Staying in hospital with DS.

[Daftness]

My teen DS is due to have an op which involves a stay in hospital for a few days. Everything is sorted for that. All prepared etc. However I am allowed to stay with him sleeping in a type of bed/reclining chair sort of thing placed next to his bed. I have no idea what to expect, do I sleep in my clothes? Will a blanket be provided? Will there be a shower facility for me? I'd just like to know what to prepare for? Anybody had any experience of this that can help?

[KTD27]

Hello
I’ve (unfortunately) had a few stays with my DS so I’ll share what I’ve done.
Yes you can have shower usually and the lovely ward staff have provided me with towels when I’ve asked. Often with our stays they’re admissions on the day so you might want to bring your own which I’m sure will be plumper and softer!
Yes they’ll provide linen - hospital sheets usually. And a pillow. I usually sleep in my trackies and a t shirt. Also socks. You can never tell if it’s going to be boilers or not though it’s often warm.
Bring shower stuff, flip flops , a phone charger and a mug for tea. They’re often in short supply!

[Daftness]

Thank you KTD27. I do have the benefit of being able to plan and you've listed things to take that I would not have thought of. I thought about wearing leggings with long shirts/sweatshirts etc. They are compact to pack and comfortable to wear. From what you've said I think I will layer up so I can cool off or warm up depending on the heat situation. Sorry to hear about your situation, thanks for sharing advice. X

[nicknamehelp]

I have had lots of stays with Dc. you feel covered at all times as men might be about. A hoodie to layer up with, ear plugs or headphones (i play audio books) as even if your dc is quiet others won't be and monitor/drip lines go all night. There should be a shower and probably towels but you will need toiletries, I would also pack flip flops for shower and slippers/ comfy shoes. I would also take puzzle books, reading books as may not have wifi. Also plenty of change for coffee machine.
Don't expect to come out rested I always feel like Ive been hit by a bu

[Cuddlysnowleopard]

DS1 nearly had an overnight last year, although in the end they decided to let him slepp at home and come back in first thing.

Girl and her mum in the bay opposite did stay in - the nurses helped them set it up like a Girls night in. They had pop corn, hot chocolate, and watched a film.

[Daftness]

Headphones! Just added those to my packing list! Thank you all.

[Daftness]

Nicknamehelp - I'm expecting to be physically and mentally exhausted by the time we come home. 😫

[Daffodils07]

My dd was in hospital last year for 3 days, I wore leggings and a t-shirt for bed, had my own drink and some food (my dd was only 2 so couldnt really leave her).
Hot drinks are usually not allowed on the ward but most childrens units have a parents room that have facilities to heat food have hot drinks.
Dd had her own room as was in a high dependency room so it wasnt to bad apart from the nurses coming in every hour (but needs must as she was really poorly).
As your child is a lot older your probably be able to leave them for a short time to have some proper food (one thing I did miss).
Hope things goes well for your ds.

[hairycabbage]

I stayed for a few days with my dad (hospice not hospital but similar setup). I recommend lots of lounge wear rather than pyjamas so if you need to pop out during the night you feel decent and don't need to worry about bumping into people. I wore joggers, leggings, t shirts and hoodies. Definitely flip flops and slippers, toiletries and towels for the showers and I'd recommend bringing some snacks and drinks. Phone charger is a must of course!
Hope it all goes ok.

[Daftness]

Thank you all for the advice and good wishes.

[BarbaraStrozzi]

If you have one or can borrow one, a thermarest (self inflating camping mat). The reclining chair things have cracks between the cushion pads and I couldn't get comfortable the first night, but a thermarest laid over the top to smooth things out and I was fine second night.

Water bottle - hospitals are hot and dry in my experience so you'll want a drink in the middle of the night.

Fingers crossed the op goes well and your DS makes a speedy recovery.

[makingmiracles]

Earplugs and an eye mask. Beepers and machines going off all night, staff walking around, other patients coughing etc also lights turned on if someone needs attention, those were my two most essential items! Slept like a baby with both.

[OctoberLovesCasper]

Snacks....
Bottled drinks....
Leggins and an over size tshirt is what i wear when im in myself...
Headphones...
Charger...
Ear plugs... (If your son wont need you)
Eye mask....

Pre load your phone / pad with movies etc

Books....Puzzles... Pen....

Toiletries.... Towel.... Flip flops....

[negomi90]

Chargers and if you're with a teenager - extra chargers for them.

[Butterfly02]

Usually have kitchenette on ward with fridge take in snacks for both of you, milk, food for you, tea or coffee, travel mug is good, chargers, Netflix passwords / downloaded films, water bottle, warm socks (can be cold at night on a camp bed), change for cafe or newsagents trolley, wash bag, moisturiser and lipbalm (skin always drys out), books, quiz books etc

[Girlwhowearsglasses]

Had to do this unexpectedly last year- had nothing with me as we were on camping trip and I had to DP with Our other kids to go with DS to A&E (he was fine but needed antibiotics on drip so had to stay). I won’t lie - those reclining chairs are pretty awful, and vinyl so you slip about on them. The worst for me was that they didn’t like me closing the curtains and I felt really exposed sleeping. When a couple sat in the bay opposite waiting for their DS to come back from an operation especially. Then there was the teenage boy who’d had a BMX accident and was crying with pain, I really felt for him, so awful.

Me and DS watched film and it was ok for him, and he wasn’t in pain and we knew he would be fine, but fun it was not. Thank god for phones and iPads

[stucknoue]

It will vary a lot, don't assume there's shower facilities etc - there isn't at our hospital (I've had a Mumsnet mum back to my house for a break in the past) a long charger lead and power pack is a good idea, but being a teen, be prepared for them to want you to give them space

[catnidge]

I think we had a little z bed type thing when we've stayed in. I did find on a ward you get very little sleep there is always something going on.
When ds had a longer stay he was in an isolation room so that was more restful!
There is usually a mini kitchen with microwave. I found it easier if people brought food to me. I would also go home and shower whilst other people visited and just to get a breath of fresh air.
If you live close enough would this be a possibility?
All the best to your ds.

[Daftness]

Just a few days to go. I will take an opportunity when it arises to go home and shower, change clothes etc but I'll take a few changes with me just in case. It's a 2 hour round trip to home and back. Yes, my DS is going to struggle in such a public environment. He's a typical teenager with all the mood swings and emotions that go with that. His personal space is about a mile radius! Thanks again to all for the good wishes.