My son has CF and we've spent a lot of time in hospital. Our must have is a small fan for white noise. It drowns out all the night time hospital noise so we can rest. Hope you feel better soon Mary 🤗.
When I had my cancer surgery I was given a couple of great suggestions. One was to put out a basket of chocolates/candy for the nurses. I did that, and made it very clear to them that it was for them, because they don't get enough thank you's for the job they do. And several nurses took advantage of that, and I think it helped the already fabulous nurses be even more fun. The second one was to bring my own small OTC meds like gas-x and tums and things like that, in an unopened package so they know what is in it. I had abdominal surgery and that gas-x really would have helped (I forgot it!)
I love that Peter's job allows him the time to stay with you while you're in the hospital. When my husband was in the army he was out of the country for most of my stays. I have spent most of them alone except my dad comes to visit while my kids are in school. My last one he was home for but didn't stay with me. It was hard bc I had to lay flat for three days and I couldn't bend or get up or anything so it was hard to be alone. Peter I am glad that you are there for Mary. You're such a good husband.
I was recently in the hospital for a stroke😔most def take a tablet or laptop... I had my iPad and I found your videos and I've been binge watching even after getting discharged you guys filled my days in the hospital with laughter! Thanks for that's! And I love bringing my yarn and knitting and crochet needles.
Hi my name is Sarah, I'm 16 and normally when ever I'm packing I bring 6-6 sets of pajamas both my tubie bear and my Tigger doll and all my extra medical suplies like gause and stuff and ALWAYS both of my super soft blankets sometimes I will bring tea or apple cider but not often. I do not have CF but I do have a stomach disease that makes me go to the hospital a lot. Its called GP which means my stomach is paralized and food can sit in there for hours even days. So I have a feeding tube placed and that is how I get nutrition because I dont eat because it makes me sick and painful. BTW a tubie bear is a bear that has my type of feeding tube in it, so mine has a GJ micky feeding port.
I am so thankful for this video. I have been looking on youtube for what to pack for a hospital stay and until this everything came up for maternity stay and that is not what i was looking for. so thank you.
wonderful video. I like to bring little thank you gifts for the nurses. we also found that if we had a bowl of candy for the nurses and other staff they tended to stop by frequently. a notebook and pen for writing down questions or symptoms is helpful. it's also good for keeping score when playing cards.
RsIslandCrafts - Robin ~ Most definitely bring notebook and a pen!!! It helps you select your menu easier, I hate the little pencil stubs they give you!!! The notebook is for those questions that you are thinking about instead of sleeping. I also could not always stay with my husband, so I would leave my questions for the doctors and most either called me with the answers or wrote the answers for me.
The Frey Life I love bringing my Galaxy Tab4, comfy pjs, a robe, new slippers, my favorite toothpaste, brush etc, sleep caps, wig, and headcovers, nail kit, lotion and shampoo, my blinged out walker, ostomy supplies, wound care supplies for back up, new cpap mask and my machine. Crochet kit with plarn supplies. Next time I go to hospital I will be having surgery. So I have to plan for week or two stay. So favorite gluten free snacks for when I get to eat again. I love my Love Food Box so that is a great idea. Undoing when I am allowed to eat again.
I had a special puzzle as a kid that I only did, when I was sick. Now, I have starry night 1000 pieces in miniature puzzle pieces, that I bring with me. Never managed to finish it, but it keeps me focussed and forget the pain after surgery. And I always have something to knit or crochet with me. Staff loves seeing the progress.
I have brittle bone disease, type 1, and so I'm involved in an ass load of clinical trials and have my bone scans and of course, the oh so commonly broken bones and surgeries. So what I usually pack are my jammies, my phone, my iPad, so many pillows and blankets, extra headphones, crazy socks, books, and my own painting stuff. What kind of things do you like to paint? 😀
Great tips! I remember once when I was 8 or 9 I brought some stuffed animals and a plastic vet kit to play with. The nurses noticed and by the time I left I had real stethoscope,tongue depressor,the tight blue band,syringes,thermometer and bandages to play with! It was so fun and the nurses were so nice :)
In addition to the stuff you mentioned: For local hospitals I pack pictures of friends & family, fuzzy socks with grippers, headphones, replacement bottoms for my crutches, the chargers for my electronics(only have to forget those once to learn your lesson), my infared themometer to measure skin temp since I have CRPS and my doctor likes tracking after procedures and last but not least hand sanitizer. I know most hospitals hand sanitizer is in each room but after a 11 yr old little girl caught her side table and self on fire from the friction of using hand sanitizer and the cloth while trying to clean her tray hospitals here keep hand sanitizer under supervision. In addition for hospitals that are nonlocal (I have to fly to some doctors with rare specialities) I also bring all my meds because typically have at least 12 hrs travel minimum pre & post admit, a list of contact info for my local doctors and other care (PT, OT, orthotist,ECT) , a list of phone numbers for friends and family in case my case my cell phone decides to stop working or lost, cards to write letters/thank you notes to family friends, and a few of my favorite DVDs. Hope your admission goes well and gives you a little boost.
