hospital advice

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,I thought I might start a list of "things that help make long hospital stays a little easier" and invite all of you to add to it with the idea that we can all benefit from each others' experiences.Here is my start, and, if you like the idea, please add to it!  Wishing all of you happiness and health in the new year-- (mother of Zachary, 18 mos)www.caringbridge.org/visit/zacharyleonwallaceThings to bring to the hospital:1. Earplugs and a sleeping mask (a wide headband works really well too)2. An ipod or another way to listen to music3. A portable DVD player 4. Things from home to sleep with and/or put on the wall that make the room feel more like home (we always put up a tapestry that usually hangs in our bedroom on the wall of Zach's hospital room)Ways to save money while staying in the hospital:1. Use a "Lots of Helping Hands" or other calendar site to help coordinate friends/family who wish to bring you meals to the hospital or help you in other ways2. Get information on financial help available from the Lymphoma and Leukemia society and other organizations (ask this group if your social worker doesn't provide you with it!)3. If you are a finicky coffee drinker (like me), bring a French Press or other coffee maker that only requires you to boil water in a hospital microwaveOther things that make life easier at the hospital:1. Work with your doctors to get all meds/vitals coordinated with your child's bed and nap times (as possible)2. Find out what services such as PT, OT, and speech and music therapy might be available for your child3. Start a Caring Bridge to keep friends and family up to date on your child's progress sonAssociate Professor of English and Graduate Literature CoordinatorSan Francisco State University, Humanities 5371600 Holloway AvenueSan Francisco, CA 94132(415) 338-3107