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Children's health

So, Dd's op is almost certainly next week. Any hints or tips for our hospital stay would be great, as would some virtual wine LOL

63 replies

TheOriginalNutcracker · 14/02/2013 12:31

It was sprung on us yesterday lol. One minute the consultant was saying it would be about 6-8 weeks, and the next, the nurse was calling us back through the door and asking us if we'd like it done next week.

We find out for certain on Monday morning.

I'm making a list of things that me and dd both need to take in, and have got essentials covered, but I'm sure there are things that I have probably missed, so any ideas would be great Smile

Dd is 15 btw if that helps.

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 14/02/2013 21:32

Ohh painkillers, yes, i will need those.

Have just had a minor wibble and cry about it all in the shower.

I feel like I want someone to hold my hand while i'm holding dd's lol.

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Sirzy · 14/02/2013 21:34

We can provide cyber handholding. Do you have much real life support?

If your worried while she is in then talk to the staff, they are used to parents panicing over little things I have had more than one nurse sit with me while i cry!

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 14/02/2013 21:48

Hmm I do and I don't Sirzy.

I'm a single parent, but xp will be with me on the day of the op, and will be visiting daily. My mum is going to stay with my other two dc (although they aren't happy about that), and my brother and my dad will more than likely visit too.

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 15/02/2013 22:31

We saw the Anesthetist today, so he could do his checks. All of that went fine, so all we can do now is wait for the call on Monday.

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AmazingBouncingFerret · 15/02/2013 22:41

Hope all goes well for your DD and you Original.

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 15/02/2013 22:44

Thank you ABF. I showed your pics to dd, and she was very impressed Smile

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steppemum · 15/02/2013 23:06

when i was on children's ward with dd2, parents room was rubbish, tv and a drinks machine, with revolting tea.

But the lady bringing round the tea trolley got to know me pretty quickly. dd2 didn't drink tea obviously, and so she would pour me 2 mugs. And if I was in the playroom, she still left the mugs for me!

There were 2 different canteens. One was expensive coffee shop, but the other one had lots of good cheap food, and it really wasn't expensive to have a hot meal there. Ask the nurses what there is.

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starfishmummy · 15/02/2013 23:41

Original - you may end up sleeping on a camp bed on the ward so my tips are pyjama trousers/leggings with a long top for you to sleep in. Nurses won't always make sure the bed curtains are closed - one poor mum had her half bare bum on display to all and sundry! Likewise something warm to layer up in - wards tend to be over hot in the day but cold at night. Same applies for your dd - I have seen parents take in fleece blankets or even their kids duvet.

Ds is having fusion later this year too.

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starfishmummy · 15/02/2013 23:45

Oh and a cheap mug/teaspoon - some kids wards have facilities to make tea/coffee and mugs are always in short supply. Make sure you keep it in the locker or it will disappear!

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HazeltheMcWitch · 15/02/2013 23:55

Things I have really liked having in hospital are an eye mask and ear plugs - to help me sleep when lights were on and it was noisy.
Also - nail stuff - eg a nail file and scissors/clippers. I went nearly bonkers at having a snagged nail, and no way to sort it, when I was in hosp, and had nothing else to think about.
Also - a nice straw, or a few spare disposable ones, if she's immobile. They always seem to drop out drinks, onto the floor, and there are never any spares...
Maybe some puzzle books? After an op, my brain turns to mush. Even Heat mag seemed tricky; I'd read the same page over and over. But sudoku was just about my level.
Maybe also some eye drops/that optrex spay for stingy eyes?

hope it all goes well for you both. When people ask if they can do anything to help, could you ask them to bring in lunch or dinner? Hospital food is disheartening; you'll feel better with proper food in you.

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Wolfiefan · 15/02/2013 23:58

Hi. Remember your earlier thread about seeing consultant. Wow that was quick.
Wishing you and DD all the best. Hands to hold here always. X

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AmazingBouncingFerret · 16/02/2013 10:44

Oh god yes straws I'd forgotten about those!

I was gutted when they started giving me proper cups and not the sealed spill proof beakers I was still really shaky and weak.

I'm glad she was impressed by the pictures, the after pic was taken about a week and a half after the operation.

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 18/02/2013 09:55

Thanks for all of the tips. We should hear this afternoon if she is going in later today, for surgery tomorrow, so fingers crossed for that.

Got most things suggested on this thread, but have run out of money now so anything else will have to wait until wednesday when i get my tax credits. Dd has everything she needs, which is the main thing.

Have cleaned the house from top to bottom so we don't come home to a mess, and my mum is staying here anyway, so i'm sure she will keep on top of it for me.

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Janey46 · 18/02/2013 10:06

I'm sure you know this but just in case.... Lots of painkillers can make you very constipated (particularly codeine based ones) - if your dd is on these at any point please ask for lactulose to be given along side. Constipation while recovering from such a serious op could be very painful
Good luck to your dd, AmazingBouncingferret's photos are amazing, I'm positive your dd's op will be just as successful.

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 18/02/2013 10:07

Thanks Janey. The hospital have already mentioned that, but I will keep a check on it too.

I've had 3 sections, so I remember it well.

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 18/02/2013 13:23

Had the call. Got to be there for between 2-4 today, and surgery first thing tomorrow xShock

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NeitherShreddedNorSmug · 18/02/2013 13:25

I hope all goes well tomorrow.

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LIZS · 18/02/2013 13:26

Hope it goes well and that dd is ok.

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Sirzy · 18/02/2013 15:09

Good luck

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 19/02/2013 13:43

Dd went down to theatre about 9am and should be taken to Hdu about 4pm.
Watching her go off to sleep talking gibberish wasn't the nicest thing but she was really really brave.

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HazeltheMcWitch · 19/02/2013 14:14

Nut - fingers crossed that all goes well and she's back up soon. Hope you are being kind to yourself while all this is going on.

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WoollyEyedandWittering · 19/02/2013 19:22

Hi Nut. Hope your dd is doing week and that the operation went smoothly.
(((hugs)))

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IwishIwasmoreorganised · 19/02/2013 19:29

Hope everything went well today
X

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LIZS · 19/02/2013 19:31

Thinking of you both.

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TheOriginalNutcracker · 20/02/2013 08:18

Morning
She came out if the op at about 2pm yesterday, onto HDU. She was so brave and did really well. She had some morphine and an epidural and we had an hour if hilarious drugged up chat about unicorns and fairies lol.

Last night she was in quite a bit if pain so she's been given a morphine pump, and then she managed a few hours sleep.

She is doing so well though Smile

I am ok, a bit tired and stressed but coping ok.

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