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Well, I didn't expect that, damnit!

206 replies

Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 09:32

Trying to get organized early this year for you know what... happens every year on the 25th of the last month. Wink

I asked my sis what she would like......
And I got the suggestion that I buy an emergency bag and contents for a hospital grab and go scenario.

I get a list of what it needs to contain.

Apparently, her and her friend had been talking about the practicalities of living alone, so best to be prepared.

I get that. But its hardly a nice gift is it?
Or am I not 'getting it'? Confused

OP posts:
KurriKurri · 30/10/2019 13:22

All these people suggesting paperbacks / kindles / puzzle books .......... read the OP's post telling us her sister is a great grandmother.

being the same age as the OP's sister I can confirm I spent a great deal of time in hospital reading, doing crossword puzzles and sleeping.
Reading is always a good skill to practise whatever the situation.

Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 13:26

Great ideas , people. She's a star for thinking ahead. But , tbh, I hated it being me to do it.
But ... she trusts me, I suppose.
Her nok wouldn't have a clue. Think she knows that.

OP posts:
OhDeari · 30/10/2019 13:27

You can also stick a 3 pack of durex in (poundshop) for when her nurses check her bag for valuables lol.

Another thing to put in her folder would be her medical history. E.g. she arrives unconscious and they're unaware of pre-existing conditions.

BarbourellaTheCoatzilla · 30/10/2019 13:30

This turned into such a lovely thread!

OhDeari · 30/10/2019 13:31

Also, I can forget half of my own medical history myself.

Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 13:31

I'll sort out the folder info soon , bit by bit, so she doesn't feel bombarded all at once.
I need to sort her will out too.
Her nok and i don't get on, so a will is needed just for her funeral arrangements.

OP posts:
Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 13:33

Sis will be relieved by that, i think.

OP posts:
Kazzyhoward · 30/10/2019 13:33

But its hardly a nice gift is it?

What's the problem if it's what she wants.

I get infuriated by waste and tat. My childhood years were dominated by my family buying me lots of junk which ended up in landfill after a few days. It drove me insane. Even as a teenager, I'd say what I wanted but would usually still get a load of useless tat. When I left home, I put and end to it and ever since, we've just exchanged cards at Christmas and Birthdays. Me and my OH only ever buy things we know we need and use - may not be exciting to some, but it works for us, such as our favourite chocs, shower gel (not gift sets), books, etc. - just a few token gifts really. If we want something big, like a camera, phone, ipad, etc we buy it ourselves as and when we need it.

Gifts should be all about the receiver, not the giver. Don't make it about yourself and what you'd like to buy - it's about them, not you!

Blondebakingmumma · 30/10/2019 13:35

OMG! I love a practical gift. This is something that is really useful for her

Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 13:36

I was so freaked out by her request last night. Now, I'm thinking, I'll cheer you up, take pressure off, make you laugh. Hopefully.

OP posts:
independentfriend · 30/10/2019 13:38

Other things I've not seen mentioned so far:

Perfume she likes/is familiar
Playlist of familiar music /talk radio /podcasts
Lightweight clothes - hospital wards are usually too warm
Two (rather than one) facecloths
Coins/£5 for the car park/vending machines
Chunky pen (think what'd be easiest for her to grip)

OhDeari · 30/10/2019 13:39

PS, I live alone and it's scary how alone you are when you're ill.
Maybe put her on your list for Do Not Disturb so that if she rings more than once she'll get through.

Lovemenorca · 30/10/2019 13:40

Oh goodness - sorry!

Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 13:41

kazzyhoward I've always bought my sis what she wanted.

This request made me uneasy due to recent past.
That's all.

I always ask for hint/list for presents so no, I'm not making it about me. Gifts never are about me. I just felt awkward about this one.

OP posts:
Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 13:47

The best gift you can give is what someone wants.
That's my philosophy.

But this emergency bag thing pressed an emotional button. That's all.

