Medications
If a patient normally takes some type of prescription drug for a condition other than for the NET, then the patient should bring enough medication to last for the duration of their stay. Typically, all medications related to the PRRT are included in the fee for the treatment.
If the patient is using the Subq form of Octreotide up until the Saturday priot to PRRT, then the patient should bring that medication. It is also suggested that the patient bring some form of anti-nausea drug, such as Zofran, and possibly a pain relief medication that can be taken on the trip home, if needed. Any anti-nausea and pain medication needed as part of the PRRT will be part of the treatment plan. Some patients do experience nausea and/or pain following discharge, so both possibilities should be planned for.
Personal Items To Bring
If a patient uses a computer (and the Internet), then they should bring their computer. The same is true of other electronic entertainment gear such as iPods, iTouches, iPads or other MP3 type devices. Reading devices such as the Kindle or Nook are good to use too. Movies and music should be downloaded to devices before going to Germany and are a great way to pass time. Just remember to bring the charger and a plug converter. Some Apple chargers have interchangeable plugs that can be used in the US and in Germany and other countries as long as you have the appropriate plug.
Once the patient has the PRRT they will be confined to their room or to the Ward, so having something to pass the time will be good. Just plain books are good too. In addition to time spent on the ward there will be times too when the patient is waiting to take test/scans. Waiting for an hour or more for a scan is not uncommon, so having some form of entertainment can be helpful.
Digital Recorder
It is highly recommended that the patient bring a small, battery-operated digital recorder to Bad Berka. This recorder should be used to record the consultations with Dr. Baum or other physicians during the treatment process at Bad Berka. In fact, for NET patients, having a recording of all doctor-patient consults should be a standard practice. In the case of the consultations at Bad Berka, a great deal of detailed information is conveyed to the patient in a short amount of time. Usually a patient will meet with Dr. Baum at least twice during their stay. The first consultation usually follows the conclusion of the 68-Ga PET/CT scan. The second meeting is at the time of discharge when Dr. Baum reviews the preliminary outcome of the treatment.
Having a recording of what is said in these meetings ensures that the patient can refer to findings and physician instructions accurately. There are many such recorders on the market, but the patient may want to purchase one that allows for the recording to be transferred to a computer and maintained in a digital file. Some patients convert the recording to a format that allows them to place the recording on an iPod or other type of mp3 player and listen to the consultations that way.