Nobody wants to stay at the hospital, but when you have a chronic health issue, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Whether it’s your first hospital stay or your fifteenth, it’s never easy—but it can be more manageable. If you know that you have a stay coming up, we have some helpful tips prepared to help.
We recently asked the Malro Fighters community for their hospital stay advice.
The community showed up with some great advice about what to pack, how to pass the days, and how to advocate for yourself. Below is a roundup of advice straight from fellow Malro Fighters who have been there.
What to Pack
- Comfort is key. Bring your own cozy clothes, fuzzy socks, or a soft nightgown. Several members said they refuse to wear the hospital gowns. Remember, you don’t HAVE to, but you do need to wear clothes that will accommodate medical wires.
- Your own pillow and blanket. Hospitals tend to be sterile and cold. Having your own pillow or favorite blanket can make a huge difference.
- Slippers, you’re okay parting with. Hospital floors = gross.
- Chargers and extension cords. Outlet access is never where you need it. Don’t be left with a dead phone.
- A notebook or notes app. Write down questions for your doctors and keep a log of what happens, especially if you’re too out of it to speak.
- Protein shakes, gum, snacks, or your safe foods. Hospital food isn’t always malro-friendly. Gum is a great way to help get your stomach acids moving while still NPO if allowed.
- A stomach pillow. Use it for turning, coughing, or just bracing your core—it makes a huge difference after surgery.
- Hand sanitizer. Because… well, you know.
- Pads or tampons. Just trust us.
Smart Moves While You’re There
- Walk as soon and as often as you’re cleared. “Even if you feel like you’re dying,” as one Malro Fighter put it. Movement helps your bowels wake up, and that means less pain, sooner.
- Ask for things. Don’t suffer in silence. Speak up and request fans, heating pads, extra blankets, a shower bonnet, or a therapist visit (music/art therapy, physical therapy, counseling). You are allowed to ask.
- Make friends with your roommate. Many Malro Fighters still keep in touch with their old hospital roomies. You can advocate for each other and find comfort in your shared experience.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for your rights. If you want a nurse present for rounds, ask. If you want privileges to walk the halls or leave the floor once cleared—ask. This is your care.
Prepare for Your Return Home
- Stock your freezer. Think broths, soups, or shelf-stable easy-to-digest foods like mashed potatoes and pancake mix.
- Have pain relief items at the ready. Heating pads, laxatives (if prescribed), Gas-X alternatives, and your comfort meds.
- Make a plan for support. Ask someone to check in on both you and your caregiver. Think ahead about how you’ll get help in the first few days back.
Wisdom from the Community
“I print out all the dates of our other hospitalizations. I log who we speak to and brush up on my malro language so they take me seriously. I never act like a know-it-all—but I clearly explain my son’s history and that we’re involved with Malro Fighters. That always helps.” – Michelle D.
“Bring a comfort item—my child’s lovey made all the difference. And next time, I’m packing more clothes for myself.” – Kelly H.
“Don’t eat raw vegetables. I follow a low-fiber, low-glucose diet post-op. It’s hard at first, but the right foods do make a difference.” – Jason H.
“Ask for the staff to physically wash their hands. Hand sanitizer doesn’t kill C. diff. You’re allowed to protect yourself.” – Annie F.