Packing for a hospital stay
PACKING LIST
For an overnight Hospital stay
Hospital Stay Packing List
While it’s way more fun to be packing for a vacation, I've spent many nights in the hospital and the packings lists aren’t too different. This is the first time I’m staying overnight as the wife and not the mom so my list may change after this and if so I’ll come back and update. They take amazing care of the moms on peds floors. I’m not sure if it will be quite so all-inclusive this round. The necessities are mostly the same for both the patient and caregiver so double up on the items below.
Alos, It’s really important for me to look like myself so I can act like myself. It’s hard to put on a positive face when that face needs a little touch-up. Plus, I want to make a literal statement that I’m still me. I look like me and act like me and despite everything else going on, I am still me— that won’t change! Personally, that means putting on some makeup and a cute outfit. I’m currently in my palm beach mumu era so I plan to wear long dressses with pockets and sneakers but if you’re more of a travel or athleisure lady or even a jeans and tee gal, wear that. Rule of thumb is to pick something comfortable you’d wear for a long road trip but still makes you feel good.
Hospital Stay check list
Extenstion cord
Extra Long Phone chargers
Medications
Pajamas + Robe
Socks
Pillow
Blanket
Sweatshirt
Dirty laundry bag
Slippers / house shoes
Day Clothes/loungewear
Underwear
Going home outfit for patient
Glasses (or contacts + case)
Shampoo + Conditioner
Body Wash + Lotion
Toothbrush +Toothpaste
Deodorant
Face Wash + Moisturizer
Dry Shampoo
Hair Brush + Hair ties
Q-tips
Lip balm
Face Oil
C Cream/ Tinted Moisturizer
Bronzer + Highlighter
Lip/cheek stain
Mascara
Earphones
Laptop/iPad with chargers
Notebook + Folder + Pen
Snacks
Starbucks instant coffee packets
Hydroflask (its helpful for me to have a refillable water bottle with a lid)
Giant rolling suitcase or two. Leave this in the car while you’re there —room is tight—but I promise you will be so thankful when its time to pack up and go home.
Items I don’t bring (most are readily available in the room or I haven’t needed) but were suggested by friends as helpful during their stays:
Towels + Washcloths
Clorox Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Cooler of drinks
Electric Razor
Eye mask
Earplugs
Bottles of Water (I haven’t needed this because I love an excuse to leave the room for a minute for the refill / snack station).
What’s next
Radical Nephrectomy
Tuesday, April 29th
5:45am check-in for surgery at MUSC Ashley River Towers Building
Radical Nephrectomy (full removal of tumor, kidney and surrounding affected areas)
3-4 hour surgery
2-3 day hospital stay
PRAYER REQUESTS
Matthew remains calm and at peace and mentally and physically prepared for surgery.
Wells and Tagg continue to feel loved and supported and covered in God’s peace.
