I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: MandaMe1986 on January 12, 2009, 08:42:02 AM

Title: What should I get him
Post by: MandaMe1986 on January 12, 2009, 08:42:02 AM
Hello everyone, well my father goes to the doctor today to set a date to have a  fistula placed.  So it won't be much longer till his first treatment.  Him and I kinda have this thing, see he was my "Chemo buddy" Every morning before my treatment he would take me to breakfest and it was all awesome to have.  And everytime I went into the hospital he would get me something new to kinda make it easier. Sometimes it was a new pair of Pj's or sometimes it was just a deck of cards so he and I could play Rummy (thats our game of choice).  But now its  my turn to return the favor.  So I am planing on getting him some stuff to help his treatments to go along a little bet better.  I have already decided to get him a nice blanket, I hear its nice to have.  But any other ideas?  What kind of stuff do you guys take along with you? Any kind of idea would be helpful, thanks everyone!
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: jbeany on January 12, 2009, 09:56:35 AM
Blanket, neck pillow, ipod for music, sound-canceling headphones, hand held games, magazine subscriptions, microwavable heating pad, books, portable DVD player and movies. . ..
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Chris on January 12, 2009, 10:43:33 AM
Welll jbean pretty muh covered all my thoughts and covered all the good ones. I don't know where your located so this idea may not work, flannel lined jeans if he wears jeans. They come in either flannel, gortex, thinsulate, and maybe one more.They help to keep warm. Other idea was an oversized sweatshirt to keep warm and have the ability to roll up the arm for fistula access. That arm tends to get cold.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: boxman55 on January 12, 2009, 02:33:56 PM
A simple note pad and pen if he wants to keep track of his fluid gains. he can jot down before treatment weight and after treatment weight...Boxman
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: monrein on January 12, 2009, 03:10:03 PM
I like a small roll behind my back which can get sore in the chair.  I also have a buckwheat pillow (not as big as standard size) that I use to nestle my arm in.  The arm can get quite sore from being still for so long and I can wiggle the buckwheat around to make it comfy.  An alternative would be one of those little pillows with a type of plastic bead in them...lighter in weight than the buckwheat.  I also like the neck pillow.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: jessup on January 12, 2009, 03:16:17 PM
Sheepskin wool underlay.  There are a few patients at Dad's renal unit who put these under the sheet.  Dad reckons it makes the chair heaps more comfortable and helps keep him warm.
and of course ugg boots and beanie
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: MIbarra on January 12, 2009, 03:18:15 PM
Small snacks within his renal diet guidelines and maybe a little lunchbag to keep his snacks in. (If his center allows snacks that is.) If not, a nice travel mug for his drinks or ice.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: kitkatz on January 12, 2009, 03:30:18 PM
a neck pillow, a lunchbox for snacks, hand warmers from the sports place.  I love these things, they keep me warm all night. You can get them during winter.  Warm socks and slippers.  Bootie slippers that go up around the ankles. A few sweets now and then.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Stacy Without An E on January 12, 2009, 03:49:20 PM
My sister bought me a Phillips (great brand) DVD player two years ago and it has gone to every treatment with me.  Get him a NetFlix subscription and he'll be good to go.

I can't mention how many times I've been fortunate enough to be watching a great movie or TV show and I forget I'm at treatment.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Rerun on January 12, 2009, 03:55:44 PM
A paint ball gun!

                                     :yahoo;
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: kimcanada on January 12, 2009, 04:09:07 PM
 :rofl;
A paint ball gun!

                                     :yahoo;
:rofl;

Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: kitkatz on January 12, 2009, 04:18:43 PM
:rofl;
A paint ball gun!

                                     :yahoo;
:rofl;




Oh my God! That would be so awesome.  I can see it now!   :rofl; :rofl;
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: kimcanada on January 12, 2009, 04:52:19 PM
WHat I WOULD GIVE TO SOME PEOPLE IN DIALYSIS RIGHT IN THE ARSE WITH A PAINTBALL   :rofl; >:D
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Ang on January 12, 2009, 07:10:10 PM
just  imagine  your  dad  in  a  chair  for  4  hours,unable  to  get  up

what  things  would  he  enjoy  doing
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: MandaMe1986 on January 13, 2009, 09:43:54 AM
Welll jbean pretty muh covered all my thoughts and covered all the good ones. I don't know where your located so this idea may not work, flannel lined jeans if he wears jeans. They come in either flannel, gortex, thinsulate, and maybe one more.They help to keep warm. Other idea was an oversized sweatshirt to keep warm and have the ability to roll up the arm for fistula access. That arm tends to get cold.

