What to take to hospital

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annawato

annawato

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i am far too tired to even attempt my list tonight - have had a lousy day pain wise and feeling sick wise but highlands rock made this suggestion whilst we discussed other things and i thought it would be very helpful for anyone who hasn't been to hospital before or who just cant think what they need to take.(sort of how my brain is behaving tonight). So tomorrow I will list my list and in the meantime everyone else can put their thinking caps on and list what they find useful and important in hospital. I'd imagine with all the experience we have here we will come up with a pretty comprehensive list! In the meantime, sleep well or enjoy your day - depending on where in the world you are.
 
-Kindle
-Laptop or tablet
-Headphones (my hospital made it possible to watch tv and plug the headphones into the remote)
-Slippers with tracking on the bottom (so you don't have to wear the stupid socks everywhere)
-Brush!
-Toothbrush with your own toothpaste (theirs sucks! :) )
-Your own soaps and shampoos/conditioners (I always felt way better about myself after a shower or sponge bath, even if it was a major hassle to get accomplished)
-Crossword puzzle books
-Your own clothes/undies (makes you feel more human, but I will say the gowns make going to the bathroom easier... so maybe bring your own gown for the first couple days- I didn't transition to actual pants till day 8-10 in the hospital)
-A jacket or sweater you can slip on if you get chilled
-A positive attitude :)
 
Hand lotion and lip balm;
Music;
Phone.

Prior to going in to hospital (and if possible):

Get your hair cut and colour if you dye your hair;
Shave your legs.

Hope it all goes well!

Kismet
 
comforatble underwear is a must- trust me on this one lol
i brought my own pillow as theirs have plastic on them for hygeine reasons-horrid!
body lotion for dry skin- due to air con/heating
a good book
an eye mask to block out the light when you want to sleep through the day.
i took a diary just so i could keep track of all the meds, how i felt, who i spoke to etc.
you always think of something when your already there!!
 
computer, phone, ipad, and chargers and power board to fit them all
magazines, books, puzzles and dvds, cards
Pj pants - overlarge for over large and oversaw tummy
Underwear comfy, socks and large cardigan to fit over drips, gowns etc
List of medications - important for er and any recent films,cts
Toiletries, ear phones, ear plugs, moisturiser, manicure set.
Pen and notebook for the all important doctor questions/answers
glasses if you need them, thongs or slippers, credit card and a little cash
own pillow - essential
own coffee/tea cup - I use a travel one so I can get a decent sized cup of tea when allowed
post ileostomy I found decent toilet paper a godsend - the non absorbent stuff in the hospital made everything so much harder
 
Must have!
- Medication
- Identification + Insurance card + Money (make it cash cause those snack machines don't take cards)
- Cell phone and charger
- Socks! (its cold man)
- Sweater (its still cold man even with that second piece of tissue they call a "warm blanket")
- Someone with you for moral support/keep you company

Staying a while?
- Lap top if you got it
- Change of clothes
- Note pad + pen (gotta write down what those doctors are saying and might want to doodle)
- Book (something to do man, you're gonna be bored)
- Playdough (for when I was a kid but I'd still play with it now :p)
- Someone to bring you stuff and keep you company ;)
- Brush (your hair be nasty)
- Back scratcher (you will be itchy in places you can't reach)
- Lotion
- Better pillow
- Teddy bear (I've got the same teddy from when I was a kid in the hospital so he goes with me to every long hospital stay)
- Nail file

Well basically treat it like a really crappy hotel with nowhere to go and nothing to do.
 
@crabby,:rof:
'basically treat it like a really crappy hotel with nowhere to go and nothing to do'
 
If you are artistic, you can bring watercolour art supplies. Easily portable, and no problem to work on with those wonderful bedside tables. It gets my mind on something truly productive when I am there.

Also, resistance bands for exercise.
 
Headphones (earbuds) for your laptop/ipod/etc.

Soft foam earplugs for blocking out all the noise while you are trying to sleep. Be sure to let the nurses know so they don't panic when you are unresponsive ;-)

Trashy tabloids

Breath mints-something about hospital food and enforced inactivity make it gnarly

Bring your own pillow, but put a crazy loud pillowcase on it so it won't be mistaken for hospital property and "disappear" during a sheet change. I have a tie-dyed case for just such an event.

Put your name on everything you bring with a permanent marker.

If you bring cash/credit card, make sure you leave it with the nurses or hospital security, and that it has been inventoried and signed for.
 
Your own bathrobe!
Gum. You will need it to wake up your bowels.
Bring all your moisturizers for your face...it's dry as a bone in there. Everyone says bring lotion, I say bring body butter. Consider yourself in the sahara desert.
Dry shampoo for your hair. After major surgery you will not be tripping off to the shower anytime soon.
Make sure if you have longish hair you have it TIGHTLY braided before surgery.
Deoderant. (see lack of shower!)
Manicure equipment. (ish) They will grow into tallons, all your cuticles will dry out and you will be staring at them embarrassed and annoyed!
 

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