by Susan Kliebenstein

Created on: August 01, 2010

If you need to be hospitalized for a few days you’ll want to make sure to pack the things necessary to make yourself as comfortable as possible without bringing in too much luggage.  It is important to be compact but not austere.

If you are computer dependant, as I am, you will want to take your laptop.  In it you should make sure you have saved a list of your current medications and physicians, all the phone numbers you will need, and a copy of your living will/advance directives.  These things are in addition to your favorite games, several movies and plenty of music. Remember there will be irritating noises when you are trying to sleep, and there will be hours of waiting. Your cell phone, a couple of good books, and several magazines will probably be helpful too!

Now that we’ve dealt with how to occupy your mind while you are confined to the hospital let's look at what else you’ll need. Clothing needs will include extra underwear and socks, as well as pajamas, and some comfortable casual clothing to wear home at the end of your hospital stay.  Don’t forget  slippers or slip on shoes so you can walk the halls or make a trip to the snack bar!

Although personal hygiene items will be available from the hospital you will probably prefer to carry your own items in a compact bag for this journey.  Soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving supplies and make-up basics will help you feel more “normal” even when you’re not feeling up-to-snuff due to illness or surgery. If there are medicated skin preparations, eye-drops, inhalers, vitamins or over-the counter medications that you use daily make sure you have them with you. Make a list of them for your doctor and ask that he or she write the order for you to have them at the bedside unless there is some reason that you should not be using them.  This can keep a minor or secondary health problem from become a complication or irritation during your hospital stay. 

Beyond that, if you are dependant on some substance you must let your doctor in on the secret before you find yourself in the hospital without it.  Alcohol, pain meds, cocaine, cigarettes, caffeine, nasal spray, cough syrup, or whatever you’re going to need to avoid the consequences of withdrawal! It may be a minor discomfort or a major ordeal, but while you’re dealing with another health problem is generally not the best time to experience withdrawal.  Now is the time to ask your doctor to help you out. Maybe you need a nicotine patch, a drink of wine with dinner or an order for methadone. Whatever it is, get it taken care of before you enter the hospital.  Don’t try to bring your flask, your tobacco, or your drugs in with your luggage!

Last, but not least, bring your own pillow. Put a brightly colored pillow cover on it so it won’t get mixed up with the hospital linen and pack an extra pillow case to change it out if the first one gets soiled. Nothing can ruin a night’s sleep more quickly than an uncomfortable pillow.  Hospitals have cornered the market on bad pillows!  Don’t take any chances!  Bring your own.

With these things in mind I hope your stay in the hospital will be a short but comfortable interlude that brings you back to good health and returns you quickly to your normal routine.  Get back to work!

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