Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

By far the most common form of pulmonary embolism is a thromboembolism, which occurs when a blood clot, generally a venous thrombus, becomes dislodged from its site of formation and embolizes to the arterial blood supply of one of the lungs. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, pain during breathing, and more rarely circulatory instability and death.

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Packing for the hospital?

TossNTurn
TossNTurn
I'll be in the hospital starting on Wednesday for sinus surgery. Because of my warfarin issues, the surgeon is threatening to keep me in there until my INR is therapeutic again, which (as we all know) may take a while. I'm envisioning being in there for 4-5 days.

With my first DVT (2005) and my PEs (2010) I was in the hospital less than 24 hours each time and it was on an emergency basis. I've never had a chance to pack for the hospital and I've never stayed in for so long. It may seem obvious to y'all, but I'm really not sure how to pack for this.

I know lots of you were in the hospital many, many days and were probably bored crazy by the end of it. What would you suggest I take with me so I'm (a) comfortable and (b) not bored out of my gourd?

I'll just say now that I don't have a laptop and have already hit the library for reading and listening material. My husband will be by every day and can bring stuff, but I hate to give him a new list of things to bring every day.

Thanks much!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had to spend eight days for PE, and I did not had my laptop, but at least a smart phone with internet connection.
Was so useful to google everything when doctors didn't know the answer to my questions.
Paper and pen.
I hated the hospital food, so I had my favorite snacks in case if I could not eat what they served, and extra juice or water. Your own pillow can make you feel more comfortable, and warm socks if it's too cold.
And of course your personal stuffs, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.
Good luck with everything!
Margr
Margr
While recently hospitalized (for DVT/PE, for a week), I found it helpful to have lip balm, disposable facial cleansing wipes, a couple of different pajama options (for when the hospital gown wasn't "mandatory"), and a robe for post-surgical walks in the hallway. My husband regularly brought me bottles of drinking water, as what was otherwise provided was often not-so-great-tasting tap water. It sounds like you've got the boredom issue well addressed with reading/listening material. Good luck and best wishes!
Lynnedz56
Lynnedz56
I myself like crossword puzzle books. And it was a big help when I had my last 5 day stay. Also, have to add...and you don't need to bring this. I got hooked on cooking shows while I was in the hospital. Gave me a chance to explore options on TV I don't do at home. Cause I'm not a big TV person. However, do you know how you will feel after surgery?? I know when I've been there and sick, I don't do much else than sleep. You've gotten a lot of good ideas. Actually, I'm going to remember those things next time I'm there.
rmb
rmb
If it was me, I'd pack really light, and wait to see if they'd be keeping me. Someone can always bring you stuff you'd need. If you bring a lot of crap with you, there's a chance it can get lost, stolen, forgotten etc.

But even for one night, I'd bring lip balm for sure and a good toothbrush. I hate those crappy tooth brushes they give you. And if your period is expected anytime around then, bring a few tampons. When I had my PE, I was in the hospital for 7 days, and on the second day, I got my period. And all they had were those ridiculous long pads and mesh underwear. So my husband went out and bought me a box of tampons. He must have felt really sorry for me, because I don't know if I could get him to do that now!

As the week wore on, he brought more stuff for me, but honestly, I was freakin' tired and sick, I didn't have the energy to do much. I watched a lot of Dr Phil, I'm sad to report.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If I had to do it again I would like to have a duffle bag already packed - I say it and haven't done it yet but there's still time I hope. :)

I had nothing with me when they rushed me off to the hospital; was wearing workout pants and a tank top and sneakers. They provided me with the personal items I needed and my son arrived the next day and went back to the house to get more things and a duffle bag.

Good friends stopped by with books they knew I would enjoy.

I would pack lightly too with two lightweight outfits, pjs and robe. I didn't bother with a bra since I didn't want pressure on that part of the body.

Most importantly, good luck with the surgery!! Wishing for a huge success!!!

Love and hugs, Cindy
deleted_user
deleted_user
I second the suggestion to bring a crossword puzzle book. They're great at taking your mind and attention down a nice path of escape. The NY Times have a great series of them that you can purchase almost anywhere.

Good luck with the sinus surgery!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Your own pillow! My neck hurt for weeks b/c of the crappy pillows at the hospital (about as big and puffy as a maxi-pad! Since someone brought them up). When I had my thyroid surgery, I loaded my MP3 player with my favorite pod-casts (Wait Wait don't tell me and This American Life), as well as a few downloadable audible books. And I can't function without my smartphone... Own food/snacks is a good idea too.
Good luck! We'll be thinking about you! Please let us know when you can how you are doing! You've been one of my rock's here on this website. Even if you're only gone for a few days, I'm going to miss you! Come back soon and safe!
KS
deleted_user
deleted_user
DEFINITELY your own pillow. Hospital pillows are mean, cruel jokes.

Here are some things that I wished I had:

-comfy, soft socks
-ipod with some books "on tape"
-trash magazines/People/US/etc...need lighthearted entertainment
-most hospitals have dvd players, so maybe a couple of funny movies
-book (whatever you are reading)
-laptop
-journal
-my own soap and shampoo, etc.
-chapstick
rmb
rmb
Holy cow, I hate to see what you guys all pack in your luggage when you go on vacation.

It's the hospital, not the north pole.
ldmendoza
ldmendoza
Bring some ear plugs! I was in the hospital for 5 days for my PE's and as luck would have it my room was by the nurses station. Very noisy all night long! I third the motion to bring your own pillow, that was a must for me too.

Best wishes to you for a successful surgery, and a speedy recovery!

Take care!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree with ear plugs and snacks....one thing I forgot to pack for the birth of my first born was underwear derr lol and I had to wear disposable knickers for a few hours until the shops opened and I could send my mum to get some. Let me tell you disposables are NO FUN lol. So my advice is dont forget your underwear :P
Good luck for the op!!
More2be
More2be
Laptop, cell phone, chargers. 2 extra changes of clothes would be enough, since they put you in "inmate" clothes when you get there and you stay in "inmate" clothes until time for discharge. All meals and incidentals are taken care of so it is not necessary to bring a lot of cash unless you can get up, walk around, and spend a few bucks at the gift shop.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Food. Especially if you're at all a picky eater. One night my options were a hamburger and fries or a shepherd's pie. When I told them I didn't eat meat they said they would bring a vegetarian Shepherd's Pie. When dinner time came around they brought me a gigantic bowl, that, when I took the lid off, held about a half cup of peas and carrots ; ) I definitely texted that picture around to my friends!
deleted_user
deleted_user
After 28 days in hospital here are the few items I considered necessary:
Slippers
Hair Dryer(my hospital had one per floor and if you have long hair like me you may want your own)
Pens/Paper - to keep a diary of meds etc.
Laptop - had I been well enough I would have used it
Necessary Toiletries
IMO the lighter you pack the better.
I hope it goes well and that you get discharged asap.
TossNTurn
TossNTurn
Thanks so much for all the advice and well wishes! Think I have my packing list down, although there are a few things I hadn't thought of (e.g., pillow, chargers, ear plugs, etc.). At minimum, I'm in until Friday. If the doc decides she doesn't trust me to do my own shots at home, I'll be there until Monday. Guess we'll just see.

If you've got 'em, I could use some positive vibes. Still feeling jittery.
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