I've been demoted to hospital bedrest: need advice!

Had an u/s this morning - I'll be 32 weeks tomorrow! The babies look great, but my cervix shortened from 4cm to 1.3cm in the last two weeks....had a long talk w/my doc and we agreed that it would be easier, and better for me to be in the hospital on full bedrest than try and do it at home (which means DH would have to change the bedpans!)

So - i go in tonight. I'm ok about it; disappointed and a bit frustrated, but - I would rather be in there and be carefully monitored and have other people bringing me things if there's the possibility that it will buy us a few more days or even weeks, than stay home and risk anything.

So - any advice on what I should bring? My computer, obviously - they better have wifi in teh rooms!!!!; dvds, books galore, a comfy pillow and soft pillowcase, warm socks - anything else that has really helped anyone on hospital BR? Thanks for your input!

 

Bummer. To be honest, hospital bedrest was easier on everyone (my DH who had to take care of me and the house, my parents who were trying to help DH, etc.) but me. It was hard, but it helped that I did not worry as much.

My must haves:

1) My body pillow
2) My own pillow/pillowcases
3) A soft blanket
4) Slippers
5) Magazines
6) Netflix movies
7) Computer
8) Cell phone and charger
9) Scented lotion (I liked that feeling of being clean)
10) Carmex lip moisturizer
11) A small mirror (to keep bedside to do my makeup, brush my hair, etc.)

 

You're being such a trooper Jordari. I really hope your time in "the pen" flies by. I agree it sounds like you'll have a better chance of actually staying down if you're in the hospital. Well, I sure hope they have wifi in those rooms too....we all need you on the board! Keep the updates coming!

Reyna

 

Good luck, Jordari - you've got a great attitude. I'm sure you will be fine - try to enjoy the rest - it will be over before you know it.
Some ideas for you:
Maybe some magazines, puzzle books, maybe start to learn a foreign language w/ through book/tape.

 

I don't have any advice as my bedrest in my last pg was at home, but, I wanted to say good luck and I hope your time flies by!

 

First of all, I'd like to commend you for your positive attitude. Any type of bedrest sucks really, but it's the attitude that makes it bearable so good job on that.

I really don't have any advice for you but know that I'm thinking about you and praying for you!

 

Snacks, when I was in teh hospital the cafeteria often forgot to bring them to me and I was starving alot of the time. Bring sweats too, I wore them under my hospital gown. Definatly a body pillow, books, a bible, music, movies, chapstick, all the bathroom stuff, lotion.

 

What hospital? I might be able to get away from this mad house to come visit.

 

THANKS, ALL! I'm not excited about it (especially about being poked and prodded by residents who i'm sure will all look about 20 years old (ok, maybe i've been watching too much Grey's Anatomy!)...but - well, it's better this way.

Of course, we'll have to see how long my attitude holds up, but - i figure i'm lucky that I HAVE the option, so.....

Tks for all the suggestions and the Ts&Ps - i'll take them all!

As for snacks - no worry on that part; it's a big joke between DH and me; wherever we go i always pack snacks and he always mocks and then an hour into the trip i get the "what's in the snack bag?" question...i've also always told him that he can laugh now, but SOMEday when we're stuck in a traffic jam with two cranky toddlers he will be bowing down at my prescient packing of snacks!

Praying for wifi!
FONDA - I'll be a Georgetown; would love to see you, but, um, sounds like you've got your hands full (oh, wait, did i just make that irritating comment??!!) If you've got time, come on down!

 

Sorry to hear about the hospital bedrest but it sounds like it is the safest place for you. The hospital I was in didn't have any special connection but one of the nurses was fantastic and got me hooked to a phone line. You have gotten some fantastic suggestions, I definitely could have used some word search books or whatever. I pretty much just planned my day by daytime tv, the weekends were challenging because of the change in routine but visitors helped pass the time.

I hope you are able to keep checking in, I played alot of yahoo cribbage!

 

The puzzles suggestion made me think. If you like to do puzzles go to www.jigzone.com. They are an online puzzle site. You can do the puzzles for free or even purchase some. I am addicted to it and TS.

 

Jordari, Just wanted to drop you a quick encouraging word!! You are doing so great!! And soon enough you will have those lil ones here and healthy because you do what you are supposed to (with a possitive attitude!) I just love your sense of humor and I love the fact you have kept it this whole ordeal... it reminds me to do the same!! Good luck hope you get to chat while your "in the clink"!! Maybe i will talk with ya tomorrow!

 

I feel your pain. That sounds like my situation but at 22 1/2 weeks. It was easier on DH in ways, but he had to travel to see me each day. It is tough at first but you get used to it. PPs had great suggestions.
If there is a season of your favorite show to take,that would pass the time. My Dh bought me a nintendo DS to play and some games because the wifi I was using wouldn't allow me to get on game sites.
I hope the time flies for you!!

 

I always enjoy reading your posts and hope you are able to check in while you are in the hospital. I cannot imagine how you are feeling right now - but keep us posted and know that we are sending happy vibes your way!

Amy

 

s, hang in there.

 

I will be thinking about you, and looking for updates! I know hospital bedrest is NOT what you wanted....but I hope it helps let those munchkins grow for just a bit longer.

Hope it's easier than you expect...

No advice on what to bring, but if you happen to like reading big honkin' fantasy novels, I can suggest a bunch.

 

I don't have any experience in this but wanted to wish you luck - keep up your great attitude and stay positive!

 

The PP's all had great suggestions for what to bring.

Wow, your doctor is very cautious!! That's good (although hospital bedrest stinks). I spent from weeks 22 on with about 1cm of cervix and could still get up to use the bathroom and shower. I did spend weeks 24-28 on hospital bedrest, but they still let me up to use the restroom and shower.

It is a lot easier to just stay in bed and do absolutely nothing else when in the hospital.