hospital stays

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ej0820

New member
hey all.

I'm hoping I'm not nearing a hospital stay, but the slight chance got me thinking. The more often I'm in the hospital (which is still about once a year), it seems my family gets more and more used to it, and it becomes nothing really different from day to day life. If I'm feeling super crappy and nothing is helping, a hospital stay is really not surprising. It isn't to me either, but it still sucks.

The last time I was in the hospital was several months ago. I knew I was going in and knew I was only going in for a few days to start home IVs. I, as well as my fam, kind of expected it. They expected it to the point, though, that the day I was to be admitted, I drove myself there (no one else could despite my asking-I feel less nervous with someone with me). I lugged my bags to admitting and to my room myself. I discussed my treatment and my general stay with my doc and registered to get a PICC line myself. When it was time to get an IV (until I could get a line) and get blood drawn, I had it done by myself...asking random nurses to hold my hand while I was poked. My fiance visited one day (b/c of work) out of the three that I stayed, while my parents just had me call whenever I could. I was given the low-down on my new home meds, discharged, charged for hosp. parking, and was driven home by myself.

My family really is supportive and this may have just been a really "inconvenient stay", especially since it was only three days long, but I feel we may have slipped into an ongoing occurrence. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big girl and take a hospital stay by myself, but this made me feel more lonely than I usually do in the hospital and makes me feel like I'm kind of a chore for everyone.

Does/Has anyone experience this? How can I deal with it without feeling like a weak, needy pain in the butt? :/
 
E

ej0820

New member
hey all.

I'm hoping I'm not nearing a hospital stay, but the slight chance got me thinking. The more often I'm in the hospital (which is still about once a year), it seems my family gets more and more used to it, and it becomes nothing really different from day to day life. If I'm feeling super crappy and nothing is helping, a hospital stay is really not surprising. It isn't to me either, but it still sucks.

The last time I was in the hospital was several months ago. I knew I was going in and knew I was only going in for a few days to start home IVs. I, as well as my fam, kind of expected it. They expected it to the point, though, that the day I was to be admitted, I drove myself there (no one else could despite my asking-I feel less nervous with someone with me). I lugged my bags to admitting and to my room myself. I discussed my treatment and my general stay with my doc and registered to get a PICC line myself. When it was time to get an IV (until I could get a line) and get blood drawn, I had it done by myself...asking random nurses to hold my hand while I was poked. My fiance visited one day (b/c of work) out of the three that I stayed, while my parents just had me call whenever I could. I was given the low-down on my new home meds, discharged, charged for hosp. parking, and was driven home by myself.

My family really is supportive and this may have just been a really "inconvenient stay", especially since it was only three days long, but I feel we may have slipped into an ongoing occurrence. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big girl and take a hospital stay by myself, but this made me feel more lonely than I usually do in the hospital and makes me feel like I'm kind of a chore for everyone.

Does/Has anyone experience this? How can I deal with it without feeling like a weak, needy pain in the butt? :/
 
E

ej0820

New member
hey all.
<br />
<br />I'm hoping I'm not nearing a hospital stay, but the slight chance got me thinking. The more often I'm in the hospital (which is still about once a year), it seems my family gets more and more used to it, and it becomes nothing really different from day to day life. If I'm feeling super crappy and nothing is helping, a hospital stay is really not surprising. It isn't to me either, but it still sucks.
<br />
<br />The last time I was in the hospital was several months ago. I knew I was going in and knew I was only going in for a few days to start home IVs. I, as well as my fam, kind of expected it. They expected it to the point, though, that the day I was to be admitted, I drove myself there (no one else could despite my asking-I feel less nervous with someone with me). I lugged my bags to admitting and to my room myself. I discussed my treatment and my general stay with my doc and registered to get a PICC line myself. When it was time to get an IV (until I could get a line) and get blood drawn, I had it done by myself...asking random nurses to hold my hand while I was poked. My fiance visited one day (b/c of work) out of the three that I stayed, while my parents just had me call whenever I could. I was given the low-down on my new home meds, discharged, charged for hosp. parking, and was driven home by myself.
<br />
<br />My family really is supportive and this may have just been a really "inconvenient stay", especially since it was only three days long, but I feel we may have slipped into an ongoing occurrence. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big girl and take a hospital stay by myself, but this made me feel more lonely than I usually do in the hospital and makes me feel like I'm kind of a chore for everyone.
<br />
<br />Does/Has anyone experience this? How can I deal with it without feeling like a weak, needy pain in the butt? :/
 