Worship music always helps when stress level rises! You have that with you on your phone- I had to take a cd player with me back when I had surgery. sending hugs. We'll be praying.
When I've been in the hospital, I wasn't really slowed to bring anything. They even made me take the laces out of my shoes and the string out of my hoodies. So comfy clothes and my stuffed bear was all I brought.
Hope I don't have to go to the hospital anytime soon, but when I do thanks to you I'll be ready. Where did you get that uplifting song that accompanies this vlog? I'm still praying for you and Peter everyday.
I love to bring pictures because most of the time I stay alone. I also like bringing old movies like Black and Whites but my favorite thing to bring is paper and art stuff and decorate my door with pictures
Thanks Mary so much!! I am going overnight in a hospital soon to test if I have sezuire 's overnight so I am obviously going to watch your videos 👁 ❤️U -Gaby
One hospital stay for my Lyme and dysautonomia, I brought a whole set of bedding and had all new comfy pjs shipped to me during the stay. Gotta keep it comfy!! God bless you & praying for you guys 💕
+Gillian Simpson haha, it's definitely not a very fun activity to be in the hospital, but hey, if you put your mind to it, I think you can make anything fun :)
I had open heart surgery at Boston children's and I remember packing was so much fun!! I decorated my whole suitcase with stickers! I hope you feel better soon, Mary!
Hey guys I just came across your channel. I LOVE IT. Way to go. I have spent some time in the hospital as well due to kidney problems and I am now down to one. Some of your ideas I would have not thought of. Keep them coming.
I always bring memory foam pillow as well!! Sometimes those hospital pillows are flatter than pancakes!! I also like to bring with a stuffed animal to squeeze when I have to get shots or IVs or blood draws! And I typically bring with coloring books or drawing supplies as well! And yes comfy clothes are a must! Thanks for your hospital packing tips Mary!! Good luck this week, I will be praying for you!!!
Thank you so much! This is so useful! I just recently found out I'll have to go into hospital soon and I had no idea what I'd need but this has helped heaps
Hey Guys! I just started watching you a few weeks ago when I found out I had to be admitted to the hospital for a ten month continuous migraine. I am being admitted this monday ( for five days) and watching your vlogs has made me feel a lot less nevious about it! This video was also super helpful about what to pack. Most videos about what to pack for the hospital are maturnity so this was super helpful!
I love this video! I watched it before I went into hospital and it was pretty much the first time that I didn't forget anything important 😄 Love your videos, you guys are an inspiration and you help me to remember to smile more. Thank you ❤️
I got my love with food tasting box last week! It was a good one!!! Whenever I got into the hospital I always bring one string of string lights. Usually when I'm there it's because my head is hurting unbearably so I can't handle the bright lights, and the string lights are perfect because they're dim enough that they don't bother me, but also bright enough that I can see where I'm going when I have to get up.
I know this was made a while ago, but I like to bring my ukulele with me. Not only do I get to serenade my nurses and have some laughs, but it's also a really nice coping mechanism for me. Also, these were really good tips thank you!!
Oh no! A couple weeks without internet means I have a lot of Frey Life vlogs to catch up on! Love these tips, Mary! Pajama pants are THE comfiest! Better than regular ole sweatpants! Love cute mugs, bright colors, and can't wait to see the fun IV bags! Your excellent preparation makes a not-so-fun experience at least a little bit brighter!! Having Ollie there will also be awesome!! Thanks for the minion and the bonus card with your bird painting! That one is my favorite! I will send a picture soon of Maya with the minion! Thanks again for sharing your life it always brings a smile to my face!
I know ypu love the dollar tree so. decorating the room is always fun. they have 1$ wall decals at my dollar tree.and they come in all kinds of fun prints. as well as puzzles from the dollar tree. fake flowers and a plastic base for next to the bed is what my mom used to do dor me.
