Advocate for YOU in the room at all times. The Advocate should know your meds and other needs, wishes, etc and have the Power of Attorney to make it stick. You DO have the right to Just Say No to anything.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 12:04 AM

Peel ripe bananas and put them in baggies, then freeze, yes! Then you can use them, later, to put in a smoothie (soft!). Here's my favourite one:

1 cup rice milk
2-4 dried figs (NOT the black kind, I think the right ones are palmyras)
1/2 or whole banana
1/4 - 1/2 frozen blueberries

Pain meds are notorious for causing constipation she says from experience! The figs will help either to prevent that or mooove things along. Also, fish oil caps will help or pea soup or...well, you get the idea.

gnu, hope you are better. You,too, Beer!

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Alice
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 11:43 PM

.. and yes, in US hospitals, they do not allow you to bring prescription meds into the hospital.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Alice
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 11:40 PM

I don't know, all my entries into the hospital have been emergencies, so I never was able to plan a list.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 11:37 PM

Because of insurance liabilities I don't think any US hospital would allow meds.

How the hell long is this stay anyway? The list reads like a vacation packing for a few weeks! I take as little as possible to tell you the truth. A pair or two of gym shorts and some slippers with some lip shit and I'm happy. What's important is a list of meds and the legal work like a living will with durable power of attorney to someone close.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Kent Davis
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 11:01 PM

If he is already taking medication, bring it from home rather than using the hospital pharmacy. (Not all hospitals will allow this, but it's worth a try. If the doctor is willing to write an order to that effect, the hospital will be much more likely to allow it.)
Kent

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 05:05 PM

An MP3 player and audio books might be appreciated!

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 04:34 PM

Lip balm. Hospitals being what they are, they get very dry and not eating doesn't help. Take a pot of fruity flavoured lip balm to lubricate and prevent chaps.

A goodly supply of batteries is useful if you take in a Walkman or CD player, and a clear plastic box with a clip on lid (try the Really Useful Box company for some excellent boxes) so that things can be kept together but easily transported and seen through the sides.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: gnu
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 04:28 PM

Right.... so far...

Hospital -

Bring: soft packaged, non-perishable foods – e.g., pudding, housecoat, sweat pants, tees, u/w, socks, slippers, Vaseline, eyeglasses, books, crossword book, pens, clipboard, dental floss (little jobbies), ziplock baggies, small flashlight, Tylenol (only use if that is what they are giving you and they forget), blindfold and ear plugs, ice bucket, fan, insulated coffee mug, Music and recorded books and player, batteries, do NOT take valuables but if you do MARK all CDs, CD players, etc. for the same reason (if there are serial numbers, record them and the brand, model, and other such data), a marker/tape/tags for ID'ing stuff, pics of you/ family/ friends/ pets/ goals, change for payphone, list of telephone numbers (pizza delivery at top), sunglasses, list of meds you are on and if any allergies, pillow (better check first as might not be allowed),

Questions: ask for Discharge instructions NOW! (if you can't drive for two weeks after, it's good to know that NOW), ask the doc to write prescriptions for meds before you go in (if he can - great fun going home and having to ask the taxi to stop at Shoppers Drug Mart on the way... ever been in the checkout line at one? Takes forever!),

Home -

Food       pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, juice, ice cream, bananas (bananas? what a stupid idea! unless you freeze them first??)

Pre-paid cell phone minutes or cordless phone, snow removal, mail & newspaper delivery during & after (DA), last will & testament, who holds papers & keys & ???, who will be allowed to stay or visit and tell them so (you might not want certain people around, especially if you are spaced out on drugs),

Keep 'em comin!

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Beer
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 04:23 PM

You don't want to see a picture of Gnu. I sent me one and scared the bejesus out of me.
Hope you look your ugly self now and feel a lot better.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: gnu
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 04:00 PM

I'd post a pic of me that I took just before going to the emerg a couple of weeks ago, but there could be children or dogs near your screens. Just imagine a volleyball with face on one side.

My mum came up with a good one... a 2 litre plastic container with lid (like the ice cream containers around here) for ice.

Jack Campin, Dec 07 - 12:33... Tylenol can interact... Well, I wouldn't take any if they had me on something else. But, if they give me tylenol, I want some on hand because they don't ask you if you want any when "the time is up". Even if they do pop in at the appropriate time, they don't ask you if your eyes are shut or if you are in the can or.... Then, you have to press the little button and they HATE that.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Beer
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 03:18 PM

Get him to take his favorite pillow.
He'll be fighting to keep the pillow case on those slippery vinyl ones that are provided. Last Thursday night I spent on a stretcher in the ER. and I finally had to take my coat and wrap it around the G.D. thing. I then got a few hours of sleep.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 02:20 PM

"If it was a British hospital,I'd suggest to take him a bed!"