OP posts:
BrokenWing · 30/10/2019 13:49

Do you think your dsis is a MNer? There was a thread on here a few days ago with someone creating such a bag for a relative/friend. Maybe she got her inspiration from that?

Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 13:49

Lovemenorca

You're forgiven!! Easy mistake to make!

OP posts:
BrokenWing · 30/10/2019 13:51

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/3727244-Overnight-bags

here it is, but it was an overnight emergency bag for being called to eldery parents.

Straycatblue · 30/10/2019 13:59

Most things you've got covered already but would add,

The phone charger cable should be an extra long one. Normal ones are too short and if you're unwell/poor mobility for whatever reason the short ones can be challenging as the plugs are usually in awkward places to access.

Get a pre charged power bank, often phone batteries are the first thing to go in an emergency and having the power bank so you can attach it straight to phone without having to worry if you cant get out of bed to access a plug can be invaluable. You may also encounter jobsworth nurses who refuse to let you charge your phone at the plug so powerbank useful for this also.

Put luggage tags to put on the bag with your relatives name on it, bags often go missing when patients are moved/transferred between wards and have no id in them and can make tracking down the owner challenging. Toiletries bags are also a good thing to have a name in them. Phone chargers always get left behind in the plug when a patient is moved or nicked by other patients so if you can write her name on a sticker and stick to the charger or write her name on in permanent marker.

Dont get big bottles of toiletries, get travel size, family can top up as needed if thats an option (im aware not everyone has family that can do this) You are trying to keep the bag as light as possible.

A non see thru waterproof laundry bag so she can discreetly put clothes that need taken home and washed in. Patients clothes can often be covered in multitude of body fluids and can be embarrassing for them to hand over to relatives.

Particularly because she is not packing the bag herself , a laminated list of what the bag contains and where if it has multiple pockets.

In terms of what bag to get, medium holdall size is usually best. You dont want to be lugging around a giant heavy bag and neither do the staff. When patients get moved, if their belongings dont fit on the bed/patients lap if on wheelchair then they often get left behind to be collected later when someone has time and thats when they often get lost as often no staff available to move luggage around. Paramedics may grab a bag, they may not depending on how serious the situation is and they certainly wont be taking any large bags. Also if you end up taking the bag to hospital for your relative, you dont want to have to heave a large bag around, you may wish to consider one that has the option of wheels as well as handles for carrying

Dunno if its already been mentioned but a handheld battery operated fan. Hospitals are usually boiling.

Earplugs and eyemask, you rarely get a good sleep in hospital due to noise and lights going on and off esp in emergencies.

And yes to the flip flops, hospital bathroom floors are not something you want to be barefoot in.

Toomuchgoingon · 30/10/2019 14:00

Sounds like a great idea.... but just to change the tone slightly, do you think she asked for that because she's trying to tell you something... or is just that she is practical?

DropZoneOne · 30/10/2019 14:08

@FlatheadScrewdriver

I wish I'd known about number 10! Several years ago i was rushed into hospital, no time to pack anything. DH was sent home to get essentials for an overnight stay. Returned with nightwear, knickers and .... handcream.

OhDeari · 30/10/2019 14:10

Also - staple to the outside a list such as:

Keys
Mobile
Charger
Face products
Medication (it's important she brings them as they won't have them for a day or two).

OhDeari · 30/10/2019 14:11

They'll be things she'll need to add herself last minute or paramedics will.

OhDeari · 30/10/2019 14:14

I forgot my phone and keys once. Cost me 250 to get back in.

Hecateh · 30/10/2019 14:20

Include a list of what is in there - apart from the joke items of course as they are unlikely to be duplicated. Or maybe add that after she has chance to have the fun of discovering her little treats.

Maybe a short list of essentials that you are not able to put in the bag. It's easy to forget in the moment.
Things like glasses/contacts, medication, phone, kindle/tablet etc. If either someone else is there, or she is able to, it would be a quick check list.