All Nighters – What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for an Overnight Stay

BY: Error

One of the most stressful parts of being chronically ill is the random emergency room visits that could possibly end up in admission into the hospital.
Whether for overnight observation, symptom management, or further testing, it’s always nice to have some of your own belongings with you. Some for comfort, others for things to keep your mind occupied, and others as pure necessity. Everyone has their own needs, but these are what I specifically take with me, and a good list to base your own off of.

In this blog, I will give examples of things to bring with you to an ER visit and then another list to have prepared just in case the ER physicians and hospitalists decide you need to stay for a little while to be monitored or treated.

For an emergency room visit, the first thing to start with is a medium-sized bag, backpack, or basket (whichever is easier for you or your loved one/support person to carry); everything else is as follows:

● Charging cables/battery block – ER visits can sometimes take hours, so it’s good to bring something to keep your phone charged so you’re able to update family members, have access to previous records, play games, or listen to music to pass the time while you’re being treated or waiting in the waiting room.

● Comfort item/stuffed animal – If you’re like me and need a friend to hold close while going through scans or having IVs placed, a comfort item is always a good option. I have a Crohn’s awareness bunny from Plushie Dreadfuls that comes with me every time I go
to the ER.

● Heating pad/instant ice packs – ER rooms are always constantly too hot or too cold, and having these items doesn’t just help with temperature regulation, but they can also help with pain control while awaiting the ER physician to put in orders for medication to give you relief.

● Headphones/earbuds – Having headphones can keep you occupied while waiting periods while also being polite to those around you. Music is one of my main coping mechanisms, especially if I’m in alot of pain or anxious, so a pair of good headphones are definitely a must. I recommend the AfterShoks bone conduction headphones so you can take calls and listen to music/videos/podcasts while also being able to hear your surroundings.

● A water bottle/tumbler – Bring it with you and fill it with ice and your drink of choice. A lot of medications given at the ER (especially anti-emetics and pain medications) can cause severe dry mouth, so when you’re cleared to drink something, you already have something with you to sip on. Plus, it’s nice to have a refreshing drink once you’re discharged and on the way home.

● Books/E-Readers/Portable gaming devices/Tablets – If you have more things to do, the faster time will pass when you’re in the ER; don’t forget a charger if you bring an electronic device!

● All of your current medications/List of current medications – Even though most hospitals use Epic and can see all your current meds, it’s always a good idea to bring them with you, just in case you need to update your medications while you’re there.

● Hoodie/Jacket/Comfort blanket – If you get extremely cold within ER rooms, it’s always comforting to have your own hoodie or blanket, compared to the thin, scratchy blankets that most hospitals provide. I recommend a hoodie with really big sleeves so you can put it on over a blood pressure cuff, IV lines, or EKG leads without constantly having to readjust them.

Now, if you know you’re going to be admitted for whatever reason, take all that I’ve said in the ER visit list and add these next few things to it:

● Hygiene supplies – Bring shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in small, travel-sized bottles so they’re lightweight. Nothing is better than having the comfort of your own soaps and products during a hospital stay instead of the ones the hospital will offer. Deodorant, body spray/cologne, and lotion are also a good idea, but don’t forget your toothbrush and toothpaste!

● Pillow – Hospital pillows usually have a funky smell and are covered with a waterproof covering, making every move you make all crinkly and uncomfortable. Having your own pillow from home will make sure that you can rest comfortably while receiving treatment.

● 3 pairs of clothing – Meaning 3 comfortable shirts/nightgowns, 3 pairs of pajama
pants/leggings/joggers, 3 pairs of socks (or even slippers work too), and 3 pairs of
underwear. It’s always good to be prepared for at least a 3-day stay because that one night of observation may turn into three, depending on the findings of the hospital team.

Now this is my particular list; feel free to tweak it to your particular needs and whatever you feel is necessary to bring with you to make your stay as comfortable and easy as possible.

Much love all of you, keep your heads up, and remember that you’re never alone. All of us spoonies have each other’s backs, and we’re all family

– Error

Greetings everyone! My name is Error, and I am a 26 year old agender person who uses the pronouns they/them. I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease at 14 years old and have dealt with chronic pain and chronic illness since then. I am from New Orleans, Louisiana and I enjoy writing all my experiences for those to have guidance and an insight into what one of my days looks like. Learn more about Error on Our Contributors page.