Guest guest Posted April 19, 2007 Report Share Posted April 19, 2007 Hi all! We're trying to get our plans and packing for transplant finalized, and are wondering if anyone has any additional suggestions as to what we should do/bring. I've already looked at the list in our files section, and searched the archives, but I thought maybe someone had some additional comments or suggestions. I'd especially like to know how things tend to be done at Vanderbilt if anyone who's had a transplant there cares to comment. Thanks for any input! athan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2007 Report Share Posted April 19, 2007 athan, I'd just take an open mind. You have no idea how this will turn out, so be ready for the ride. Also, if I were you, I'd warn my relatives about how weird you'll be on all the meds (pain meds, immunosuppression, etc.). I know my family wasn't expecting some of the behavior I exhibited in the first weeks afterwards - nearly all of it driven by the drugs and feeling overwhelmed. What else? I took the things that were on the lists in the archives and I did fine. The slip on slippers were a must, so was chap stick, and a robe. I'd also recommend the germ killers (wipes and hand sanitizer). I had infections, but never of my wound because I was very careful about keeping myself clean with antibacterial soaps. Take your medical advocate and legal documentation for that person (power of attorney/advance directive). Otherwise, enjoy being in la-la land for a while. The surgery itself is the easy part because you're out. Afterwards, the real work begins, but it is wonderful because you feel and see yourself getting better... Best wishes and many prayers! Deb in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2007 Report Share Posted April 19, 2007 Hi athan,All I can add is , load up those itunes if you have an ipod. Music is healing , have your favorites ready!If you are afraid your player or the one you borrow might be taken, have visitors bring theirs so that you can listen to variety.Then people can take them back home at night.I know when Bill has been hospitalized, he doesn't always want to talk and visit and he wants to block out the hospital noise.Using an ipod was the answer.All my best,LeeHi all!We're trying to get our plans and packing for transplant finalized, and are wondering if anyone has any additional suggestions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 athan, Since I had two liver transplants at Vanderbilt I hope I can give you some thoughts. The biggest thing I remember is not being able to sort out what was normal and what turned out to be abnormal pain. I tended to have an analyst approach and wanted to understand exactly why each medication was required and finally came to the conclusion that it is just a bit of trial and error on the Drs part since everyone reacts differently - so try and be patient but do ask questions and be sure you or a close one to you is watching. I one time caught either a potential double dose or missed dose when there was a nurse change. I also in hindsight put up with a lot more pain than probably was necessary especially the first time because I assumed it was normal and I was just being a baby when it turned out there was something wrong. You know your body the best so if something doesn't seem right keep following it. The second time around I got a little more vocal with the nurses and requested them to coordinate their blood tests, vitals etc. It seems like you sometimes get on the staff change schedule so I swear one night there was someone in the room every two hours. After the first two days I talked to the night nurse and requested that they give me a block from 11pm to 5pm undisturbed so I could actually get some sleep. It was wonderful. The ipod idea is also good. I used that when they were setting pic lines, taking blood etc. I also used some little pillows that you can prop different parts of your body since it gets a bit uncomfotable. I was a side and stomach sleeper and to switch to just a back sleeper after surgery was tough. Lastly, I remember my throat being really sore after they took the breathing tube out after surgery. You can get popsicles as well as other things on the floor like cereal etc. The nurses are very kind you just need to tell them what you need. Good Luck! Cinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2007 Report Share Posted April 20, 2007 I'm sure we all have hospital horror stories to tell and advice on how to avoid them, my best are Be Nice to the staff- but- be insistent when you have a problem, question or suggestion. When you have a central line in, don't let them draw blood from your arm. Make them get a person who is trained to draw from the line. Take your own pillow with a bright color pillow case so you can sleep well and not forget to take it home Don't let people leave cut flowers or plants in your room. They are full of germs and a breeding ground for the nasty stuff you only find in hospitals. Tell people ahead of time so they are not hurt when you send their gifts away. Enjoy the first few days of feeling really good. My mind was not working well but I had a lot of fun doing the things I would never have done when I was sane. If you are going to be a "whack job", take it to the limit and have fun. I named my I.V. pole Matilda and went waltzing down the halls. (very slowly) Take Care MizKitSee what's free at AOL.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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