What’s in My Hospital Bag? Infusion Edition

Today I journeyed back to the pediatric infusion clinic at my hospital for an infusion. Infusions are used as a means of treatment for a number of chronic illnesses. How do they work? The patient receives their medication or treatment intravenously, typically in a hospital setting. This is how I get infusions, so this is all I have experience with! However, going and sitting in a hospital for a few hours hooked up to an IV can get quite boring. My first infusion I had no idea what to expect and was totally unprepared for the time I would spend sitting there waiting. Throughout my past few years of infusions I’ve learned a thing or two, and put together a pretty decent “infusion bag”, which is how I refer to the tote I always have packed and ready to go for these appointments.

So what are my infusion bag essentials?

• a blanket
• ear buds
• external phone charger
• water bottle
• snacks
• laptop/iPad
• medications

These are my go-to items that I always bring.

We start with a blanket. My hospital always has warm blankets available for patients (and parents), as the treatment areas can get quite cold. I’ve personally noticed that my body gets pretty cold while I’m infusing, so I like to bring a big fluffy blanket from home. I can always add to it with the blankets there, but it’s nice to have your own. My very first infusion I met a girl with similar conditions to mine who was getting the same treatment. She came in with slippers and her own heated blanket that she plugged into the wall, and ever since then I’ve always brought my own blanket too. I’ve seen other patients doing this as well! But as for bringing your own slippers, I prefer to just wear fuzzy socks.

When it comes to entertaining myself, if all else fails I’ll just spend the time on my phone. An external charger is a necessity if I choose this form of entertainment, as are ear buds! I like to bring a laptop or tablet because this allows me to watch TV/movies or do more work – meaning schoolwork or blog work, whichever I feel up to.

If you know me you know I never go anywhere without a water bottle. Of course, I could just get water from my nurses, but the cups at the hospital are notoriously small and I prefer my water bottle that can hold a liter. My infusion clinic is amazing and they always have snacks and juice and things available. However, due to my allergies I can’t have these snacks and bring my own. Infusions can be exhausting! Snacks are always a good idea.

Lastly, if you’re going to be at an infusion during a time you need to take other medications, be sure to bring those with you! I like to keep a few extras of my emergency medications that I take for things like migraines and nausea in my bag at all times so I don’t have to worry about forgetting them! If you forget your meds often, that might help you!

What else do I bring for entertaining myself during treatments?

While everything listed above always comes with me, the following are all things I’ve brought at different points in time to keep myself entertained. They may help give you ideas of what to bring for your next infusion or hospital stay!

• coloring books and markers – an easy mindless activity to help you zone out and pass the time
• my crochet bag – I once made crochet ornaments for my nurses during my infusion, and had just enough time to finish them all! This is one of my favorite things I’ve done during an infusion, and I hope to again sometime if I’m feeling up to it
• textbooks – not really “fun”, but today I brought my textbooks for the summer courses I’m taking so that I could get some work done
• a friend – sometimes a parent or friend can help keep you busy talking to pass the time, if you aren’t in the mood to sleep or keep yourself busy

These are just a couple of ideas to help make infusions and treatments a bit easier. Some centers have DVD players, and will let you bring in your own movies to watch! If yours does this, throw a couple of your favorite movies in your bag! As I type this I can hear the kids in the other infusion room watching National Treasure. You can tell it’s making their experiences much more enjoyable.

And while I love having things to do and entertain me during my infusions, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you sometimes I’ll just sleep through them. The clinic I go to at my hospital has two big infusion rooms where we sit in these big comfy chairs in a circle and get our treatments. If you’re having trouble imagining it, it’s similar to the treatment areas in the show Red Band Society. That’s the best way I’ve found to describe it.

I’ve gotten to know a number of the other patients from chatting during our times here, and even look forward to the opportunity to see them when I come in! A couple of times we were all pretty exhausted, and asked the nurses to turn out the lights. All five of us promptly fell asleep until we were collectively startled by the sound of a pump going off!

At the end of the day, there are so many things you can do during an infusion.

If you want to bring slippers and a heated blanket and just zone out the whole time? Go for it!

Sometimes I don’t feel well during my infusion and I just want a distraction. Other times I want to sleep. And then there are times I feel great and want to get things done! I never know what will be the case, and that’s why I come prepared.

Hopefully this post will help you put together your infusion or hospital bag! What do you like to bring with you for entertainment to hospital stays or appointments like this?