Expressions

Taking Charge: What to Take with You

 


Picture this: you are on your way to the doctor or to surgery or to a treatment, and you can’t remember where your pants are, let alone what to take with you.  Here’s a handy list to keep so that all you need to remember is how to breathe (reminder – deeply).

  

 splash 2 FOR SURGERY:

  • ID
  • Medical cardssurgery
  • List of all medications currently including vitamins and supplements
  • Clothes/shoes that are easy to get on/off by someone else
  • Blanket or wrap that is comforting
  • No valuables like jewelry or iPads
  • A friend, loved one or companion that that doctor can speak to after your procedure who can then communicate clearly to others on your behalf
  • Someone to drive you to/from
  • Money for parking
  • List of questions and notes for aftercare
  • Prescriptions – try to fill ahead of time

  

 

splash FOR TREATMENT:

  • ID
  • Medical cards
  • List of all medications currently including vitamins and supplementspatienthavingchemo
  • Sweater or hoodie
  • Blanket or wrap that is comforting
  • Computer or iPads
  •  iPod or MP3 player
  • Books or magazines
  • Salty snacks or sugarfree citrus candy for nausea and dry mouth
  • Notepad for lists or journal
  • Food/beverages/snacks
  • Someone to drive you to/from
  • Money for parking
  • List of questions and notes for aftercare
  • Prescriptions – try to fill ahead of time
  • Calendar for upcoming appointments

 

  

splash 2 FOR DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS:

  • ID
  • Medical cards
  • List of all medications currently including vitamins and supplementsdoctorappointment
  • Calendar for upcoming appointments
  • Something to entertain you while you endure long wait times
  • Snacks or beverages
  • A friend, loved one or companion that can take notes and type up for you after the appointment
  • Someone to drive you to/from
  • Money for parking
  • List of questions and notes for aftercare
  • Prescriptions – try to fill ahead of time

These things may seem like no-brainers but when you are anxious about an appointment, little things slip through the cracks. Also, having someone there with you to write everything down (doctor appointments) or communicate for you (surgery) is beyond helpful.  You don’t have to do everything.  

Try to get everything ready the night before so that all you have to do is grab your bag and get in the car and go.  Remember, you CAN do this!  Good luck!