Ideas for a long hospital admission

[longadmission]

I am about to be admitted to hospital for a few weeks, not sure on the exact length of time yet. I have a few puzzle books, and have loaded up my kindle. There's decent wifi so can watch netflix/disney/prime. Can anyone recommend anything to keep me occupied, preferably things I can order form amazon for family to bring in. Always open to more puzzle book or programme/movie recommendations. I'm normally very active so this will be a nightmare for me!

We used a 2 Yeti bottle system. I would fill a massive Yeti bottle with ice, then add flavoured water. I'd collect the next day and swap with a fresh one.

OP I was in hospital last year in my own room and absolutely hated the plastic pillow that has no give in it, and plastic duvet which gives you night sweats.

So if you are allowed, take in your own duvet and pillow and pillow case.

Just a heads up op that if it’s an Eating Disorders unit / ward you’re unlikely to be allowed to take your own food and drink in.

There might also be things you have to hand in at the nurses station, long phone chargers etc or anything that might be a risk.

My advice (having been in one) would be to take lots of mindless distraction for when you’re under supervision after meals. Nothing that needs concentration but something to occupy your brain and hands, and distract a bit. Crafts, colouring etc. For me, even though I love reading, I couldn’t focus on that.

Oh, take comfy stuff that’s elasticated and a bit too big, so you don’t panic as much about stomach swelling etc when you start to eat.

Have you been able to visit the unit? They should tell you what you can / can’t bring. Sometimes Internet and phone use will be restricted too.

The exercise bands someone suggested are unlikely to be allowed given what you’re in for. How much you’re allowed to move around will depend on your condition but it should increase as that improves

I was ‘only’ in for 3 weeks, but would have gone mad without my Kindle and puzzle books. By the last few days I was dying for something else to do though, so got Dh to bring my knitting in!
Hope it all goes well for you OP.

Thank you everyone for all the really helpful suggestions, I'm all settled now after a long day yesterday. I'm very lucky having my own room which is quite quiet and not too bright at night. I'm on a normal gastro ward as there's quite a lot going on with me. I did a big amazon order with lots of the suggestions so will have plenty to try and keep busy with. Have also got a list of podcasts to look at. I agree with the posters who said getting up and washed and dressed is important, it definitely helps me feel a bit more together as frustrated as I am. There's been a lot of poor communication between my medical teams so trying to get a treatment plan agreed is a nightmare at the moment. Thank you for all the well wishes too.

Hope all goes well @longadmission

Sounds frustrating and unsettling. I hope all goes OK and you can distract yourself @longadmission

Good luck. It's great not having to wear headphones when you've got your own room.

Would you be able to point me in the direction of a kit or supplies for the paper piercing? I had a look and looks like something I'd enjoy!

There are some nice kits on Etsy with pre cut hexagons

Or Alice Caroline has some - but you will need cutting tools etc for those

That's great thank you! I'll have a look.