Advice on what to pack for 1-2 week hospital stay?

[Anonymous]

Obviously I have all the basics covered, but is there anything you (or someone you know) forgot or wished they had during a moderately long hospital stay?

[Anonymous]

Make sure you bring earplugs, especially if you will be spending anytime in the ICU. Getting sleep in the hospital is difficult. Try to get a private room if available-- make your preference known upfront.

[Anonymous]

Eye mask
Ear plugs
Good quality Chapstick and lotion (hospital air is very dry and even though they might give you those things, they're usually not very good)
Slippers
Facial cleansing wipes
Nail file
My own toothbrush (hospitals ones are small and very soft)
Hard candy (again, dry hospital air)

Make sure you label any of your charger cords you bring with you. Also make a list of every item you bring and identifying info for it (cell phone, iPad, etc) in case it gets misplaced.

[Anonymous]

I always like to have several pairs of socks!

[Anonymous]

A soft blanket. Hospital blankets are so scratchy.

[Anonymous]

Toilet paper and tissues. The good stuff.

[Anonymous]

If you care about pillows- either bring your own or bring our own pillow cover. Socks, robe and slippers.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! This was very helpful.

[Anonymous]

I like spa socks instead of slippers. Makes it a little easier to get in and out of bed to the bathroom. Lots of magazines and trashy books -- especially if you are on painkillers (serious books require too much concentration). Crosswords/Sudoko. Lots and lots of downloaded tv shows and movies. AND, if you really want stellar care, have someone bring in treats for the staff on a few times. Bagels, sandwich tray at lunch, carafes of Starbucks coffee for the night shifts, etc.