Hi Mary and Peter, I'm shipping off some delicious Australian treats for you guys to help pass the time and brighten your stay !! Praying for you. Love sonia
I bring drawing supplies and writing supplies a pillow and soft pajama's and my word seek book this last time I was in the hospital I brought my laptop with me and baby doll with me for company as well as comfort I also has my cell phone with me too thanks for your tips god bless
You are such a crack up, and you're so cute! I'm not sure how I ended up stumbling upon your videos and subscribing to your RU-vid, but God knew I needed to be lifted up. I was feeling SO down about my hypoglycemia because it's so hard for me sometimes. I'm still figuring it out after a couple years of bad low blood sugar episodes, but you've given me hope and entertainment 😁😜 Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Looks like you are well prepared to make the hospital stay as comfortable as can be. the time will pass by so quickly with all your fun things, and soon you will be coming back home. :-) by the way, I love your little froggy mug, as I remember you love frogs. That should bring a smile everyday. Those IV bags are pretty neat too, anything to make things less "boring" and hospital like! Also, I love the outfit you're wearing, looks like something you should bring to the hospital. :-) Well, I'll see you tomorrow. I love your smiles!
HOW TO PACK FOR THE HOSPITAL FOR A 14 YR OLD TAMPONS NO WHITE CLOTHES MORE TAMPONS PAIN MEDS MORE TAMPONS 1 TON OF CHOCOLATE MIRE CHOCOLATE AND TAMPONS JUST BE PREPARED FOR YOUR PERIOD IN THE HOSPITAL. And ppl I know this video is for educational purposes only and should be taken suriously but c'mon who could resist?
Mary is so good at art can she do a tutorial on how to draw because she's so good and you guys just brighten up my day and I do share your videos with my friends and they even agree that you guys just brighten up our days
One of my long hospital stays for respiratory failure, I was crazy bored! I talked my Mom into letting my roommate and a friend push my wheelchair around the hospital. An hour later, my Mom was in panic mode. I had joked about escaping the hospital, security ran into my Mom as she was searching for me. They ratted me out! LOL We had made our way across the upper cross walk to the heliport area to watch the 4th of July fireworks near the river front. I did my best to talk my roommate into a Taco Bell run, but she refused. As far as packing, the weirdest thing I brought was makeup!! I never feel like wearing makeup in the hospital, so not sure what I was thinking. Love your packing style! I keep a "Go Bag" packed now with extra respiratory supplies because my hospital isn't very familiar with the equipment I use, so better safe than sorry and I carry my supplies with me.
I pack when I am in the hospital sometimes those little cups to but at my dollar store they sell those paper umbrellas that they put in drinks which is super fun to.
Flip flops for patient and caretaker no matter the season. The floors are the dirtiest part of the hospital room (it seems to me). While the nurses and docs have to wash their hands, gown up, and glove up -- they walk from room to room bringing whatever with them. The rule I have for my daughter is: sandals always when out of bed -- then bare feet/socks in the bed -- otherwise, your feet bring all those germs, etc., into the bed linens and YUK! And yes, scissors are a must!
I watch ever video of yours.. ur cute and handle this with grace..and I love your love..your dog even has the same color hair as .u.. I as well am very ill and seeing you makes me feel joy
I used to bring my violin, so I could keep practicing. Now I bring a big piece of poster board which my daughter decorates and all my visitors sign. -Holly
I'm just recently a new subscriber and I love you both well I love you 3 cause Oliver is part of the family too haha. But I just absolutely love the positive attitudes and how strong and admirable you both are. I will be here following your journey and praying for good health and well being for your family
Thanks for these awesome tips on packing for a hospital stay. You are totally right about the scissors too, I don't know how many times I have gone in and have had to ask for them only to have every nurse say they don't have any. Or when you go in and you take one type of medicine and they only carry a different type, like I use Xopenex inhalers and nebulizers and my hospital only carried Albuteral which I am allergic too. So frustrating.
Hello Mary , My name is Natalia , I am Brazilian , I'm 26 years old and just as you have cystic fibrosis. Oliver is so cute !!! I have a poddle toy and her name is Pipa Well, when I go to hospital usually I get 14 days. I carry my inhalers , drug continued use as Pulmozyme , Aquadeks , salbutalmol , my vest , my previous exams for doctors to compare and etc. My access is always central for the jugular . I prefer like this. And I also love to wear pajamas during hospitalization. They are super comfortable right? I take my notebook , my Kobo and some physical books to keep your mind distracted. The advantage of being hospitalized is being spoiled hahahaha . When I want to eat something just ask for nutritionist who at the next meal will be on my plate. I hope with all my heart that you get well soon . A large, salty kiss.
I have to bring my own tube feed...I tried to substitute and it didn't work out...so if you have tube feeds, find out if you need to bring your own formula. I have to bring my own port dressings due to allergies.
ReineDeLaSeine14 ~ Me too. It was made for sensitive skin patients. I get mine off Amazon, 50 for about $55/with shipping. I had to get my port because I am allergic to the adhesive patches that hold PICC lines in place since PICC nurses don't use sutures hardly any more. Sad, but ports rock!!!
