by: Katrina Halfaker
Nobody thinks, upon walking into a clinic for what they think is the stomach flu, “I’m going to be transferred to the ER and they won’t let me leave for a lonnnnnnnng while.” I certainly didn’t. In total, I spent 33 days between Carle and Barnes Jewish Hospital (where I was airlifted later). From an emergency room to the intensive care unit, to a bone marrow transplant and immunocompromised patient ward: I was woefully unprepared, every step of the journey.
My husband was in charge of packing our suitcase as he followed the plane to St. Louis. It was a hectic night, but clearly he had no idea what would be needed either: creature comforts or otherwise. I realized quickly every outfit possibility was more clashy-chic than anything else, much to our amusement.
Processing a near death experience and fighting to recover every day is one thing. Not having a clue what to bring and how to adapt? That’s a whole ‘nother hell.
Everyone should create an essential items list, in my opinion, for their “go bag” – which is something typically reserved for emergency evacuations, but it applies in this case as well. It may vary, but based on personal tribulations, I have a few recommendations.
Hygiene: As previously stated, your own toothpaste (trust me, you do not want the generic barely mint-flavored garbage they have in hospitals); deodorant (especially if you have sensitive skin like me), lotion (ideally one that is highly moisturizing; the air is quite dry because of how sterile the environment is), nail clippers, tweezers, and dental picks.
Clothing: Loose and/or easy to pull on pants that do not drag on the ground (pajamas, sweatpants, joggers, leggings), socks (even if they don’t have grips on the bottom), sneakers, and a ton of tank tops or loose short sleeve shirts (primarily so that lines are not interfered with, if they have to be put in and maintained).
Electronics: Cell phone and laptop, as well as chargers, but additionally – backup batteries for both (if you have models that allow them to be changed out), and a tracfone with all your contacts organized and saved. These are your connections to the outside world. You must protect them and prepare for the unexpected.
Other: Your own blankets and pillow! I cannot stress how important it is to combat homesickness but also, just for neck support. And, if you’re going to be trapped in what I like to call panini-beds for a long stay, let the shame of sleeping with a stuffed animal fade away. I had my bear Furnando with me the entire time. There may have been a weird blood spill situation in the ICU once and he was washed twice. But nobody will laugh at you. I promise. Books, cosmetics, easily portable games, photographs/small mementos, a fidget spinner (or whatever works): these are all things to consider when packing.
They will all help you to cope through an incredibly stressful period. I shook a plush owl cat toy with beans in it … often. I had to force myself into a sort of meditative state to get through anxiety, and nerve pain, and those stretches of loneliness, far away from friends and family. Silly? Perhaps. But sometimes what you least expect to have an impact will become significant. Make your go bag your own. Just make sure you have one.
