What to bring to hopsital for my parents?

[ennazus]

I just got a call from my mother that my father is in the hopsital. Yesterday he felt like he was having chest pains and during the night he felt it also, so Mom & Dad went to the hospital today. He has been admitted and they've been giving him blood thinning meds & beta blockers (not sure what the beta blockers do..) They are keeping him over the weekend & plan to do a caterization (sp) on Monday. He had that done 3 years ago. My mother said the drugs that they give him make him very aggravated & depressed. I remember when he was on them before how irritated & depressed he was.

We are going to go in this evening to see him (and mom) & I'd like to bring him a little basket of 'something'. I was thinking maybe some quarters for the vending machine or phone and some magazines, but feel kinda dumb that I can't think of anything else. You must have some good ideas?

 

[kejoda]

I'm sorry to hear about your father. I hope he gets better soon. If he doesn't have a robe I would get one. Socks, slippers, crosswords mags., toothbrushs, toothpaste(and for your Mom), a book, playing cards. I would also get stuff for your Mom since she will be there a lot. Find out what she needs from home. Keep us posted about your Dad.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Simply put, beta blockers block the "fight or flight" response in your cardio vasular system.

 

[ennazus]

Thanks for the ideas, kejoda.

Thanks Judy for the info.

 

[Serena]

Sending prayers and pixie dust for your dad. I hope he feels better soon.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I agree with cards, crossword puzzles, maybe some lotion your mom could rub on his hands. Touch can do amazing things.

 

[Lars624]

Just wanted to let you know that I understand what you're going through. We've gone through similar things with my Dad & the meds also made him very irritable.
I'll think good thoughts for you & your family & keep you Dad in my prayers.

 

[abaldacci]

soft tissues not the stiff hospital kind and gum the meds can make your mouth dry. and his very own pillow. just somethings i see that makes people feel better hope he is out and feeling upto par soon

 

[mickey4ver]

A good healthy dose of love and caring will be the best thing you can bring with you and deliver to your father. Hope he is going to be alright.

 

[Fishbone†]

Flat Stanley and I are sending some prayers for your dad!!! I agree with abaldacci & kejoda.... some soft, cushy, non-hospital necessities, and some things from home will make the stay A LOT easier!! And how about some pictures from the little guy..... he did such a good job with Flat Stanley, that I'll bet he can make some awesome pictures that Grandpa can hang up for support. Some artwork can do the boring hospital room some good.

 

[Kermit]

In addition to the other suggestions, a real TV Guide in case the hospital doesn't have the TV Guide channel. I'm sure he'll be watching lots of TV.

 

[ennazus]

Thank you so much! You DISers really are the best!!!

I ended up bringing him some Christian books (he likes reading them), some crosswords & word searches, some woman's magazines for my mother, a couple snacks, some quarters and a sound machine to drown out the hospital noises so that he may be able to sleep. And a picture of his grandson in a frame that he made during Vacation Bible School. Poor Joshua can't go visit him because he has a NASTY cold!

They didn't know what a sound machine was, so I'll post it here:
Tranquil Moments II Plus® Relaxation Sound System Six Built-in nature sounds help you clear your mind and relieve stress. Digitally recorded in the wild, these are the most realistic, soothing sounds, on the highest quality playback system.The one I like best is just the 'white noise' sound... like a fan.

He actually looked fine and was in good spirits. I don't know if the nasty meds hadn't kicked in yet or if he's reacting differently this time. (of course I hope it's the latter! )

Today, I'll grab some of your suggestions!! I love the TV guide idea! And the hand lotion (if only for my mother... she loves to have some ) I also have some nice soft Puffs tissues here. And I'll see if Joshua can draw him something to decorate the room.

Thanks again for all your thoughts & prayers!

 

[nativetxn]

I hope your dad is feeling better soon. I see you've had lots of great suggestions already. I'll just offer you {{{HUGS}}} it's scary when our Daddies are ill.