Overnight hospital stay

[smellyhouseelf]

Hi, my daughter ages 3 is having a minor operation (adenoids out and grommets in) in a few weeks. She will have to stay in for one night. She will likely have mild discomfort afterwards. Just wondering if anyone has any tips. Things to pack for either of us? If anyone’s child has had the same what was it like? Was there anything you wished you’d taken with you? Anything to think about for afterwards?
Thanks

Your own pillow, cold drinks, earplugs for you. Take fruit and a couple of microwave meals if there's a fridge you have access to.

Thanks. What about washing facilities? Is it likely there’ll be a shower I can use or will it be a quick wash at the sink in the morning?

And food for my daughter? Should I take some of her favourite things or do they prefer patients to eat food provided by them?

Shower will probably be patients only and they will provide food for her but not you. My daughter had grommets inserted and adenoids out last year, we were out of hospital after 5 hours and she was absolutely fine.

I thought she would be home the same day but we’ve been told she has to stay overnight.

How was she for eating? Any soreness?

It might be better posting on a local parents Facebook as they will be able to give you advice about your hospital.

My toddler has just had 2 nights in unplanned. We were in a private ensuite room but the bathroom in theory was only for patients and she was scared of bathroom so I could not take her in with me.

There was a shower in the parents room but obviously you needed another adult with you. There was also a fridge where you could labelled and dated food. I would take familiar foods, drinks, toys, books and even plates/cutlery.

If here ears will be sore I would get her PJ and toys in the next size up so she will be more comfortable when getting changed.

Never thought of Facebook. Good idea thanks

Well I’ve looked and can’t seem to find any Facebook groups unfortunately. Not to worry though I have a few things on a list now that I hadn’t thought of before.

When my daughter was in hospital there was a large parents bathroom with a shower and a kitchen with a fridge and microwave.

Antibacterial hand wipes and face wipes (for both of you)
A straw for drinks

Hope it goes well for both of you x

Antibacterial wipes. Very good idea thanks

Lots of layers. I have had many nights in hospital with my twins and I am always surprised how cold it is. And yes lots of books, and a mobile phone charger ...

Thankyou. I was expecting it to be too hot hadn’t considered that it might be cold.

Rremember things to make it more homely eg favourite toy or blanket and something for you to not do eg a portable craft or puzzle for yourself. I somehow find physical things more distracting then a phone when anxious

Yes I agree. I thought I’d take my colouring book for if I need something to do.

Sorry forgot to come back to the thread. She'd been nil by mouth before so was starving as soon as she woke up, they brought her food and ice cream and she ate a few chips and all of the ice cream. When we were discharged about 5pm she insisted we stopped at McDonalds for a happy meal with cheese bites and she polished off the lot.
No soreness at all, she was doing cartwheels when my mil came to visit that evening!
It was a lot less traumatic than I was expecting. Good luck xx

Sounds great, that’s what I’m hoping for.