What should I get him

[MandaMe1986]

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!

[jbeany]

Blanket, neck pillow, ipod for music, sound-canceling headphones, hand held games, magazine subscriptions, microwavable heating pad, books, portable DVD player and movies. . ..

[Chris]

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.

[boxman55]

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

[monrein]

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.

[jessup]

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

[MIbarra]

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.

[kitkatz]

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.

[Stacy Without An E]

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.

[Rerun]

A paint ball gun!

                                     

[kimcanada]

 

A paint ball gun!

                                     

[kitkatz]

A paint ball gun!

                                     

Oh my God! That would be so awesome.  I can see it now!   

[kimcanada]

WHat I WOULD GIVE TO SOME PEOPLE IN DIALYSIS RIGHT IN THE ARSE WITH A PAINTBALL   

[Ang]

just  imagine  your  dad  in  a  chair  for  4  hours,unable  to  get  up

what  things  would  he  enjoy  doing

[MandaMe1986]

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. 

[MandaMe1986]

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

[MandaMe1986]

And to everyone thanks for the ideas.  They all helped so much!  Thanks.

[Chris]

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.

[MandaMe1986]

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!

[Chris]

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.

[paul.karen]

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.......

[Chris]

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

[thegrammalady]

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. 

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.

[kitkatz]

These are the hand warmers.  I open one up and lay it on my chest under the blanket. Warm all night. AHHHH!

[G-Ma]

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