Creature Comforts:
- Fan/Noisemaker (The louder the better)
- Black trash bags and duct tape (to make the room dark for naps)
- Air Mattress and Pump (in case the bed/cot/recliner is terrible or doesn't fit my super tall hubby)
- LOTS of snacks (preferably those that don't get crushed at baggage screening- think trail mix)
- Starbucks VIA (for mom, so she can have good coffee, no matter what)
- Bible and books
- Feminine Products (Forgive me...but, really you do not want to be without this?)
- Laptop and camera with USB cable (so you can blog!)
- Glass markers (to write on doors, windows, mirrors. It makes your room a happy place for all)
- Local treats for the doctors or nurses (This is a nice touch that won't go unnoticed)
- Button up/Zip-Up Clothes (due to EEG "hat")
- Nail Clippers
- Stroller
- Movies
- Photos to place around the crib/room
- Copies of previous CT, MRI Scans, EEGs, etc.
- Chewy Tube (for Oliver's sensory needs)
My #1 Recommendation. If you are headed to the hospital and have a wild child like Oliver---don't even think about leaving home without these! There is nothing better (that we have found) at stopping your child from pulling on the EEG wires and hat.
- "NO-NOs" or technically, Pedi-Wraps (These keep Oliver from bending his arms and ripping off his EEG. We got these at UNC and have used them during every single EEG. They have been enormously helpful. In this photo you can see one of the No-Nos on his arm.)
Toy Ideas:
- Bubbles
- Play dough
- Puzzles
- Books
- Stickers
- Coloring Books/Crayons
- Harmonica
- Get House-sitter
- Plan for Plants, Mail, Trash, Packages
- Email the neighbors to give them the scoop
When you get there:
- I didn't realize this until the third time it happened! When you are being admitted it sometimes takes a great deal longer than you would expect. The rooms sometimes just aren't ready. It can take hours! So be prepared to wait. Bring food, diapers, toys, oh...and, your patience :)
2 comments:
I'd like to add something to your list: my phone number! My son is also Oliver. He also has TSC. We also live with sz everyday. We live 15 minutes from MGH. I would be so grateful if you would allow me to bring you anything you need while at the hospital: diapers, LGI snacks, books, Starbucks, Backyardigan dvd's (my Oliver's favorites!), toys that boys named Oliver who have TSC love to play with :-), anything you need. If you feel comfortable, please email me and I will send you my phone number.
Oh, and a few other ideas of how we can help make your life a tiny tiny bit less hectic while in Boston: bring you healthy food from our favorite healthy restaurants, give you pick-up/drop-off laundry service (seriously!), access to non hospital showers (my healthclub is 5 minutes from MGH and the showers are better than in my own home! - I would gladly give you access to the club during your time here), pillows, blankets - etc etc etc. I could go on and on but basically I just want to reach out and let you know that you have a friend here In Boston who can relate.
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