Packing the perfect ER bag

Don't forget the fuzzy blanket

We’re doing things a little differently this week. I am recovering from some abdominal issues, so today I’m going to teach you how to pack your perfect emergency room bag. Then on Thursday, there will be a bonus piece because it’s Life Day, the day where I celebrate my survival and all the people who have been there for me over the past few years.

I was in the ER on Thursday. It was truly not a big deal: the scary stuff was ruled out, they figured out what was going on, and I was out in five hours (which was record time – I usually feel good if I’m out in 10 hours). It went quickly because as soon as I went to the back, I didn’t have to talk to a nurse, then a physician’s assistant, and then wait another hour to talk to the doctor. When I went to the back, I immediately got to talk to a doctor who quickly ordered labs and scans. It should always happen that way!! The ER doctor was also very validating, which was a nice bonus. The biggest win of the day was that no medical staff asked the question, “How’s your day going?”

I have taken many loved ones to the hospital, and I have gone to the ER more times than I can count. With all these trips, I have perfected my hospital bag. I bring nothing more and nothing less.

Here’s what I bring (this is what I bring to the ER when going for physical health stuff. Psychiatric hospitals are a different story):

This light pink tote has been to the ER in at least 3 states

• I use a medium-sized tote bag. I have a designated bag that I never liked, but it is the perfect size for the hospital, so it seems fitting

• THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU MUST BRING IS A FUZZY BLANKET. Hospital blankets feel like towels. The one time I didn’t bring a fuzzy blanket, I had to sleep overnight in the waiting room. I was in a wheelchair and it was so uncomfortable that I was literally bruised the next day. An uncomfortable wheelchair and a towel blanket are my personal hell. ALWAYS BRING A BLANKET

• Portable chargers (I bring two)

• A water bottle

• Snacks

• A book (I’ve truly never read a book in the ER, but I know the day I don’t, my phone will die or won’t have service)

• I always bring the meds I’ll need during the day – for a hospital, it’s incredibly difficult to get medication

Anything else I have brought in the past was not used or too much to carry.

That’s all from me. I’m going to go back to bed.

See you on Thursday!

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This Week in Comfort

• The Pure Enrichment XL heating pad has been a lifesaver this week.

• I finally finished all 11 seasons of Vanderpump Rules. I started it during a terrible flare in February. It’s the perfect flare show.

• I listened to Joy Woods sing “My Days” on The Notebook original broadway cast recording about 10 times (no joke) when I was in the ER. The fact that we won’t get a Tony performance from her is DEVESTATING.