I work in a Tx ICU and can tell you a few things from that perspective and according to our rules and usual outcomes.
1. You can have the types of items you listed.
2. I would suggest pen and paper to communicate with, a lot of our lung tx pts actually do well initially and are off the ventilator shortly after the sedation wears off. Of course there are others that stay on a while so pen and paper are useful tools.
3. Energygal said what I would say here.
4. No children allowed in the icu period. However, I have seen exceptions. It puts all tx pts at risk though.
5. Once again, I have seen exceptions to this rule but no one is supposed to sleep in the icu. There really isn't enough room and pts need rest and nurses need time to work. The exceptions are usually made when the family discontinues care for their loved one and are waiting for them to pass.
Energygal hit it again when she said to get in the best shape you can before the tx and try to get out of bed when they ask you to after the tx. This is the best advise for recovery along with a strong will. Good luck and I hope all goes well for you.
1. You can have the types of items you listed.
2. I would suggest pen and paper to communicate with, a lot of our lung tx pts actually do well initially and are off the ventilator shortly after the sedation wears off. Of course there are others that stay on a while so pen and paper are useful tools.
3. Energygal said what I would say here.
4. No children allowed in the icu period. However, I have seen exceptions. It puts all tx pts at risk though.
5. Once again, I have seen exceptions to this rule but no one is supposed to sleep in the icu. There really isn't enough room and pts need rest and nurses need time to work. The exceptions are usually made when the family discontinues care for their loved one and are waiting for them to pass.
Energygal hit it again when she said to get in the best shape you can before the tx and try to get out of bed when they ask you to after the tx. This is the best advise for recovery along with a strong will. Good luck and I hope all goes well for you.