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If you have the luxury of preparing for a hospital stay, make sure to use it to full advantage. Too often one wakes up feeling terrible and goes to the hospital unexpectedly due to a sudden illness or accident. Those things can't be helped, though there are some things that can minimize the distress even then.

It is wise at all times, to keep an updated list of medications and a short medical history in a convenient and well known location. Along with this you may want to place insurance information, important phone numbers, and vital papers such as power of attorney, health care surrogacy, or living will documents. If you have a pacemaker, artificial knee, or other implanted devices you may want to record the manufacturer's serial numbers of each device in case your problem might stem from one of those devices. Place these items in an envelope and mark them, "Medical Information: and your name."

If you are able to speak, or ask for help while you are being carried out the door, you may be able to remember to ask someone to get those papers. If not you'll be able to tell someone where they are so they can bring them to the hospital later. That is prepared!

If you have a few hours, or days before you report to the hospital, there are a few additional things you can take care of:

-Are there people who you'll ask to be praying for you?
-Will you ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspaper or will you put a hold on them?
-Are there cleaning or service people scheduled to be in your home in the next few days?
-Do you have appointments that need to be canceled?
-Are there arrangements that need to be made with co-workers, or family?
-If you have pets, who will care for them?
-Are there people you normally provide care for in your home or away?
Who will care for the children, or for your elderly father?

Some of the above concerns can be taken care of by phone from your hospital bed, but some will require leaving notes or keys, checks, or cash for the needs to be met. Think ahead if you are able, in order to minimize stress in a hospital situation that is already stressful enough by nature.

You should also pack a bag. Bring plenty of underwear and socks. Pajama pants will make the hospital gowns seem less drafty. Shirts and Pajama tops are sometimes difficult to get in and out of with an IV infusing. So plan on wearing the hospital clothing at least on the days you are most incapacitated, right after surgery, or right after admission. You should also pack the grooming items

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