Long hospital stay tips/advice

[concernedguineapig]

Hi all, I'm going into hospital for 10 nights for a clinical trial. I am hoping not to be unwell, but I suppose you never know with these things.

Does anyone have any good advice on what to take to keep me occupied and comfortable?

Already on my list is my own pillow and blanket and my laptop for Netflix.

Thank you in advance!

I was recently in for 7 nights and also took:

A long charger cable for your phone
Lip balm / hand cream
Cosy socks and PJs / leggings and comfy T
Snacks
An extra large water bottle so I didn’t have to keep pressing the button to request water
Box of tissues
Flip flops to wear in shower and out of bed
My own towel and shower stuff
Hairband
Headphones
I brought my Kindle too

I hope it all goes well for you!

@Nc58985 thank you that's really helpful. Long phone charger is a great idea, I'll order one.

I'd take a sleep mask and earplugs to cut out distractions when trying to rest. Battery powered/rechargeable fan if you have one. Comfortable slippers/clothes and lots to keep you occupied. Could be just the time to take up crochet or similar? Well done on taking part in the clinical trial, what a valuable contribution you are making.

Ear plugs and eye mask.
Wipes are nice to have to freshen up.
Hard soled slippers or flip flops
A fan
Magazines- I find it hard to concentrate on books when in hospital
Bottle of diluting squash
Kitchen sink 😉

Ear plugs, fan and magazine on the list.
I'm going to treat myself to some nice new loungewear I think.

I already crochet so will take my current project and some yarn incase I fancy starting something new.

We have a Nintendo switch that never gets used so I'll take that and buy some games for it.

@moretea thank you! If I'm honest I'm doing it for the money. I'm a student midwife and we don't get paid for any of the hospital shifts we do. With the cost of living going up so much I'm struggling to pay my bills. I can't work a normal job because I work full time during our longs hospital placement blocks. The clinical trial pays £6,300 so it will really help us!

Thanks all

A multi plug extension cable.

Definitely your own pillow, sleep mask and good earplugs.

A longer charging cable, the plugs are above and behind the bed so the usual charger cables aren’t really long enough!

Some flip flops or something to wear in the bathroom/ shower.

Comfortable clothes that you can remove or add layers if needed. It gets so hot in hospital!

Are you restricted on diet? If not, take something you enjoy eating or drinking. The water and hospital food isn’t great and gets pretty samey quickly.

headphones and download tv apps or audiobooks.

Yes diet is restricted to food they provide, sadly! This was one of the main cons of the study for me!

A large mug, so you can have a decent sized tea or coffee. Not the thimbles you get in hospital

Not allowed caffeine!! So I'll stick to a water bottle.