Well see we live in New Mexico. So I have no idea where I would find flannel lined jeans, but I think he would love that.  He already is so cold. He can't seem to wear enough cloths. Thanks for that idea, I am gonna look online now.  :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: MandaMe1986 on January 13, 2009, 09:45:47 AM
a neck pillow, a lunchbox for snacks, hand warmers from the sports place.  I love these things, they keep me warm all night. You can get them during winter.  Warm socks and slippers.  Bootie slippers that go up around the ankles. A few sweets now and then.

About the hand warmers, what exactly are they?  Are they like gloves?  And what department at a sports store can I get them?  *smile* Thanks
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: MandaMe1986 on January 13, 2009, 09:47:07 AM
And to everyone thanks for the ideas.  They all helped so much!  Thanks.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Chris on January 13, 2009, 09:53:31 AM
The two places that come to mind off the top of my head since I used themare Gander Mountain and Bass Pro Shops. There are more places that seel them online, but not sure I saved the links (their on my old laptop), especially for the other chain stores. I wasn't aware of them till my physical therapist told me about them since I am always cold.

Ohh Work N Gear is another chain.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: MandaMe1986 on January 13, 2009, 09:55:33 AM
The two places that come to mind off the top of my head since I used themare Gander Mountain and Bass Pro Shops. There are more places that seel them online, but not sure I saved the links (their on my old laptop), especially for the other chain stores. I wasn't aware of them till my physical therapist told me about them since I am always cold.

Ohh Work N Gear is another chain.

Thanks!
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Chris on January 13, 2009, 10:02:28 AM
a neck pillow, a lunchbox for snacks, hand warmers from the sports place.  I love these things, they keep me warm all night. You can get them during winter.  Warm socks and slippers.  Bootie slippers that go up around the ankles. A few sweets now and then.

About the hand warmers, what exactly are they?  Are they like gloves?  And what department at a sports store can I get them?  *smile* Thanks

Also at a sporting good store, but seen them at the drug store (Osco/CVS, Walgreen's), Wal Mart, K-Mart (if there are any left in your area). They are little packets that contain chemicals that once squished around cause a chemical reaction that cause heat for about 15 minute. They are best used when wearing gloves that have the pocket for them to avoid possible burn if the person is sensitive. They have socks the same way. I can scan a picture of what the packet looks like if you want.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: paul.karen on January 13, 2009, 10:03:15 AM
Many different kinds of hand warmers.
Some are little packets that you crack open(kinda like those tubes that light up when you crack them) and they give off heat.  Just place them in any pair of gloves.  Or you can buy special gloves that have a pocket for the warmers.

Any or most sporting good stores would have them.  

An Ipod for music?

But im sure most of all he will just be happy you thought of him and any gift would be fine.......
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Chris on January 13, 2009, 10:25:04 AM
Forgot, my scanner does not work with Vista.

Here is the website for the product I have http://www.heatmax.com/HotHands/wintersports.htm

This one shows a variety of them and this is what they look like in stores for refills. I never ordered from them, just did a search.
http://www.shop.meyerscustomsupply.com/category.sc?categoryId=3
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: thegrammalady on January 13, 2009, 10:34:05 AM
Welll jbean pretty muh covered all my thoughts and covered all the good ones. I don't know where your located so this idea may not work, flannel lined jeans if he wears jeans. They come in either flannel, gortex, thinsulate, and maybe one more.They help to keep warm. Other idea was an oversized sweatshirt to keep warm and have the ability to roll up the arm for fistula access. That arm tends to get cold.

