Hospital stay (heart attack)- what do you need to take

[Doingakatereddy]

Poor MIL has been taken into hospital with heart attack, I feel so helpless just need to think about how to help tomorrow.

What should I take in for her - no idea if nightie or pj's better, god I don't know. Can anyone help as if I don't write a list I'm going to fall to pieces.

Sympathies to your MiL. I would guess PJs better as easier access for doctors with stethoscopes etc. No flowers (rarely allowed on wards these days) but little things like hand cream, magazines, small snacks, fruit etc might be good, as well as basics like toothbrush and so on. If she has an iPod or similar take that. And possibly earplugs - when my parents have been in hospital they have often hardly slept, as wards are very noisy places.

I would make sure she has a few nighties/pyjamas, dressing gown and slippers plus whatever toiletries/make up she normally uses like a flannel, cleanser, wipes, tissues, hairbrush, shampoo, shower gel, shower cap, deodorant. A small mirror. Nail file.

Glasses if she wears them. Comfortable clothes to come home in.

Things to do - books, magazines, ear plugs I think might be supplied with the telly they usually provide these days. Change/cash for newspapers etc. Snacks and fruit juices that are wrapped. Pens and paper.

Hope she's ok x

A lovely card handmade by her grand kids, and ask her what she wants when you visit her. No point in second guessing, especially if you don't know how well she is, how long she will be in for, or what she usually uses/wears at home.

A vote for PJs here - much easier for ECG recording which will be happening every day.

She will probably have electrodes left on her chest for a few days, they can leave a black mark - nail varnish remover will get rid of them.

Some fruit cordial - hospital water often tastes foul for some reason.

It's a long time since I worked in cardiology so check with this first. She may have a 'stress test' AKA 'exercise tolerance test' - basically walking on a treadmill so some slippers that are not slip on, or some comfortable shoes will be useful. This used to be done before leaving hospital but not straight after an MI (heart attack).

Take some wet wipes, it's not always possible to have a bath / shower and they can keep her refreshed.

Thank you. MIL has had her stent fitted & when some blood pressure thingy started up automatically, exclaimed 'oh it nearly gave me a heart attack'

Thank you again for the advice. X

lip balm. trashy mags.