<p>I’ve been sick off and on for over a month. I am seeing my PA on Monday, but I woke up this morning feeling very rocky and nauseated before eating or drinking anything. I started wondering if I might have to go to the hospital to get hydrated and then I started to wonder what I should take with me if I did have to go and stay overnight. I’m feeling better now and have been able to eat and drink liquids, so I don’t think I’ll have to go today, but I’d rather be prepared. Any suggestions about what i could put in a little bag to have ready if needed?</p>
<p>Reading material is a must.</p>
<p>Crosswords, sudokus, etc if you are into that.</p>
<p>Music, earbuds, etc.</p>
<p>The important thing know is that the time goes very slowly and it is verrrrrry boring.</p>
<p>Leave anything valuable at home.</p>
<p>Clean underwear. 
You are laughing, but when I was pregant with D1 my water broke at 1:00 AM while I was home alone (asleep in bed), 6 weeks early. H was out of town on a camping trip, unreachable. And no family in town. And I had NO CLEAN UNDERWEAR. So I threw in a load of wash while I figured out how to get someone to come over and take care of the dog for the next few days. Washed, dried, packed clothes I would be able to wear home in a few days and some books, took a cab to the hospital while in labor.</p>
<p>So what I really mean is that they may make you wear gowns in the hospital, but take a change of clothes to wear home. And depending on the hospital, maybe a bathrobe & slippers.</p>
<p>Cell phone, and charger.</p>
<p>List of any meds you are on and dosages
Phone numbers/contacts of anyone you might want to help you out (I think it’s good to have an advocate any time you are in the hospital)</p>
<p>Socks
Lip balm
Robe - the hospital ones are not usually that warm
Ear plugs to help sleep</p>
<p>Toothbrush, small mirror, makeup, small notebook/pen, hair clips or headband, light weight bathrobe.</p>
<p>When my H was dehydrated, they put about 3 bags of saline into him and he felt 1000% better. </p>
<p>I hope you are feeling better. Don’t be embarrassed to call your Dr’s office or call the nurse line on the back of your insurance card. They are always so reassuring and may have some tips for you.</p>
<p>Bethievt- Sorry this has been such a long ordeal. Apart from what others have said, I would add is a warm top that is easy to get on and off- button or zippered or open; like a bed jacket to put over a johnnie. Practical and can help you feel a bit put together. In my experience, hospitals are a less is more situation. They will give you textured socks or you could bring your own. I would bring lip balm and small hand moisturizer also. Very dry environment. Good luck.</p>
<p>Beth, sorry you are still feeling poorly.</p>
<p>If you have an iPod, you might check your local library website, if they offer audiobooks, download a couple fo old favorites, you might feel lousy enough that you don’t want to read or even open your eyes, yet may still appreciate the book distracting you.</p>
<p>I would think about what your morning routine is on a low maintenance day.<br>
Toothbrush/travel toothpaste
Lipbalm (Burt’s makes an awesome ultra moisturizing @ $4)
Deodorant
Facial cleanser wipes
moisturizer
brush & clips</p>
<p>As far as clothes I have always asked DH to bring me a cosy sweat suit & 2 short sleeve t’s. I can layer & take off as I get chilly. I feel so much more human then in my pj’s or a hospital gown. Also, fresh undies, and grippy socks as suggested.</p>
<p>I keep a record of all of my current meds on my iPhone under ‘Notes’ where DH & kids know where to find it. I strongly suggest this to anyone who takes meds on a regular basis. Just about any smartphone has some sort of note feature. This is from a time DH ran to the hospital with a basket of my meds and simply handed them to the ER doc. I was unable to speak. Several of the meds the dosages had been changed, and one I no longer took. If the Dr. had taken a less conservative path it could have been a problem.</p>
<p>The reading/puzzle material is a good idea (hello Kindle/ipad!), along with chargers and a small notebook. Also make sure all important phone numbers (Dr’s, etc.) are programed into your smartphone. I’d also add a bottle of water and protein bar. Depending on where you are waiting and how long, I get terribly thirsty. Since you’ve been so nauseous keeping something in your stomach may be a good idea.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry you are feeling so poorly and hope you will get answers very soon.</p>
<p>If you have an iPod Touch / iPhone / similar then you could consider downloading some podcasts in advance; I’m something of a fan of the Radio 4 podcasts (From Our Own Correspondent and Crossing Continents are particularly good for a subtlely humorous look at life in other countries) but I don’t know if they’re available in the US.</p>
<p>Also you might like to take some small snack things that you can eat as you start to feel a bit better. I don’t know about you but when I’m ill I find that little and often is usually best, which doesn’t always fit in with hospital mealtimes</p>
<p>I was constantly thirsty. Bottled water (or a refillable bottle) was wonderful. The guys smuggled in fruit for me, too.
I would have killed for my own pillow, but don’t know if hospitals are OK with that.
Lightweight jacket/fleece.
Paper and pen to take notes/make lists.
Reading material
wireless device (our hospital is now wireless, which was great once I was feeling like getting in touch with the rest of the world)
List of all meds/vitamins/supplements and dosages – bring a couple of copies – the nurses appreciated having it documented. Also give one to your DH – my H forgot to mention a couple of my meds and dosages.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry this is still going on. 
Do you have someone at hand who can drive you if the need does come?</p>
<p>Gosh, I’ve got my fingers crossed for you and hope your PA can either shed some light on what’s going on or get you to someone or somewhere who can.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>I don’t have any of those smart electronic things, but I will pack a mystery, crossword puzzle book and my not-so-smart cell phone with charger.</p>
<p>intparent–I’m doing my laundry right now.</p>
<p>My H is home today and tomorrow but I have friends/neighbors who have said to call them day or night if I need a ride.</p>
<p>I’m certainly hoping to stay out of the hospital, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.</p>
<p>I’m sorry you still aren’t feeling well. I know my feet swell and get cold - bring slippers/socks and something easy to get on to come home, along with elastic waisted pants or a dress - no buttons, zips or anything that could bother any part of you that may be poked, prodded, cut into, etc. </p>
<p>I like my own soap/shampoo. Pajamas if you don’t have to wear a gown. Hairbrush, makeup, toothbrush/paste. </p>
<p>And whatever you do to entertain yourself - magazines, ipad, books, cell phone and charger. My mom is in the hospital right now and right at a critical time her phone ran out of power.</p>
<p>Mints or candy if you like (I can’t go anywhere without peppermint Lifesavers!)</p>
<p>The medicine list is a good suggestion. It’s frustrating when I’m trying to admit a patient and he takes 20 medicines but doesn’t remember all of them, can’t tell me the doses, etc.</p>
<p>Also have on your list to give the nurse any drug or food allergies, sensitivities to latex gloves or tapes/adhesives, past surgeries, past bad reactions to anesthesia (especially nausea and vomiting as this can be treated prophylactically), and any chronic medical problems you are being treated for. This is very helpful information for the care team to have.</p>
<p>Bethievt, Adding my wishes for you to turn the corner and start feeling much better soon!</p>
<p>Bethie, I also have a list of all my docs and contact info just in case one wants to talk to another, as well as a list of any recent tests and where they were done in case the docs want to see the results of something. I keep a running Word doc these days and keep it in my pocketbook.</p>
<p>Have needed both of these in recent months – not that I ever expected to maintain this level of detail!</p>