M

mag6125

New member
I can't say I've had the same thing happen but I know how you feel about being alone in the hospital. It use to be when I was younger a lot of family and friends would come visit, as I got older it seemed a little annoying. Now I'm there all day by myself while my parents usually try to come in the evenings. But the days they work late or are too tired I do get to feeling lonely. I think you just get so use to having someone there and even when you think you don't need them you eventually realize how nice it is to have someone there. That is why my phone and my laptop never leave my side while I'm admitted, at least that way I can text all my friends and bug them when I'm bored <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> The only good thing about being in the hospital more frequently is I know all my nurses now and they keep me company when I need it. I was recently in during my birthday week and they decorated my room for me and got me a cake. If you do have to go in and get bored look me up on facebook Shelly Green, or send me a message here if you need someone to talk to.
 
M

mag6125

New member
I can't say I've had the same thing happen but I know how you feel about being alone in the hospital. It use to be when I was younger a lot of family and friends would come visit, as I got older it seemed a little annoying. Now I'm there all day by myself while my parents usually try to come in the evenings. But the days they work late or are too tired I do get to feeling lonely. I think you just get so use to having someone there and even when you think you don't need them you eventually realize how nice it is to have someone there. That is why my phone and my laptop never leave my side while I'm admitted, at least that way I can text all my friends and bug them when I'm bored <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> The only good thing about being in the hospital more frequently is I know all my nurses now and they keep me company when I need it. I was recently in during my birthday week and they decorated my room for me and got me a cake. If you do have to go in and get bored look me up on facebook Shelly Green, or send me a message here if you need someone to talk to.
 
M

mag6125

New member
I can't say I've had the same thing happen but I know how you feel about being alone in the hospital. It use to be when I was younger a lot of family and friends would come visit, as I got older it seemed a little annoying. Now I'm there all day by myself while my parents usually try to come in the evenings. But the days they work late or are too tired I do get to feeling lonely. I think you just get so use to having someone there and even when you think you don't need them you eventually realize how nice it is to have someone there. That is why my phone and my laptop never leave my side while I'm admitted, at least that way I can text all my friends and bug them when I'm bored <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> The only good thing about being in the hospital more frequently is I know all my nurses now and they keep me company when I need it. I was recently in during my birthday week and they decorated my room for me and got me a cake. If you do have to go in and get bored look me up on facebook Shelly Green, or send me a message here if you need someone to talk to.
 
J

jpetersen

New member
Maybe a few days of anti-depressants while in the hole will help. They have a whole pharmacy downstairs. If you have a laptop with wi-fi in the hospital, you have an opportunity to get some stuff done (sell stuff on eBay or Amazon or start a website) to pass the time and maybe make some money with that extra time that you wouldn't have had otherwise.

I complete agree with feeling like a burden when you're in the hospital, though. When I thought I was going to have to go to the ER for a blockage last week, my wife was actually offended and hurt at my suggestion that she just drop me off and come back home to relax and get a good night's sleep. You're not a burden until someone tells you that you are.
 
J

jpetersen

New member
Maybe a few days of anti-depressants while in the hole will help. They have a whole pharmacy downstairs. If you have a laptop with wi-fi in the hospital, you have an opportunity to get some stuff done (sell stuff on eBay or Amazon or start a website) to pass the time and maybe make some money with that extra time that you wouldn't have had otherwise.

I complete agree with feeling like a burden when you're in the hospital, though. When I thought I was going to have to go to the ER for a blockage last week, my wife was actually offended and hurt at my suggestion that she just drop me off and come back home to relax and get a good night's sleep. You're not a burden until someone tells you that you are.
 
