Suggestions for Care Package for Transplant Patient in Hospital

[dlady64]

First, forgive me if this is the wrong section.

I have a friend in the hospital a few days after receiving a liver transplant.  I know we're supposed to be talking kidneys here, and I'm still waiting for my own kidney transplant.  But I want to visit my friend (or more appropriately, his family, as I'm not sure he's receiving visitors yet) and I'd like to take something--either for him or for his loved ones waiting with him at the hospital.

Can anyone tell me what they needed when they were hospitalized?  Anything in particular that helped or brightened your day?

When my turn comes, fingers crossed, I'll be able to suggest what I might like, as well.

Thanks all!

[Chris]

Well it all depends on their likes. Maybe something they couldn't have, but now can. For me, I wanted real coffee, not the hospital stuff they call coffee. But found out I could only have decaf. I also got some candy (ie life savers, suckers, jelly beans) and something to read. I'm not sure what limitations liver patients had prior to transplant and what their limitations are post transplant, but just getting something they like would work. If you can, call them first and ask some basic questions to get an idea. With me, I could finally have sugar again, but what I got and what I had a taste for where two different things, so asking questions would help. As for the family, I have no clue there.

Hope you find something.
Chris

[Jill D.]

I didn't need much of anything while I was in the hospital...except a hot shower!  Actually, I spent a lot of time on my laptop, but I know not every hospital room is wireless and not everyone has a laptop. Maybe take a magazine or two?
Most of the food I craved  were things I was supposed to avoid on the renal diet (milk, potatoes, cheese) and could be ordered for my meals. Some chocolate is always good!
It seems like I was pretty busy with doctor and nurse visits and getting up and walking the halls - didn't have much time to be bored.
The only thing you should not take are flowers or plants. I don't believe you can take latex balloons either.

[dlady64]

Thanks for the suggestions.  He's actually doing very poorly--contracted pneumonia and pleural effusion.  It occurs to me that this is really no different from any friend in the hospital.  Except I've never known the appropriate things to do for that either!

Do you think just visiting to site with the family would be appropriate?  I think the patient is out of it and right now his family needs support.

I'm terrible at this kind of thing.

[Deanne]

I'm sorry he isn't doing well! I bet his family would appreciate your support. Just sitting with them, maybe offering to run out to get them some real food or coffee if they aren't willing to leave, or giving them a break and staying there while they take a break from the hospital themselves, knowing you're there and will call them instantly if anything comes up.

[monrein]

Really good advice Deanne.  And Dlady you certainly are NOT "terrible at this kind of thing".  You want to offer support, you care and you sound very thoughtful.  Nothing terrible there as far as I can see.
I think it would be entirely appropriate to offer the support to his family where it seems most needed right now.   

[MiSSis]

The hospital where I've had multiple procedures and surgeries has really nice family rooms on each floor.  These rooms have a family room type atmosphere with a table and chairs, couches, TV, VCR, games, puzzles, etc.  I know that when I had my open heart surgery, my husband's family visited with him a lot in that room, bringing cards to play.  I remember him mentioning the homemade cookies one of his aunts brought up.  Most of all he just appreciated having company during the long hours between visiting hours.

[jbeany]

You can also ask if there's anything at their house that you could do for them.  Walk the dog, water the plants - inside or out, feed the cat. . . do they have any elderly relatives that they would like you to check on?  Errands to run?

[Chris]

Well Deanne summed it up pretty well on what to do and jbeane too if you are close to the family.

Sorry to hear about your friend.
Chris

[dlady64]

Great suggestions!  Thanks, guys.

P.S.  He's turned the corner and is being moved to the transplant ward today!

Thanks again!

[Chris]

Hopefully that continues and they will be out of the hospital shortly to enjoy life.

[okarol]

Glad to hear he's better!

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