Things to Bring to Make Your Hospital Stay Better

I've spent my fair share of time in the hospital. From 1999 to 2000 I spent 69 days in the hospital to be exact. I must say, at most hospitals, I received such excellent care that I would like to nominate my caregivers for awards if there were such things. Most hospitals do go out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as they can. Still you own stuff is, well, simply put, your own stuff. So, if you do have the time to plan before your stay at a hospital, the following are some suggestions that might make the time just a wee bit more enjoyable.

Things to bring:

Toiletries:
Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, mouthwash, chapstick, etc. Most of these things are provided, but your own will be appreciated. I put special emphasis on lotion because my skin was always very dry in the hospital. I am also particular about smells, so I like specific lotions. My chapstick was key too.

Comfy Clothes:
Slippers, loose pajama pants, bathrobe, sweatshirts. Sometimes you can't wear your own things due to the nature of the procedure you are having done. But if you can, having your own things can make you happier and warmer. I was always either too cold or too warm in the hospital, so it was nice to have options other than a Johnny that ties in the back and tends to expose your backside. And slippers were key because sometimes bending over to put on the little socks they give you was very difficult due to exhaustion or pain.

Headwear:
Hair bands, hat, scarf, your gear of choice. This is key because sometimes you cannot wash your hair due to stitches or you are just too tired. Your hair will get especially matted if you are having any kind of surgery. I don't know why. But mine always came back in knots after each surgery I had.

Light Reading Material:
Magazines, books, madlibs, easy crosswords. I say light because I was so pumped up on morphine that I couldn't concentrate on anything heavy. Leave Tolstoy for later. I read the Harry Potter books and magazines. Games are good for passing the time. It is also hard to concentrate because of all the noises around you.

Candy:
Mints, lifesavers, sourballs. Mints for when you can't brush your teeth and some medicines leave bad aftertastes in your mouth. Sourballs are good because they take away thirst. I was always thirsty. Lifesavers because I love them.

Snacks:
Bring your favorite.

Movies:
Many hospitals provide DVD players or VCR's. Ask ahead to see if they do.

Ipod or MP3 player:
I didn't have any of these in 1999, but god I wish I did.

Clock Radio:
I brought a clock radio a few times because not every hospital room has a clock, which can get very confusing if you are spending any extended period of time there. Also I could listen to NPR.

Your Own Pillow:
Because I personally love my own pillows.

Pen and Paper:
To write down anything you might think of asking the doctor/nurse when you are alone. Also to doodle or keep journal notes on.

All of these items can really make a difference during your stay. Who knows? They may make you so happy that you recover sooner and can go home faster.