6 Items to Bring for an Extended Hospital Stay
Bring your own pillow from home. Most hospital pillows are plastic which makes them hot and uncomfortable. A pillow from home can add a world of comfort and help you get more sleep which in a hospital can be hard to do.
Another comfort item you might not think to bring is good toilet paper. Hospital toilet paper is rough and thin. It can be hard on your bottom. Good toilet paper can prevent soreness. You can also bring flushable wet wipes to soothe any soreness already present.
Most people think they have to wear a hospital gown when they stay in the hospital. Not true. You can wear your own pajamas which is much more comfortable than what the hospital provides. Plus you feel more like yourself to help give you a positive attitude which can help with your healing process.
Did you know many hospitals offer free WiFi? Bringing a laptop or netbook computer can keep you in touch with friends and family all over the country. It can also help you feel less isolated from the world. Avoid using your computer to do work as it can add stress which can hinder your recovery.
Hospital food isn't the best. Sometimes you might find you aren't able to eat what they bring you. Having snacks on hand can help you get through bad meals or even help tide you over when you have a craving. Be sure to follow any dietarian restrictions the hospital has you on. Ask your nurse if they have a fridge to hold any items you need chilled and most have a microwave to heat up food. Good snacks to bring can include instant soups or mac-n-cheese in cups that just need to add water to eat. Microwave popcorn is another treat you can try. Fruit snacks or fruit leathers are good items you can eat without bothering the nurses.
A final item to bring to the hospital is a notepad and pen. You will be given a lot of information including medications and diagnosis. Sometimes it helps to write everything down so you understand exactly what is going on with your care.
The information provided is based on personal experience after numerous hospital stays.
Published by Rissa Watkins
Rissa is a freelance writer whose first love is fiction. Her contest winning short story has been published in the book "Elements of the Soul", and she is currently working on her first novel. She is availab... View profile
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