Having a chronic illness will unfortunately land you in the hospital at some point throughout the year and it is important for you to be prepared when it does. Packing a hospital bag will keep you prepared in an emergency or unexpected hospital stay. It is also wise to have this bag in the trunk, when you head to your doctor visits. Many of you may know what its like to see a doctor that tells you its time to head to the hospital immediately. What you thought would be an hour visit, quickly turns into a hospital stay. Here is what you need for your stay:
Insurance Card and ID
You will need these of course for billing purposes, and I encourage you to have the insurance card right next to your ID in your wallet everywhere you go.
Notepad and pen
This is important to quickly jot down notes when talking to a doctor. It is difficult to process every piece that they are saying in the moment, so taking notes will be useful. You can also consider using a shared note on your phone to keep family and friends updated. My mom and I use this method frequently when my grandmother is in the hospital. Each time I update the note with new information, my mom would receive a notification.
Phone Charger/Portable Charger
The last thing you want is to be in an emergency with a dead phone. I love keeping my portable changer with me for this very reason.
Comfortable Change of Clothes
Listen a good moo moo ain't never hurt nobody. Forget all that cute stuff chile and make sure you are comfortable. Bust out of those jeans and slip on that gown.
Updated List of Medications and Allergies
This is very handy for you to just hand over to the nurse at checkin, or for your family member to have this handy in case they need to speak on your behalf.
A Book to Read
Books are great ways to pass the time when you aren't resting.
Earphones and Ear Plugs
If you are anything like me, you love listening to music. This will be no different to help you get through your hospital stay. Also taking phone calls are a lot easier with headphones. Earplugs will come in handy at night when you are trying to sleep. Machines beeping and staff coming in and out don't create the most ideal sleeping environment, but earplugs will make that so much better.
Heating Pad
I use my heating pad more than anything else in my daily life. Keeping an extra in my hospital bag helps me ensure that I will always have it when needed.
Fuzzy Socks
Now if you don't like a good pair of fuzzy socks, I'm not quite sure what to tell you here. For me, fuzzy socks just make everything better. The warmth, the cuteness, OMG just get some. Preferably the kind with slip grips on the bottom.
Blanket
Please tell me I'm not the only one who has a blanket that goes with me to every hospital visit. And I'm not talking about a little throw, baby go get you a queen size because you deserve it!
Toiletries (Body wash, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
Listen! If you are going anywhere without these, we may need to have a separate talk! Ha!
Water Bottle
Yes, I do know that they will give you a cup in the hospital, but who wants to keep refilling that baby cup? Not I! Your water bottle will definitely come in handy.
Contact Lenses and Glasses
I am about as visually challenged as ever, so walking out the house without contacts or glasses will never happen for me. Just make sure you have everything you need to care for your lenses if necessary.
Snacks
Everybody needs a little comfort food every once in a while. Especially while in an uncomfortable place. My favorite? Cheeto puffs and a snickers. But when I'm watching my waistline, a protein bar will do.
We hope you find this list helpful and don't forget to download your free checklist to have handy as you pack your bag. Download it for free by clicking the picture below:
