Summarize:

You will need a large bag of luggage to carry all of the things with you that can make your stay comfortable. If you know that there is a high likelihood that you or someone you love will need to be rushed to the hospital, keep a bag packed by the door. That way you can run off as soon as it is necessary. This is very common among couples who are expecting the birth of their child, but it is a good idea for those with chronic diseases as well. In the case of an emergency, you will already be prepared for a trip to the hospital. Most doctors will want an accurate list of current medications. Typically, a comprehensive list of medications will be sufficient in lieu of the actual medication. But, the pharmacy might not carry your preferred brand of non-prescription medication, so sometimes it is best to bring everything with you. Keep in mind that most hospitals in the United States will refrain from giving home medications due to health and safety regulations. Unless medication is specialized (very expensive oral chemotherapies, etc.) then general medication for common illnesses will be provided by the hospital. The hospital phone might be hard to reach from your bed and your friends will probably have difficulty getting through to you when calling on the hospital line. A cell phone will make it easier to reach people, and, as an added perk, can provide a good source of entertainment. You will want to keep this on hand so you can write down questions for your doctors and record the things that they tell you. You often won’t have much time with your doctor, so you need to be prepared to get and give as much information as possible. This will also be useful, for example, when providing a record of your medication. Hospitals can be loud and you never know when your roommate will want to watch TV. Bring in ear plugs to block the sound. Alternatively, consider noise canceling headphones.
Prepare a bag. Bring your medication. Bring a cell phone. Bring a notebook and pen. Bring ear plugs.