If you're just going for a check up or staying for a while these tips may be helpful. This page is more for those new to the CF world or who haven't had to experience hospitals stays just yet.


Check-Ups


For young children pack a "Fun bag". Put coloring books, puzzle books, crayons, markers, reading books or a gameboy or something the like. Just what ever your child likes to do to keep them entertained while waiting. Also pack a few snacks because we all know how long you can wait at clinic. Try not to pack something to messy. Something fast and easy like chips, cookies and maybe a juice box or two. This will also help save your change at the vending machines. For the parents pack yourself a magazine or your own puzzle book or book. Whatever you like to do while waiting. I usually bring a magazine or a wordfind and my husband plays his palm pilot.



Hospital Stays


Depending on the length of time your there you can bring really whatever you want. Just usually try not to bring something expensive because some people are not to nice.



Comfort- Bring your own clothes. Hospital gowns are ok to sleep in but who wants to stay in those things for longer than a day. Don't worry about looks. Wear what is the most comfortable no matter how many holes it has in it (just don't flash anyone). If your child is old enough let them pick out what to wear for the day. It's ok if its mismatched. Don't forget the blankie, favorite pillow, and that stuffed animal that can't be left behind.



Snacks- Yes of course you can bring your own supply of snacks. For CFers most doctors don't mind you bringing your own snacks. Doctors know how the hospital food is and that we get hungry in between meals. So bringing your favorite snacks just might help the healing process. Just bring non-perishables because not all hospital rooms will accommodate you with a fridge. Ideas on what to bring: chips (maybe some dip) cokes, juices that don't need to be refrigerated (they have ice), or cookies. Again whatever you(child) like.



Entertainment- Since you will be staying in a confined space for most of the visit this should be most helpful. Depending on the age you can bring any of the following. Coloring books, crayons, markers, puzzles (if there is room), VCR, tapes, gaming stations (i.e. playstation, gamecube, gameboys), cards, boardgames, radio, CD player and fav music, laptops, etc. The expensive items will be your choice as you may not have a safe to store these things in. Some people are honest and others are not. So if you want to bring expensive things be sure to hide them well be for you get to sleep, in some cases hiding them hasn't worked. These things should help keep a mind a little active instead of staring at a t.v. and walls for days.



Medications- It's also a good idea to bring your own meds, like enzymes, vitamins, supplements. This can help keep the costs down and be helpful for when you need them. Some hospitals may try to give you generic brands of enzymes, mainly because that's what insurances will pay for. But tell them that you can only take the kind you are on and tell the doctor so he can tell the nurses. Bringing your own enzymes will help alot for when the nurses don't bring them in with your food or if you have a snack. I have had problems before asking for enzymes to take with my snack and they bring double enzymes with my meal hours later.