Packing question: What did you have ready for "the call"?

JoDee, such a good question. In fact, so good that I changed the title to "Packing question: What did you have ready for "the call"?" I got a bit excited and changed the title before asking you. Do you like the new title?

@colleenyoung, you made me laugh! Yes, I like it. 🙂

Hi @jodeej,
This is a great question, and I am certain that you will have many responses from the community. I wanted to be sure you saw our blog post "Preparing for Surgery". This post has some useful information about packing and other things you can do to prepare for being away from home. You can find the blog here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/newsfeed-post/preparing-for-surgery-tips-for-your-wait-on-the-list/.
I hope this helps. Best of luck to you!
-Kristin

Hi Kristin, I have seen this and it helped me with getting my list of items to pack started. 🙂

@jodeej, I have an awful time packing for a vacation, so this was a monumental task for me!

My husband and I were living in Gift of Life for the 8 weeks leading up to my transplant. We both knew that if I needed anything, that he could easily retrieve it. I got my call at 6:42 AM as we were getting ready to meet the shuttle for my dialysis treatment. My mind went blank, and I don't even recall if I took my bag or not! I always carried my ID, lip gloss, hand cleaner, Kleenex, comb, and cell phone in my jacket pockets, so I know that I had those with me. But, I did not need any of them because I was immediately admitted, had dialysis, and prepped for the surgery. My bag, wherever it was, contained a CD player and CD's, a puzzle book, notepad, pencil, hand lotion, slippers, robe. I did not need them;-)

My husband, caregiver, always carried our laptop with him, a paperback book, a jacket (hospitals are always cold!), cell phone and charger. So that is what he had when we got the call.
I think that the best thing he did to prepare in advance was to purchase our 1st laptop (in 2009). He had that loaded with whatever he could think we would need, and some favorite music.

I need to add this background information: We arrived in Rochester, in late Feb 2009 via air ambulance. I had only the hospital gown from my local ICU department. He was allowed 1 small suitcase, so half of his stuff and all of mine got 'dumped' before leaving the hospital. As far as the personal items, we could purchase them if needed. Our son had to ship winter coats etc to us! My transplant was in April 2009 for liver and kidney.
Rosemary

Wow, what an adventure you had! That's the one thing I keep reminding myself, there are stores if I forget something. Thank you for the ideas. 🙂

Hi all, I'm bringing this discussion back to top because we want to gather more of your tips to write an article for the Mayo Clinic app. Please share your tips to help other transplant recipients feel better prepared. What should they pack to be ready for the call that they have to get to the hospital for their transplant? The best advice for patients comes from patients (and their caregivers), like you: @contentandwell @gaylea1 @rrichardparker @parmcat @jeanne5009 @jerrydrennan @ca426 @amyintucson @luckonetj @glinda @jbilton @danab

What did you pack in your bag to be ready for the call? What important thing did you forget? What would you advise someone not to bother packing?
For those of you who are waiting, what's in your bag?

Perfect day for this to come up. I was just placed on the active list for a kidney transplant

@colleenyoung I bet @marvinjsturing is waiting for the responses! 1.) If you know the area where your transplant will be, buy some gift cards for nearby eateries. That way your caregivers have a way to get some decent food when they need to. 2.) Don't forget a shawl or lightweight throw to use if you get chilled. 3.) Have a written contact list of people either you or your caregiver may need to contact, especially if you need to go any distance. 4.) If you have financial obligations that may be due while you face the first month, try to pay ahead to avoid late charges. 5.) Pack "comfy" clothes, ereader or book, puzzles, things you normally use to distract/amuse/entertainment yourself. Next?....

Although my transplant was scheduled...I'd say pack as many elastic waist or tie-waisted pants as possible. Post transplant leaves most people with significant incisions so loose sweat pants are perfect. Your immune system will be on the down-and-out so pack small hand sanitizer bottles or disinfectant wipes so you can wipe down your cell phones (very germy), hands, etc.