When my daughter was released from the hospital, one of our beloved nurses pushed a box of green, size small latex gloves into my hands and said, "You'll find a use for them."
At the time, I didn't think much of it. Truth be told, I had a lot more important things on my mind as we prepared to drive our little girl HOME after 3 1/2 months in the NICU.
Fast forward to a raging, open-sore rash that required constant application of ointment with pristinely clean hands. I remembered the box.
When we faced a particularly gruesome bout of stomach bugs, I remembered that box.
And when I went to wipe the cat hair off our tabby's favorite chair, I remembered again. (Did you know that wiping upholstery with a latex glove picks up fur in a flash?)
I'm almost out of gloves now.... looks like I'll be working that into one of my drugstore deals.
Or calling a nurse buddy.
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4 comments:
Back when you posted the Checklist of Requests (for when you are heading home) I commented about the box of gloves too. We have found them invaluable for many tasks around the house (I've even been known to use them when chopping a really strong onion or squeezing the water out of frozen spinach). Before trying to squeeze them into a CVS purchase, I suggest calling your doctor's office. My mother in law works at a doctor's office. They get catalogs to order supplies from and can get things for me (like the medical tape we use to hold Addy's connector tubing into her g-tube port) for cost. It is less expensive than getting it through our home delivery (even after insurance). You may ask your doctors office to order some for you (some may even exchange gloves for a homemade batch of muffins or a pie! - just depends how well you know the office staff!). Great post about something others may overlook!
My husband used them for explosive diaper changes!
Hey sorry for interloping on your blog, but I couldn't resist. I am an NICU nurse and was curious about what you had to say. The box of gloves was a great idea- kudos to that nurse! I have a suggestion, though. Get non latex gloves when you buy. Your little one has had lots of exposure in those early months of her life and that may predispose to an allergy. In fact, many NICUs are banning latex altogether. Latex allergies can be really problematic for anyone re-admitted to the hospital. It seems like it is everywhere.
Gillie- What great information- thanks you for sharing! That is good to know and, honestly, I didn't realize that a latex allergy can develop later in life. I assumed since she did fine early on, she always would. That's important to know.
And I'm absolutely delighted to have a NICU nurse checking out my blog. We have VERY soft spots in our hearts for NICU nurses. : )
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