Although the hospital will supply you with some toiletries, you may prefer to use your own. You might bring along dry shampoo, or your favorite shampoo and conditioner, and dry skin lotion. Do not use heavily perfumed items in case you are placed in a room with a chemically sensitive person.
Although your room may have a television, you may want to have a portable DVD player and some of your favorite movies. Humor can help with healing, so this would be a good time to indulge your funny bone.
If friends or family want to know a good gift for you, you might suggest books and magazines. Some people find that a good mystery or novel will absorb their attention. You can also listen to your favorite music on CD or tune in to talk radio—select things that will ease your stress and give you strength to aid in recovery.
It can be very difficult to rest at night in the hospital due to the noise and the amount of light. Because of this, you might consider wearing a sleep mask and ear plugs.
Bring along a 2- or 3-day supply of your prescribed medications in their labeled bottles. Give them to the nursing staff for your doctor to review. If you bring more than a 2- or 3- day supply, the hospital may refuse to administer those medications to you out of liability concerns, and they could be lost before they get returned to you.
If you did not bring any of your own medicine, the hospital may have to fill prescriptions for you and sometimes that can take extra time and possible expense.
Remember that there will be many times when you are not in your room or you are sleeping, so do not keep any valuables, cash, keys, your driver's license, Social Security or Medicare cards in your room. Once you have been admitted, have your friend or a family member remove your personal information cards and any valuables for safe keeping.
It can be very stressful to be in the hospital. Think about things to make you more at ease to aid in your recuperation. Be sure to bring items to make you feel more at home; things to entertain you; prescription medicines for medical review; and keep your personal data safe. That way, you can concentrate on getting well.
------
SmallTown Duo, owned by Sibyl Day and Mary Benson, specializes in medical and legal books for consumers. They publish a popular book called "What Did the Doctor Say? A Guide for Leaving the Hospital." The book covers topics such as questions to ask about your diagnosis, medications, doctor visits, and avoiding common medical errors. If you or someone you know will soon be in the hospital, this book helps with every step of the way. For more information, visit their website at www.SmalltownDuo.com