J

jpetersen

New member
Maybe a few days of anti-depressants while in the hole will help. They have a whole pharmacy downstairs. If you have a laptop with wi-fi in the hospital, you have an opportunity to get some stuff done (sell stuff on eBay or Amazon or start a website) to pass the time and maybe make some money with that extra time that you wouldn't have had otherwise.
<br />
<br />I complete agree with feeling like a burden when you're in the hospital, though. When I thought I was going to have to go to the ER for a blockage last week, my wife was actually offended and hurt at my suggestion that she just drop me off and come back home to relax and get a good night's sleep. You're not a burden until someone tells you that you are.
 
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nmw615

New member
I know what you mean. I've always had someone drive me down, and stay with me for a few hours while I get settled. I always feel like I'm being such a bother, even if the person volunteered.

As for when I'm actually in the hospital, I feel very alone on the weekends. During the week, I have nurses and more people wandering around the hospital to talk to and watch. But the weekend is just empty. That's when I feel alone and when I actually ask for visitors.

My problem has always been my friends never come down and visit me. I know that my hospital is 45 minutes away form where they live, but sometimes I'd like a visit from one of them. When I get really down, it's those thoughts that make me feel even more alone, like they care for me, but not enough to actually come see me. But I get over it and then I go home.
 
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nmw615

New member
I know what you mean. I've always had someone drive me down, and stay with me for a few hours while I get settled. I always feel like I'm being such a bother, even if the person volunteered.

As for when I'm actually in the hospital, I feel very alone on the weekends. During the week, I have nurses and more people wandering around the hospital to talk to and watch. But the weekend is just empty. That's when I feel alone and when I actually ask for visitors.

My problem has always been my friends never come down and visit me. I know that my hospital is 45 minutes away form where they live, but sometimes I'd like a visit from one of them. When I get really down, it's those thoughts that make me feel even more alone, like they care for me, but not enough to actually come see me. But I get over it and then I go home.
 
N

nmw615

New member
I know what you mean. I've always had someone drive me down, and stay with me for a few hours while I get settled. I always feel like I'm being such a bother, even if the person volunteered.
<br />
<br />As for when I'm actually in the hospital, I feel very alone on the weekends. During the week, I have nurses and more people wandering around the hospital to talk to and watch. But the weekend is just empty. That's when I feel alone and when I actually ask for visitors.
<br />
<br />My problem has always been my friends never come down and visit me. I know that my hospital is 45 minutes away form where they live, but sometimes I'd like a visit from one of them. When I get really down, it's those thoughts that make me feel even more alone, like they care for me, but not enough to actually come see me. But I get over it and then I go home.
 
B

benthyrdeeders

Guest
I have a worse story for you, but I won't get into it. I have driven myself and stayed by myself more times than I would like to count. The one thing you can pat yourself on the back for is self relience. You are strong, you know what needs to get done and you take charge of your own care. Kuddos to you.
There is nothing like family to help you through a rough time, but ultimately you are the one you need to count on.Sometimes you just have to hang tough. It sucks and very few people understand what we go through with all our hospital stays and medications... This online community can really help and we have all "been there."

____________________________________________________________
45 yr/wcf, DDf508
 
B

benthyrdeeders

Guest
I have a worse story for you, but I won't get into it. I have driven myself and stayed by myself more times than I would like to count. The one thing you can pat yourself on the back for is self relience. You are strong, you know what needs to get done and you take charge of your own care. Kuddos to you.
There is nothing like family to help you through a rough time, but ultimately you are the one you need to count on.Sometimes you just have to hang tough. It sucks and very few people understand what we go through with all our hospital stays and medications... This online community can really help and we have all "been there."

