SCT/Hospital Tips and Suggestions:
- Bring a list of drugs you take - for your own records and for the hospital files
- Bring a list of medicines you are allergic to (very important)
- Keep a list of family and friend's phone numbers
- Consider a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will (check legalzoom.com)
- Apply for Social Security Benefits prior to your SCT. If rejected, appeal or contact an attorney
- Bring a notepad and pen to write notes and names of doctors, nurses, PCAs, etc.
- Buy a calling card (most hospitals only allow you to dial within their area code)
- Check with your hospital if cell phones are allowed
- Bring a laptop -- it's a great to keep in touch and/or watch movies
- Bring light reading material like magazines to help pass the time
- Bring movies - subscribe to Netflix (this proved very helpful in helping pass the time)
- Bring your iPod or a CD player - music is therapy to the soul
- Bring games or cards - to help pass the time
- Bring hobby/craft stuff - to help pass the time
- Bring reminders of home - to keep you going strong (pictures, bible, etc.)
- Bring a fluffy pillow and a soft blanket
- Definitely bring your own PJs, robe, socks, slippers & sneakers (you may be asked to walk after your SCT)
- Pack cotton low v-neck shirts (for easy port or Hickman access)
- Pack warm sweats (it gets cold)
- Pack sleeping caps or comfortable knit caps & hats
- Bring plastic bags to store your laundry so your caregiver can take it home to wash
- Bring anti-bacterial wipes (to clean phones, counters, door knobs, etc.)
- Bring sugar free candy to lessen the taste of the heparin shots
- Go ahead, have your room decorated (it makes for a supportive environment)
- Try to keep visitors to a minimum and only essential visitors. Keep anyone with a cold away from you during your stem cell transplant to prevent infections and such
- WALK (exercising is very important to the health of your lungs after your stem cell transplant).
- Keep your medical team informed when you need pain relievers or when you have any side effects even if you think it's minor. Any side effect during an SCT needs to be mentioned to your medical team so that they can help you. Be a teamplayer!
- ALWAYS seek the advice of medical experts and have your caregiver take notes
- Allow yourself to get some rest. This is a tough journey and sleep helps
- When in doubt, GET A SECOND MEDICAL OPINION.
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