What's In Your Bag?

On certain television shows, characters have "go" bags. It sounds very official and extraordinary. Not brag or anything, but I too have a "go" back. Of course, I never grab mine to head off on a plane to do criminal investigative work. I will never grab my "go" bag in a hurry because "wheels up" will happen at a specified time.

My "go" bag is something far more mundane, unexpected trips to the hospital. When I started my career as a patient, I eschewed the idea of a pre-packed bag. Why would I need that? Who goes to a medical appointment and ends up in the hospital right after that? Not me, that's for sure. Well, until I become that person.

These sudden changes don't always provide me the opportunity to make the best decisions. I've forgotten important things, and this results in people having to pick up what I forgot to pack.

So what's in a "go" bag you might be wondering. I break mine down into the following categories: the documents, the basics, and the nice to have items.

The documents category is straight forward as it consists of important and required documentation, such as identification, insurance card, list of emergency contact numbers, list of current medications, and any medical proxy papers.

The basics consist of socks (my feet are always cold), comfortable clothing, non-skid slippers, lotion, anti-bacterial wipes, hygiene items, (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo (dry), etc.) and a hairbrush.

Finally, in the nice to have items, I include things that will help pass the time more pleasantly. I classify books, headphones/music, journals, pens, coloring books, coloring pencils, hard candies, and a shawl.

So, what's in your "go" bag? If you don't have one, have you considered what items you'd want with you during a hospital stay?