Veeg

[peglem]

Allie's going in for a video eeg on Monday. We've never done this before and it sounds like its going to be pretty hard. So, I thought you all might have some advice, tips, secrets on ways to make it easier. What should I bring?

[mpalmer118]

Sorry, I don't remember how old Allie is?

This last time Rachel could vaguely remember the last one, so we discussed exactly what would happen, but only briefly so she wouldn't get too anxious. We went shopping together and started a bag of "hospital treats" full of coloring books, markers, playdoh, movies, etc. Then I gave her one or two things out of that bag per day, it helped break up the day a little. The child life people come around once a day and bring toys to the room also. Make sure you bring stuff for you to do also. It can be very boring.

[lacyndarella]

I assume you mean the nasty internal kind. Jimmie just had a regular extended EEG in front of the video for 36 hours. It was terrible because I couldn't really hold him or the leads would get all tangled and loose. Children's Memorial in Chicago was great though. They did bring toys and books. We read him lots of books.

Lacy

[peglem]

Allie is 12, w/ autism and nonverbal. I thought I'd bring her communicator for sure. She's going to be very scared and prone to fight or flight reactions. Should I bring her pillow and blanket? They've scheduled it for 5-7 days...but I don't think it'll take that long.

[peglem]

I assume you mean the nasty internal kind. Jimmie just had a regular extended EEG in front of the video for 36 hours. It was terrible because I couldn't really hold him or the leads would get all tangled and loose. Children's Memorial in Chicago was great though. They did bring toys and books. We read him lots of books.

Lacy

Intenal? What do you mean? That sounds scary!

[lacyndarella]

Well maybe not then...they insert the leads directly into the brain via little bore holes. Helps them get a really clear picture of where the activity is. Aren't you glad I told you about that?

Lacy

[peglem]

Well maybe not then...they insert the leads directly into the brain via little bore holes. Helps them get a really clear picture of where the activity is. Aren't you glad I told you about that?

Lacy

Aaahhhhhhhh! No, no, just on the outside of the head. I was hoping you meant internal, as in INPATIENT! OMG, am I glad we don't have to do one of those!...and sorry you and Jimmie had to do that!

[lacyndarella]

No...we just had the regular EEG. I am horrified at the thought of the other...I pray daily we don't have to do that. I am the victim of the internet and too much reading!;)

[peglem]

Oh, good. Allie is really hyper, it is going to be hard to keep her cooped up in a little space.

[lacyndarella]

Now that I can understand! Does she like playing video games? Maybe you could take handheld games.

Lacy

[Mangosmom]

When we had one done on Amanda, I had to stay in the room 24/7. And watch her. Talk about boring. lol. That way I could push a button anytime I saw something I thought was suspicious. We were there for about 5 days and I was climbing the walls. Bring something to read, work on.. etc...

Good luck.

[peglem]

I'll bring something for me just in case I have some time, but stuck in that room with Allie 24/7 is going to be mostly me keeping her from ripping off electrodes and keeping her from self abusing and trying to keep myself from getting bit and pinched. Trying to find some things that I can distract her with...maybe bubbles and markers and balloons, but that's not enough for more than about 1 day. We can bring a gameboy, that should be good for 5 minute stretches of time. Maybe, just maybe, it'll go I lot smoother than I envision. I had hoped all you experts would have some kind of magic, secret stategy! :D

[mpalmer118]

She will be able to move around a little. I am not sure how interactive/mobile she is, but with Rachel we brought music and got up and did jumping jacks, danced, etc. to help wear her out. The bubbles are a great idea. I would also suggest bringing snacks or little treats.

[peglem]

She is very, very mobile. Too mobile maybe. Thanks for your replies everyone. Its seems there are really no magic tricks here. Snacks are a good idea. She likes to tell me what to write/draw on balloons. We'll bring some Veggietales movies and some other videos. I feel like I'm going to be packing in tons of stuff for amusement. Maybe I'll rent a trailer! hee hee.

[langansmom]

We are VEEG pros- have done a 10 day a 5 day a 3 day a 48 hour and tons of the short ones. Ugh.

Most places have either VCRs or DVD machines. You may want to check and see which one so you bring the right kind of movies. There is usually a "child life" rep who comes by with games, books, toys, etc every day.

We found that bringing Langan's favorite snacks helped a ton. They usually do require a parent to be in the room 24/7 so it's hard to go find snacks, etc. We also brought Langan's favorite toys and books.

On the pillow and blanket, many units have special pillowcases that they use for the VEEG- (green instead of white, for the video). I am sure they will let you put one on her pillow- those hospital pillows are FLAT. Not sure about the blanket. We were able to bring Langan's "blankie" for several but some wouldn't let us use it b/c it is white and they kept the dark sheets on top for the video.

I would definitely bring trash magazines or a book or puzzles or SOMETHING for you. I also spent most of my time entertaining Langan and keeping her rom yanking leads (or trying to stop it, anyway....) but there was down time where I could read all I ever wanted to know about ******. It's good time to catch up on the gossip trash.... LOL

Good luck and let us know how things go!!

(((hugs)))

[peglem]

Thanks, Allie has several blankets we could bring, some are dark in color, so maybe one of those.