____________________________________________________________
45 yr/wcf, DDf508
 
B

benthyrdeeders

Guest
I have a worse story for you, but I won't get into it. I have driven myself and stayed by myself more times than I would like to count. The one thing you can pat yourself on the back for is self relience. You are strong, you know what needs to get done and you take charge of your own care. Kuddos to you.
<br /> There is nothing like family to help you through a rough time, but ultimately you are the one you need to count on.Sometimes you just have to hang tough. It sucks and very few people understand what we go through with all our hospital stays and medications... This online community can really help and we have all "been there."
<br />
<br />____________________________________________________________
<br />45 yr/wcf, DDf508
 
S

Solo

New member
I am completely independent when it comes to hospital stays, well except for this past time my father drove me as I was in excruciating pain as I thought I had an intestinal blockage. It's not so much that I'm a hardship, it's just that my father's plate is so full already. I mean, he takes care of my mother, as she would be lost without his help. She literally has no feeling below her waist, and can't even go to the restroom without help. So he has to get my mother ready for the day, then work 8+ hours at his job, then come home and get my mother ready for the night. I really can't expect my father to help me out, as I think that would be selfish of me. My mother has ataxia, and I think she is much worse off than I'll probably ever be. Thank God for my father, if not for him, my mother would have to live in a nursing home.

So yea, I am 100% self-compliant and independent. All the hospital stays, except the last, I have driven myself. My hospital is about 2 hours away, so I hardly ever get any visitors, I actually prefer it that way, I don't need my friends seeing me in a weakened state with IVs protruding out of me. The only communication I have with the outside world is via a telephone, and my cell. I speak with the nurses to pass the time. I am rather introverted by nature, and I don't mind the peace and quiet at all.
 
S

Solo

New member
I am completely independent when it comes to hospital stays, well except for this past time my father drove me as I was in excruciating pain as I thought I had an intestinal blockage. It's not so much that I'm a hardship, it's just that my father's plate is so full already. I mean, he takes care of my mother, as she would be lost without his help. She literally has no feeling below her waist, and can't even go to the restroom without help. So he has to get my mother ready for the day, then work 8+ hours at his job, then come home and get my mother ready for the night. I really can't expect my father to help me out, as I think that would be selfish of me. My mother has ataxia, and I think she is much worse off than I'll probably ever be. Thank God for my father, if not for him, my mother would have to live in a nursing home.

So yea, I am 100% self-compliant and independent. All the hospital stays, except the last, I have driven myself. My hospital is about 2 hours away, so I hardly ever get any visitors, I actually prefer it that way, I don't need my friends seeing me in a weakened state with IVs protruding out of me. The only communication I have with the outside world is via a telephone, and my cell. I speak with the nurses to pass the time. I am rather introverted by nature, and I don't mind the peace and quiet at all.
 
S

Solo

New member
I am completely independent when it comes to hospital stays, well except for this past time my father drove me as I was in excruciating pain as I thought I had an intestinal blockage. It's not so much that I'm a hardship, it's just that my father's plate is so full already. I mean, he takes care of my mother, as she would be lost without his help. She literally has no feeling below her waist, and can't even go to the restroom without help. So he has to get my mother ready for the day, then work 8+ hours at his job, then come home and get my mother ready for the night. I really can't expect my father to help me out, as I think that would be selfish of me. My mother has ataxia, and I think she is much worse off than I'll probably ever be. Thank God for my father, if not for him, my mother would have to live in a nursing home.
<br />
<br />So yea, I am 100% self-compliant and independent. All the hospital stays, except the last, I have driven myself. My hospital is about 2 hours away, so I hardly ever get any visitors, I actually prefer it that way, I don't need my friends seeing me in a weakened state with IVs protruding out of me. The only communication I have with the outside world is via a telephone, and my cell. I speak with the nurses to pass the time. I am rather introverted by nature, and I don't mind the peace and quiet at all.
 
J

JennifersHope

New member
I think we all are in the same boat, we want someone to be there, or least want to be there but feel like a burdan.. I am always, always, always feeling like a burden, I will deny being sick, deny when I need to go to the hospital and deny whatever, just so I don't have to bother anyone.

I hate being in the hospital by myself, during the week it is more managable but weekends are more lonely..

Thankfully we have computers that we can reach out to others with...
 
J

JennifersHope

New member
I think we all are in the same boat, we want someone to be there, or least want to be there but feel like a burdan.. I am always, always, always feeling like a burden, I will deny being sick, deny when I need to go to the hospital and deny whatever, just so I don't have to bother anyone.

I hate being in the hospital by myself, during the week it is more managable but weekends are more lonely..

Thankfully we have computers that we can reach out to others with...
 
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