Cancer Survivorship...How To Get the Most Out of Your Hospital Stay

This last stay was about my 10th...not total stays however on this particular floor with these particular nurses and what they now call clinical partners (those that really do the dirty work and help the nurses).

Most of these folks I just adore and admire greatly.  They are not there just to get paid and they do not get paid enough.  They are professional, caring, and want to do the best that they possibly can. Many I know 10 years that have risen very high as supervisors, etc.  It is great comfort to me at least when I go there that I am in good hands with the best.   With that being said perfection exists no where in life and things happen....here are some tips for you today.

1.  I do not care if you are sick.   Do not be rude.  Being sick and not able to do anything for yourself is so hard.   I know...the release of control as well.  You will not be cared for better by being very rude.  In fact in studies done the results are the opposite.  You get more with honey than with vinegar!  This I know for sure!

2. Your first night out of surgery have someone sleep over night with you at the hospital.  They have cots and your care will be better with a family member or friend with you.  The ratio of nurses to patients is low.  You need extra help the first couple of days. 

3.  Take the drugs for pain and walk!  Walk!  In order to get your body to move more...you have to move more...the more you move the faster you will be out of there.  I had an epidural which was a God send.  Walk!  Get out!

4.  Hospitals are petrified of germs these days and rightly so.  I wear old shoes and slippers.  I do not bring them back into the house.  I throw them away.  Do not bring hospital germs home.  I was told now to let visitors know that when they get home to sterilize the bottom of their shoes.  Sad!

My hospital stays are filled with little weird events.  This time a sad young lady just wandered into my room and sat on my couch!!!!!!!!!!   She said that she did not want to be alone in her room.  She was going to sit with me.  Oy...so I gently told her to stay and I called the nurse.  The nurse came in asap and was flippin out on the inside...cool as a cucumber on the outside...like me!!  LOL

She guided her out and called psych....and moved her room far from mine.  I hope that she gets the help that she needs.  She asked me how I do "this".  I just told her that I pray a lot....not to worry...that everyday you will feel a little better...