You've clearly been in the wrong hospital(s), danensis! I've had half-a-dozen stays in Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, and the beds are fantastic! Lots of little electric motors in them, with a patients' control pad, that enable you to raise/lower different parts of the bed to achieve absolute comfort. Even after having my belly sliced open (12-inch wound with 30-plus stitches) twice, never had an uncomfortable moment. State-of-the-art stuff, must have cost millions.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 01:39 PM

A list of the meds you are currently taking.
A bottle of whatever appeals - I prefer Jack Daniel's

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Peace
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 01:27 PM

Definitely Spanish peanuts. A large bag. And chips. With a jar of peanut butter.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Jack Campin
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 12:33 PM

This is me with what I took last time I was in hospital:

http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/jack/Music/DegerPipe/bp-gall.html

A small electric keyboard that works with headphones might be another option.

BTW, Tylenol (paracetamol, acetaminophen) is one of the most dangerous drugs there is. It could interact lethally with something else he was being given.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 12:06 PM

The doctor couldn't just do this at your friend's house, huh? It would be so much easier on your friend. See if your friend would be allowed to bring his own bed, dresser, carpet, bedside table, chairs, wallpaper, ceiling lights, and stuff. Especially if he has a moose head to hang on the wall so the place is really classy.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: gnomad
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 11:35 AM

Sunglasses.    Low sunlight has a habit of being just where it isn't wanted.

Hope your pal does well.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 11:15 AM

Change for the phone and plenty of Batteries for his cd player.


All the best to your friend Gnu.


Scooby.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 11:02 AM

Ah, a fan! Yes, I took one of those, too, and was really glad I did!

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: gnu
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 10:48 AM

Excellent stuff!

danensis... I would have NEVER thought of those. AND, I was in the hospital for a fun couple of days just two weekends ago! I certainly could have used both, and a clothespin for my nose as the diapers on buddy in the next bed didn't quite fit perfectly. And he had a fan blowing on him... and, yes...

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: David C. Carter
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 10:39 AM

If it was a British hospital,I'd suggest to take him a bed!

David

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: danensis
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 10:35 AM

If its owt like English hospitals, ear plugs and a blindfold if he wants any sleep.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 10:35 AM

PILLOW! If he's at all partial to his own.

A picture or two of himself, healthy, or his family and friends, pets. Or, of a goal he wants to keep in mind for when he heals up. I made up a simple, small collage of family pix with a "In the Pink - On the road to Wellville" banner when I had heart surgery. It helped me focus on a successful outcome and to not be so scared.


Good thoughts to you and your friend, gnu,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Bee
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 10:28 AM

Don't forget to include nice nutritious soups among the soft foods. There are so many easy to prepare tasty soups available, and sometimes something hot and savoury, as opposed to dairy, cereal or sweet is comforting.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: gnu
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 09:13 AM

Hahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.... excellent Beer!!!! But, don't make my friend laugh... it hurts like a MOTHER!!! Heheheheheeeee. Wait til I show him this. He is gonna be in pain!! hehehe

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 09:12 AM

Tell him to leave his watch, rings, and other such things at home; too much chance of them being stolen. MARK all CDs, CD players, etc. for the same reason (if there are serial numbers, record them and the brand, model, and other such data). Leave ALL money, credit cards at home.

Slippers, soft, that have good non-slip soles and are easy to slip into.

A robe, since those hospital gowns get downright drafty.

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: Beer
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 09:02 AM

Lots of Vaseline for the 2 o'clock arrivals.
molasses, cartons of cigarettes,
condoms in case he gets lucky. A good sack of wacky tobac. He may be able to make a few bucks selling to the Doctors and Nurses. Don't sell to any cleaning staff as they might report him.
Other than that, he should be given a list from admission as to what he should and should not bring.
Best of luck and quick recovery.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: BS: Hospital 'To Do' list brainstorming
From: maeve
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 08:50 AM

Music and recorded books and a machine on which to play them.

Mark all personal belongings clearly with your id. Gnu, if you could help your friend make a list of such things he'd have an easier time collecting everything when he's ready to come home.

It's a good list.

maeve

Subject: BS: Hospital "To Do or Not" list brainstorming
From: gnu
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 08:47 AM

A buddy of mine is soon to have surgery. As I am the most expeienced person he knows regarding this tpoic, he asked me what he should or should not do, get, bring, ask....

I started a list and after a few minutes, I thought, "Hey, there are a lot of sickos in The Mudcat Café. Why not enlist their help?" Soooooo, here is the list so far to get this thread going. Hopefully, it will be of benefit to my buddy and everyone who reads it..... well, not that I hope everyone has to have surgery. Hehehehe!

BTW, my buddy's list takes into account the fact that the procedure will preclude solid foods until he heals up a bit, which could take a few weeks. Hence the inclusion of soft foods being brought to the hospital - you know that they will serve him peanut brittle for the first meal. Hehehe.

Hospital -

Bring: soft packaged, non-perishable foods – e.g., pudding, housecoat, sweat pants, tees, u/w, socks, slippers, Vaseline, eyeglasses, books, crossword book, pens, clipboard, dental floss (little jobbies), ziplock baggies, small flashlight, Tylenol (screw them that say NO DRUGS allowed - hide them),

Questions: ask for Discharge instructions NOW! (if you can't drive for two weeks after, it's good to know that NOW),

Home -

Food        pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, juice, ice cream, bananas,

Pre-paid cell phone minutes or cordless phone, snow removal, mail & newspaper delivery during & after (DA), last will & testament, who holds papers & keys & ???,

Thanks in advance.

Me & my buddy.