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What's In My Bag?

  • Writer: Willow Lennard
    Willow Lennard
  • Jan 22
  • 3 min read

As a woman living with a disabilities & struggling at times with my ADHD, I've found it essential to have multiple bags packed at all times. Be that for an emergency or simply just a handbag. I pack bags in advance for multiple reasons, but knowing I prepared to go at the drop of a hat & won't be left strandad without medication takes a great weight off my shoulders. It also means on high pain days, during relapse or if I've struggled to sleep, I can simply roll out of bed & know I don't have to think of everything I need, as it's all ready to go. I shall link any products that I use, that are up to date & current.


The plugs in a hospital are always above the bed. If you pack your normal standard charging cable, you won't be able to reach your phone.

  • 2 Sets Of Underwear & 2 Sports Bras

    Hospitals do not like women having metal in their bras. Most scanners use magnets to operate & it's just a safety precaution.

  • A Towel

    If you need a shower in hospital, they will provide you with a towel, but it is the size of a standard hand towel. It's much easier to bring your own.

  • Mini Toiletries

    Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Face wash, Moisturiser etc.

  • Flip Flops

    Mostly you'll be sharing at least 1 shower with 5-7 others of your same gender. The showers are usually very clean, but flip flops or shower shoes help maintain your cleanliness.

  • Pillow & Blanket

    As standard, you are given 1 pillow & 1 blanket. Hospitals have a tendency to either be boiling hot or freezing cold, with no in between. When you are less mobile & unwell you will feel the cold more. The blankets are big but not thick & the pillows are atrocious!

  • For Women - Nighties & Sanitary Pads

    It is preferred that women wear nighties for multiple reasons. This is a general rule, but is more relevant if you need care from the waste down, but if you are more comfortable with bottoms it isn't a big deal these days. Tampons can be classed as foreign bodies & can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome. For this reason, woman are advised to not insert any sanitary products during their stay.

  • Going Home Outfit

    Comfy, baggy (if needed), easy to get on & off & I recommend a dark colour if you have persistent bleeding.

  • Slippers

    You aren't allowed to walk round barefoot for infection control reasons.

  • Added Extras

    Mini bottle of squash, copy of your prescription (inc. over the counter meds & supplements), a list on your phone or a few print outs of: your meds, allergies & illnesses - to hand to staff/paramedics (helpful for those of us with lots of info to remember), a book, a crossword or puzzle book, iPad or downloaded shows to watch (hospital wifi is free & usually reliable), money for the car park, snacks, a mirror, a plastic bag (for dirty clothes), socks, hair brush, any comfort items.



Dog Walking Bag

  • Dog Poop Bags

  • Hot Dog/Cocktail Sausgaes/Treats

  • Lead

  • Lights (charged & ready to attatch to the harness before it gets dark)

  • Wipes (for bottoms, faces or paws)

  • Water

  • A Dog Towel

  • A Travel Bowl

  • A Toy or Ball


Wheelchair Bag

  • Tiny Repair Kit

  • Water

  • Medication

  • Tracker

  • 2 Spare Catheter Leg Bags

  • Antibacterial Wipes

  • A List Of Medication, Allergies & Illnesses

  • Emergency Contact Info

  • Spare Keys

  • Electrolyte Serum

  • Wheelchair Charger

  • Blanket

  • Gloves


If anyone has any questions or thinks of anything that I should add to my essential grab bags, just drop me a message. I hope this has been helpful for some people who may be unsure what to pack or are looking for ways to cope better with organisation or ADHD symptoms.


With Love,

WL xo

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