What To Take To The Hospital

That's a good list. I've done this so much over the years myself that I'm now in the habit of picking out a book for John (I usually go to the ER with migraines that have advanced to a point where reading is impossible) and bringing it with me when I get in his car.

If you wear contacts, take them out before you go, or bring your glasses and some contact lens solution with you.

I just went to the ER for the first time in my life last week. I had a horseback riding accident that I'm currently getting over(although nothing major was broken and I'm pretty much just bruised). I didn't have time to get any of these items, but a book and a notebook/pen would have been great.

Great list!

Good advice, but...
The E(mergency) R.(oom) is just that, for emergencies, in an emergency one usually doesn't have the forethought, nor the time to pack a bag!

If you're going in the hospital, take a robe.

Great list... :>)

Kris-The books, even if you are unable to read in the waiting room, if you are kept overnight for observation or testing, you may want something to do other than watch daytime TV.

Alexis and Georgina-Sometimes an ER visit is due to what is called a "triage" visit. Something like having an accident, falling down, falling off of a horse, heart attack and stroke would be times you coudln't pack. BUT, you could send someone to your house to bring those things to you if you have a long wait, reason to think you'll be admitted or kept for "observation".
Now, in cases where I have had to go to ER either for me or someone else, there's always been 10 minutes I could take to pack a quick bag. Provided I'm at home.

Kris-Excellent suggestion and reminds me of something else.
If you have earings or other body jewlery, or you were either a partial or dentures, take them off or bring something to put them in. If you have something in/on when you get there and they need you to take it off/out ask for a specimin cup to put your jewelry, or "teeth" in. They are small enough to fit in a bag or purse, and the lids are very tight so they won't come open.

Ron-Excellent add on.
If you are going to the hospital, not ER, but a scheduled thing, or for labor, bring a robe, and or some PJs. Hospitals can be cold and gowns aren't very warm.

3 things I should have added: Lotion, Lip Balm, and Alcohol gel. Hospitals are kept fairly dry to keep out mold and mildew, keep the spread of other germs, and to keep long term patients skin breakdown less likely. Also, it's likely if they are "observing" you or are going to be doing "tests" they won't let you eat or drink, and IV fluids only hydrate you to a certain point. The lotion and lip balm will prevent cracked lips and skin deterioration due to dryness.
They are by no means sterile so you will be washing your hands a lot. If you can't wash your hands because the IV in it, use the alcohol gel, then put lotion on immediately or your skin will dry out and become detriorated.

good info ....I bring water too

And a pillow.

If you're going in the hospital, take a robe.
Ron (& Buddy, black belt in tae kung nap) W., Mar 12, 2009, 10:23pm EDT

Or your Snuggie™ (as seen on TV!)

Mr. Kitteh-The problem with a snuggie is the same as the probelm with the gown-your butt is still hanging out the back! (G)

Gen Spacey-I've only "woken up" in a hospital once. That was this last December when I had Menengitis ans I don't want to do it again either. I don't willingly go to the hospital anyway, unless I"m in labor.

Nancy O.-I do to, but you have to hide it.

JoAnne-I did that once, and I forgot to bring it home.

LIST OF MEDS - Make a Word, Lotus, Excel, Wordperfect, Whutevah file and keep it updated.
Women: Keep the most recent version in your purse
Guys: shrink the text so it will fit on a dollar bill, print it out and cut the "dollar" out and tuck it into your wallet.

Yep. List of meds with dosage and how often you take it. Good Dad