Erin has been in hospital again – not due to her asthma this week but rather a secondary infection to a virus she has picked up. The secondary infection needed IV antibiotics to stop it in her tracks. Thursday saw her sporting what I thought was the start of chicken pox. I soon realised it wasn’t but the spot continued to grow and cause her eye too swell. A doctors appointment on Friday started her on antibiotics but Saturday morning saw her awake looking like she had done ten rounds with Joe Calzaghe and I knew then that more was to come.
As we went to the out of hours I went prepared as I knew we would be admitted. Most people that are going to hospital know to take clothes and wash stuff but I have put together some more, equally essential items that you might not have thought of. Likewise, if you have found this blog due to reading about the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in toddlers DDH and will be staying in hospital anytime soon this list may just keep you sane!
Mums Survival Guide for Staying in Hospital With Your Child
1. A favourite teddy is a must. Teddy seems to make everything better for all concerned. It can help the child feel normal and brings comforts from home.
2. Next up is coffee, a good size mug, and some sweeteners. We all know hospital coffee is not good enough it is often weak and I can’t bear drinking out of paper cups. We have a hospital franchise for Costa Coffee but I can’t afford to keep treating myself! Therefore I always take my own mug and supplies! There is usually a parents room where you can access a kettle and coffee or tea will be needed.
3. Good reading material will keep you sane – hospital days are long days. For example Erin was awake at 6am thanks to needing IV’s put up and the wards don’t quiten down until quite late. As a teacher, I also took marking but that’s just me! A laptop is also good as then you can browse, watch Netflix or similar.
4. Moisturiser and lip salve, I slather myself in the stuff because the air is so dry in hospital. I also took Avent magic cream for Erin, it helps her skin but also smells lovely! Hair bobbles are useful too as its easier to whack up hair in a ponytail and keep it out of the way.
5. One advantage of having our own room is that I get a camp bed rather than the ridiculous reclining chair. The reclining chair is a parents nemesis it throws you forward the minute you move. It does not give you a good nights rest. I should know as I spent five nights on it after Erin’s salters osteotomy. Now I know that if you get a room, you get a bed. Therefore I take my own pillow and heated blanket! It helps me get some sleep amongst the four hourly observations.
6. Your phone charger- social media keeps me sane too!
7. Slippers, I hate wearing heavy shoes all day and clearly, you don’t want to walk about without shoes. Therefore I always take slippers for both me and Erin to wear on the ward.
7. Lastly, a treat to myself was a sneaky Gin in a Tin after Erin was settled for the night. I have spent Christmas eve and day on a ward before thanks to a nasty ear infection my son has when he was about 4 and I quickly learnt how to survive children’s ward! I used my mug for that too! Just don’t tell the nurses!
2 Responses
Great list, think this will help loads of parents thrown into it. Poor Erin, hope she’s better soon! x
I reckon the nurses would approve of the gin in a tin! This is a great list though and I wish I’d found this earlier in the week!