What’s in my hospital bag?

I still remember the first time I packed for an overnight stay at the hospital. You would have thought I was going on a month-long tour of Europe. I walked through the automatic doors with my large carry-on, stacked pillows, and a large duffel bag. One week in, I found myself digging through all of my luggage, desperately searching for items I wish I brought and pushing aside the ones I never touched. So here I am, ready to share with you the wisdom I have gained as I prepare to pack for Tuesday's surgery in Gainesville.

COMFORT

In times of crisis, we crave comfort. The items that soothe us at home often find their way into our hospital bags. This seems like the obvious place to start so, here we go.

Blanket- If you have a favorite blanket that is not too over-sized, bring it. This will make you feel a bit more at home and keep you warm in any cold hospital.

Pillows- This is not a necessity. If you need a particular kind of pillow to support your back or neck, you may want to bring one with you. Otherwise, I recommend you leave your pillows behind as they take up tons of space and are readily available at the hospital.

Slippers/ Socks- Who doesn't love a fuzzy slipper or warm pair of socks? However, if there is any chance that post-surgery, someone will be slapping a "fall risk" bracelet on your arm, don't pack these. The hospital will provide you with a few pairs of non-slip (very unflattering) socks. They aren't pretty but they do work to help keep you safe. You can always bring your own pair. Just make sure they have the coated rubber finish on the bottom. Check out these from Old Navy which is currently on sale and come in several fun colors and prints.

Clothing- You will be tempted to bring all of your favorite matching PJ sets and sweatsuits. Here are a few things to keep in mind. You will have an IV in your arm... it will be near impossible to slide on and off any kind of long sleeve sweatshirt or top. I recommend sticking to tanks and short sleeve tops with buttons or ties if possible, so you can work around the IV as much as possible. If your surgery involves a lower limb extremity, stick to loose-fitting comfortable shorts. Your surgeon and nurses will need to inspect your wound/ change your bandage regularly and pants will complicate this.

*Disclaimer* beware of the too-short shorts. Odds are that your Doctor will want to see you up and moving. He may ask you to walk up and down the hospital halls daily to make sure you are healing and regaining your energy. If you are anything like me, some of your PJ sets are a bit too short for stranger's eyes and you DO NOT want to end up wearing two back-to-front hospital gowns to cover your A** while you waddle down the halls with a walker. Pack the kind of shorts you would wear at your in-laws.

TOILETRIES

Skincare/makeup- ahhh, my favorite category. As a self-proclaimed skincare junkie, I put some real thought into this one. I easily use 8+ skincare products on my face both morning and night. I love to take care of my skin so it's not easy for me to leave my favorite products behind. In the days leading up to your hospitalization, try to simplify your routine. Focus on a cleanser and moisturizer if possible. Keep your serums, toners, and treatments at home. You may enjoy regularly spending an hour getting your skin ready for bed but I promise you will be tired and likely in some kind of pain and you will not have the energy for your typical routine. I always cash in on Sephora beauty insider gifts and grab a few free trial sized skincare or makeup products that are perfect for travel to help keep my bag as light as possible. If you choose to bring any makeup with you, stick with some natural staples like a bb cream, chapstick, and blush. You are here to rest and recover. No one is asking you on a date when there is a bedpan and portable toilet in your room...

MISC ITEMS

-Cell phone charger

-reading glasses

-IPAD and or a good book

-face mask ( because 2020)

-Snacks ( trust me on this one, odds are the food will be terrible)

- Toothbrush and travel size toothpaste ( some hospitals give you a toiletry kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouth wash)

-Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner ( don't try the kind the hospital provides unless you like straw for hair)

Valuables- I highly recommend you leave all of your valuables behind. part of surgery prep is ensuring you have absolutely no jewelry on and your items will be safer at home.

You have now officially graduated from my hospital bag course and you are ready to pack! Follow me on instagram at @limbitlesssunsine where I will share more tips and updates on my recovery!