I packed so much for the birth of both my kids haha and when my daughter burned her leg at 7 months going for dressing changes we took every stuffy she owned a blanket and her pillow and guess what dressing changes were a breeze lol. Love your videos
Hi Mary, Peter and Ollie! I was wondering do you both like to read books and if so what type of books and/or do you have any favorite Authors? Love you all! Sending you lots of Prayers, Smiles and Laughes!
I know this video is old however these tips are great. I am going to to hospital in a couple of weeks for a week stay (I'm having an illeostomy reversal) and now I know what awesome things to bringstay awesome guys (tell Ollie no hi for me!)
Hi Mary thanks for your videos. Some good ideas of things I never thought to pack. Also I just got a portacath 2 weeks ago from watching your video. Peter seems like a great guy. God bless you both.
I bring an absurd amount of art supplies. I’m getting admitted in 3 days. For this stay I plan on painting kindness rocks, water coloring, making necklaces and knitting hahah.
I had a question for the Q and A ... since u are born with CF, have the symptoms been the same say from ages 1 to 5; 5 to 15 and now from the age of 21 to your current age? Was there a time you didn't have symptoms or have they always been the same? Like when you were from the age of 10 to 15 did you for a year or so have no coughing spells at all? Or has it been the same your whole life? Has there been a time frame that's been symptom-less?
Scissors for sure lol...and skin tape...cos NOBODY ever has any when you find your bandage, dressing or your IV dressing is coming unstuck lol. What else? For me, I always take an offline activity, just in case the hospital's Wi-Fi is down. Must remember any of my non-stock meds cos not all hospitals stock my stuff. As an ex-nurse, I know what wards will typically stock what meds, so that helps. Always take something comfy to wear...and my fave is SILKY SOCKS! You're never too old to have fun with silly socks. Baby wipes and mouth wash are also useful as well as Chap Stick, especially if u vomit after surgery like I do. I take loads of stuff!
You are in my thoughts Mary, I love you, I watch all your videos! I look forward to them everyday I wake up! Have a wonderful time at the hospital, I look forward to the vlogs! (:👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😊😊
Love chipmunk time! Just a quick question...you must have really good insurance (I hope). God is clearly providing for you. I love your smile Mary. I pray for you and Peter daily since subscribing to your channel. God bless you both.
Ps- I love cuddling in bed with my pillows and blankets. I am cuddling with my ripped up pillowcase that I love and my pillows right now :). Feels soooo good. I love it
I understand completely and that's a really good idea. Some nurses would not let you use them bc they would be liable. But yeah, I think that's a great idea!!
Google is your friend. I always prefer to do my own search, rather than ask a question on a comment board and then hope that someone gets back to me someday. But if I can't find it by searching on my own, then I WILL ask. Google 'IV bag decals' and you will find what you seek in just a few seconds. :-) They sure are a cute idea. I NEVER would have known they even existed if not for the Frey Life.
u have relly great tips I have cf and have clean outs and when I stay I well remember to go back this video to help me u hade great tips I have hade cf evr sens I have bin boren and they tested me when I wase a baby also ther wase a lot of things I have not thought about bringing so thx for helping
I live with an autoimmune disease, super rare and first case in BC. I have lived in the hospital since I was 13 and I am 24 now. Every doctor knows - comes to study me. I relapse it used to be once, or twice a year where my organs shut down, brain swells, need a spine tap, I lost the use of my whole right side for months, surgery, and meningitis leaving me always fighting for my life for months. Had to do school in the hospital. I went two years without a relapse, and then had about 6 in the last 4 months so I have been in the hospital from May-October. I have learnt to just accept I live part time in the hospital / work. So now I have started packing and preparing for long hospital stays. I am curious what are some good ideas. I’m usually there 3-5 weeks; I am in IVS, intense drugs and it’s the worst pain immagineable. With the worst procedures. I bring weed, my favorite hospital blanket, I have a phone for internet/ Netflix but lately I have been wanting to bring my tv.. but it’s so big. Do you rent books from libraries? Pjs and extension coarse. Lol. Any help appreciated I just returned last week - but will be heading beck soon.
Whenever I have to go to the hospital for exacerbations which is like every 6 months I always bring my religious statues such as Mary and st. Charbel and st. Rafqa. I also bring a rosary or two and my electronic flameless prayer candles. And one more interesting thing I bring is my Persian santur which is a musical instrument played in the Middle East and in the Persian regions because I'll be having plenty of time to practice when I'm in the hospital
So I have CF too, and there's a grocery store right by my hospital, so when the hospital food gets just too boring, I go buy some goodies if I feel well enough :D