Happy Hospital Checklist

By Edi Mesa

2 min read

I don't think there are many people who get excited to become admitted into the hospital, I know I don't. When allergy season comes into play, we might find ourselves going to see our doctors. Now, when the doctor tells you that you may need to be hospitalized because you have flare-ups or something, you think of how bored you are going to be.

Now, I am a self proclaimed "Professional Patient." By that I mean, I understand what my hospital stay will be about, how I'll cope and adapt, and what I will do to entertain myself. Now, don't get me wrong, I do NOT like becoming admitted but I will also NOT be bored in there.

I've created a "Happy Check List" over the 15 years I've been going. I bring a lot of what is on the list because my admissions are over a week every time. It changes as I get older but this is the general idea. I highly recommend that you REMOVE all jewelry and leave valuables at home, I PERSONALLY only carry my ID and Insurance Card and I also recommend that you have a MAX of $30 in SINGLES (All this fits in a small wallet/crossbody). I leave my debit card, social security and membership cards at home. This list is only to help comfort the hospital stay:

1. Travel Dental Kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, dental picks) ($3.75 @ Walmart).
2. Women/Men Personal Care Kit (10 Pieces) ( toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, hand & body lotion, travel comb, travel zip bag, travel cosmetic bag, shampoo & conditioner.) (shaving cream, razor). ($5 - $10 @ Walmart)
3. Pedicure Manicure Nail Kit (1 file, 1 cutter, 1 curette, 1 tweezers, 1 scissors, 1 nail needle, 1 case) ($5 @ Walmart)
4. Cell Phone Charger, extension cord, extra charge USB cable.
5. Face Wash, Face Serums, Face Moisturizer, Face Mists, Face Toners, Facial Wipes, Micellar Water.
6. Facial Trimmers, Tweezers, Lip Creme/Moisturizer, Mirror (hand or large), Cotton pads, Cotton Rounds, Q-TIPS.
7 .Makeup Concealer/CC Cream, Eyebrow Color enhancer, Pressed Powder, Creme Blush, Tinted Lip Creme/Stick.
8. Hair Brush (Recommended WIDE tooth comb), Hair Drier, Styling Creme, Hair Bands, Hair Bobby Pins. Hair Towel.
9. Eye Masks, Ear Plugs, Aloe Vera socks, Aloe Vera hand mittens (skin dries in hospitals), Hand Sanitize. Body Sponge/Cloth.
10. If religious - A prayer card, rosary or figurine.
11. Slippers, Sandals (Showering), Scarf(s), Beanie, Ear Muffs, Over/Under the knee socks, Neck Pillow, Throw Blanket.
12. Underwear (Hospital underwear is odd fitting), Hygiene Pads, Hygiene Wipes, Hygiene Powder
13. Puzzle 60 - 500 Pieces, Deck of Cards, Jenga, Battle Ship, Chess, Checkers, Mancala, etc.
14. Book(S), Journal, Scrap booking, Crafts (Necklace, bracelets), Crossword Puzzle, Word Find, Mind Game(S).
15. If you want electronics: A CHEAP Tablet, CHEAP Reading Tablet, CHEAP Radio (small)
16. Buy the WIFI if they charge (Better than using DATA) (Apps are a lifesaver)
17. Snacks and Drinks (Check with your Doctor for Diet Instructions)

I highly recommend that you ask for "Flutter" devices, also known as the Aeroibika Flutter Valve and the Acapella Flutter Valve. I also ask for inhaler spacers and cannualas. I like to get as much free stuff as I can.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Edi and thanks so much for putting together such a comprehensive and well thought out list for others to consider. By sharing your experiences with the community, others may benefit from what you've already gone through and been so successful with. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
1. CommunityMember6814ec Member
 How long do you normally stay in the hospital? I didn’t know you could do that. Thank you for sharing.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMember6814ec" user-id="8435431"/>, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. Perhaps you did not see but the author, <inline-mention username="fullyalive" user-id="2423729"/>, shared that she expects her hospital visits (from her own experience), to be at least a week for each admission. If there is something additional we can assist you with, please let me or any other moderator / team member know - we will be more than happy to help. Have you been hospitalized for a COPD diagnosis? Wishing you well, Leon L (author / site moderator)
floridatwigs Member
I also have a "kit" ready for hospital visits. It comes in handy that way relatives don't have to try and find the items that you need or want.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi floridatwigs and thanks for letting us know what works so well for you (and your relatives) in order that you are prepared for your next situation. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
tammylhb Member
That’s a very good idea to have a bag already packed. I need to do that, thank you.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi tammylhb and thanks for letting us know you found the suggestion(s) in this article to be so helpful. I'm pretty confident you're going to take care or preparing your 'checklist' and 'go bag' so you are 'ready to go' should the need arise. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)
John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Excellent article, Edi. It's a nice complete list of everything someone might need. I think it's neat now that people have their own electronic devices so they can entertain themselves today better than when it was just the hospital TV service. This is a nice improvement from when I was a regular hospital patient during the 1980s. John. Site Moderator.