[SuzBerg]

anyone have any great ideas, suggestions, experience or advice?

We are taking E to Houston for a cardiac catheretization (heart-cath) in a couple weeks. She has been to the hospital before (many times) and she has had this surgery before. I think she understands what is going to happen. I have a few _____ goes to the Hospital books (you can fill in the blank- Berenstein Bears, or Curious George or Franklin- they all seem to go to the hospital). But if anyone has any suggestions on books or helpful hints to share I would really appreciate it. Thanks! - Suz

[bajj]

I don't have any helpful hints or anything as far as preparing E. I will say, don't forget to take change for vending machines. Either a cell phone or calling cards if cells can't be used in the hospital. You might take a note book to write things in. Is a heart cath an out patient procedure? I have a friend whose dd is always having things done and I can't remember if she stays in for a heart cath or not. If she is staying in, a notebook for you and maybe one and some crayons for her?

Keep us updated on how she does!

[SuzBerg]

It should be just one night in the hospital but since we are traveling (about 4 hours) we will be staying in a hotel the night before and probably the night after. She will be away from home and her brothers for at least 3 to 4 days.

Great ideas Ani - especially the vending machine change - I WOULD have forgotten... so thanks for reminding me. I will NEED at least a couple Diet Cokes to get through this!

[bajj]

You and dd will be in my prayers, suz.

[momraine]

When my daughter had her double surgery at a year old, the one thing that meant a lot was something our pastors wife did. She brought me a basket of fruit, granola bars, and other healthy food. Turned out to be wonderful for me. My daughter had a hard time after surgery and I would not leave her, all I ate before that was chips from the vending machine, because I did not want to go any farther away from her than that, so the fruit and stuff was great for me. It helped me keep my strength up for my daughter. (I also had my dh bring me dinner when he came to visit) Moms are good at putting ourselves last, so make sure you bring what you need to keep you going. Nice smelling hand lotion, a good book and some magazines, (in case you can't concentrate on the book) and snacks.