I was checking out the website page for the hospital’s infusion center for Hannah’s IV Enzyme Replacement Therapy (Cerezyme) treatments. It looks like they really do try to make the patient’s comfortable.
I definitely think I’m going to bring a Wiggles DVD for Hannah and headphones, as that is the only thing she loves to watch on TV. I just can’t figure out how I’m supposed to keep her quiet and relaxed for 3+ hours.
Features:
* scheduled IV treatments that include preparation and post therapy observation time;
* experienced nurse clinicians who specialize in IV treatments;
* relaxing infusion chairs equipped with TV, DVD and VCR capability—patients can bring headphones, if desired; and
* waiting area for families.
The family nourishment area is equipped with a microwave and refrigerator–feel free to pack meals or snacks for your visit. Coffee and ice are provided.
Food may be purchased at Bertner Café, McDonald’s and the Texas Children’s Hospital food court that includes Chick-Fil-A, Villa Pizza and Subway.
Patients may bring their own DVDs, Nintendo® or Xbox games, books or any items that bring comfort. The Infusion Center has a limited number of movies, games and reading material available for patient/ family use.
Ah, the joy of long hospital stays…..
We have discovered a few tricks during our many, many stays at the hospital. The most important one is what we call our “doctor’s friend.” We bought one of those spinning LED globes at the dollar store. You can find them in various shapes and sizes all over the place. Here’s an example:
http://www.windycitynovelties.com/Epaysoft/cart/product.asp?ITEM_ID=7371
I have yet to find a child that isn’t completely fascinated by these. The lights aren’t bright enough that staring at them is going to be an issue, and they will keep Connor entertained for long periods of time, which is great. We only bring it out for those long hospital procedures, so it’s a treat for him.
It’s also good to bring her favorite portable stuffed animal or blanket from home to snuggle up with– if they’ll let you. Books are good too– for her AND for you. It’s a long wait, and there’s only so much of the Wiggles you can watch before you go insane.
We’ve actually been to Texas Children’s Hospital, by the way. We toured it when we were trying to decide which hospital to have Connor in once he was born. It’s a very nice facility. We ended up over at Children’s Hospital in Dallas, but that was mostly because of closer proximity to family. We lived in College Station for eight years– bet you know where that is!
~Jess
Ah, the joy of long hospital stays…..
We have discovered a few tricks during our many, many stays at the hospital. The most important one is what we call our “doctor’s friend.” We bought one of those spinning LED globes at the dollar store. You can find them in various shapes and sizes all over the place. Here’s an example:
http://www.windycitynovelties.com/Epaysoft/cart/product.asp?ITEM_ID=7371
I have yet to find a child that isn’t completely fascinated by these. The lights aren’t bright enough that staring at them is going to be an issue, and they will keep Connor entertained for long periods of time, which is great. We only bring it out for those long hospital procedures, so it’s a treat for him.
It’s also good to bring her favorite portable stuffed animal or blanket from home to snuggle up with– if they’ll let you. Books are good too– for her AND for you. It’s a long wait, and there’s only so much of the Wiggles you can watch before you go insane.
We’ve actually been to Texas Children’s Hospital, by the way. We toured it when we were trying to decide which hospital to have Connor in once he was born. It’s a very nice facility. We ended up over at Children’s Hospital in Dallas, but that was mostly because of closer proximity to family. We lived in College Station for eight years– bet you know where that is!
~Jess
i think they’re trying to make the patients feel more at home rather than a hospital. that’s really nice especially for a patient as young as hannah. i’ll be praying for hannah. 😀
I would 2nd the idea to bring entertainment/calming things for you. And in particular food for yourself. I have too often been the caregiver part of the hospital equation, and until I got smart I always regretted not having something for myself.