Well see we live in New Mexico. So I have no idea where I would find flannel lined jeans, but I think he would love that.  He already is so cold. He can't seem to wear enough cloths. Thanks for that idea, I am gonna look online now.  :2thumbsup;

ll bean carries them.  (www.llbean.com )  they can be ordered online and cost about $49 well worth the priced. they have more than one style so you should be able to find something comfy.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: kitkatz on January 13, 2009, 02:22:04 PM
These are the hand warmers.  I open one up and lay it on my chest under the blanket. Warm all night. AHHHH!
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: G-Ma on January 13, 2009, 02:26:07 PM
I have nothing to offer after all the good ones but I'm just so thrilled that you are helping your dad in this way.
Ann
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: paddbear0000 on January 13, 2009, 03:21:30 PM
What about books? And puzzle books, like crosswords, soduku, variety puzzles, etc.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: sewerrat4u on January 13, 2009, 05:50:43 PM
Well I've read so many things to get but no one said get him a "Harley." A little Harley therapy always helps!:) :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Wenchie58 on January 13, 2009, 05:58:31 PM
I for one ...LIKE the way you think Rat!!
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: MandaMe1986 on January 14, 2009, 11:01:42 AM
Well I've read so many things to get but no one said get him a "Harley." A little Harley therapy always helps!:) :2thumbsup;

Now if I could aford to get h im a harley, I would. *smile* haha. 
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: MandaMe1986 on January 14, 2009, 11:13:54 AM
Forgot, my scanner does not work with Vista.

Here is the website for the product I have http://www.heatmax.com/HotHands/wintersports.htm

This one shows a variety of them and this is what they look like in stores for refills. I never ordered from them, just did a search.
http://www.shop.meyerscustomsupply.com/category.sc?categoryId=3

thanks for the website..
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Stacy Without An E on January 15, 2009, 05:40:31 PM
I have a couple more suggestions:

--- Air freshener so he doesn't have to put up with the less than hygenic patients.  I prefer Febreeze because it eliminates odors, but its not overwhelming.

--- Helmet like an astronaut or jet pilot wears so he doesn't have to deal with patients who are farting or shoeless.

--- Sleep mask so he doesn't have to look at all the disgusting people at treatment (and there are many)

--- Noise cancelling headphones so he doesn't have to deal with all the noisy TV's & body functions.

I'm off to treatment now so I'll probably think of more.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: MandaMe1986 on January 15, 2009, 07:38:36 PM
I have a couple more suggestions:

--- Air freshener so he doesn't have to put up with the less than hygenic patients.  I prefer Febreeze because it eliminates odors, but its not overwhelming.

--- Helmet like an astronaut or jet pilot wears so he doesn't have to deal with patients who are farting or shoeless.

--- Sleep mask so he doesn't have to look at all the disgusting people at treatment (and there are many)

--- Noise cancelling headphones so he doesn't have to deal with all the noisy TV's & body functions.

I'm off to treatment now so I'll probably think of more.

It dosn't sound like you like to many people you go to treatment with.  That sucks, so how did it go?
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: Stacy Without An E on January 15, 2009, 10:55:39 PM
When I first started treatment there were nicer patients in my clinic.

Unfortunately, they all passed away and were replaced by the classless people I'm forced to experience now.
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: nursewratchet on January 16, 2009, 02:33:30 AM
A paint ball gun!

                                     :yahoo;
  The clinic should supply those! :rofl;
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: nursewratchet on January 16, 2009, 02:39:42 AM
What about books? And puzzle books, like crosswords, soduku, variety puzzles, etc.
  I mada a "book exchange" at my clinic.  Everyone likes to read, and books are SOO expensive.  PAssed out flyers to pats. and staff, to bring in books, and take what you want.  We now have an entire wall lined with FULL bookshelves.  Patients and staff bring in bags of books on a revolving basis.  They come in before hookup, and get books, or leave them off.  It's been a HUGE hit.  Maybe you could encourage something like that for him.  Our library also has puzzle books, etc...
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: MandaMe1986 on January 16, 2009, 09:22:11 AM
When I first started treatment there were nicer patients in my clinic.

Unfortunately, they all passed away and were replaced by the classless people I'm forced to experience now.

that sucks, im sorry. 
Title: Re: What should I get him
Post by: kitkatz on January 16, 2009, 03:53:19 PM
What about books? And puzzle books, like crosswords, soduku, variety puzzles, etc.
  I mada a "book exchange" at my clinic.  Everyone likes to read, and books are SOO expensive.  PAssed out flyers to pats. and staff, to bring in books, and take what you want.  We now have an entire wall lined with FULL bookshelves.  Patients and staff bring in bags of books on a revolving basis.  They come in before hookup, and get books, or leave them off.  It's been a HUGE hit.  Maybe you could encourage something like that for him.  Our library also has puzzle books, etc...


I tired to get the social worker to let us do that at my other center.  I have been to some center where it is take a book, leave a book.  It was great while on vacation I got rid of some books and picked up another one!