Top 5 things to take with you to the Hospital

Hospital stay can be very boring. Yes, you're suppose to rest but sometimes even that gets dull and lets face it there is only so much rest you can do in a day. Not to forget the lovely gowns they give and the oh so pretty socks. I never expect to be at a Day Spa but having something that makes your stay comfortable will go a long way in your recovery. It will make you feel better and relaxed. It worked for me.

Now everyone brings a change of clothing and of course your insurance cards. But I think you could also bring a few more things.

Here are my top 5 things to take with you to make your Hospital stay more enjoyable:

1) Robe/PJS- That little hospital gown does not keep you warm at all. Bring a Robe and some PJs to help keep you warm and secure.

2) Entertainment- By that I mean MP3 player, Game Boy, PSP even a portable DVD player. But make sure your Hospital has a safe in the room to store these goodies in. Even in hospitals things go missing. Most rooms have TVs but there can be a cost to activate it. Also grab your favorite Novel or puzzle book. This will help the time go by and keep your mind active.

3) Toiletries- Tooth brush, tooth paste, feminine products, razors, hair brush... you get the idea.

4) Cell phone- If you have one bring it. Great for texting friends on how you're doing and making calls. If you have web access you can check your email. Rooms are all equipped with phones but there is a cost to turn them on.

5) Sneakers/Walking shoes- This should be a given since you are not going to the hospital in heels or dress shoes, unless its in the ER. The socks the Hospital gives to you are fine but don't offer any support. If you want to take a walk around the floor in comfort bring your sneakers.

It really all depends how long your hospital stay may be. Now don't bring a giant suite case, just what you need to get by. The doctors may go over with you what you can or can not bring. They are days when you don't want to or feel good enough to do anything but for the other days some of this stuff can help. Also it helps if you have your own room. Both of my experience have been in a room by myself.

I am Free!

Today I was let go. Nurse came in very early in the afternoon stating I could go home. Which I was glad because I was worried my cats would die of starvation. Well not really as I left two big bowls of food and water. But I get worried for them. They gave me two different types of antibiotics to take. Guess they are covering there basis to make sure I don’t get another infection.

Mom and I went back to the hotel she was staying at. We decided to stay the night as it was well passed check out time. We would leave for home early in the morning. Mom would be driving for the first time back. Usually I would drive but not after this. She did well for a three hours drive. It’s nice to be home.

Oh and my cats were fine.

Can I go home?

It’s Monday and the regular staff working today. Today my new nurse is actually new. It’s her first full day in the hospital after schooling. She had a more experience nurse train her. She was very nice and very hard-working. Makes we wish that all nurses regardless of their years in service would keep that spark. Not to say the nurses here so far were mean or inattentive, on the contrary. But it makes me smile to see her eagerness and sincerity shine.

Moms bored. I am bored. TV is boring. I do have my Sookie Stackhouse Novel to entertain me. I have been texting my friends too. But I am still bored. At least my pain is gone. Its sad when food is my highlight of the day.

I would see Dr B today as he was off during the weekend. I am still swollen but not as bad. I am sure they will see if they can drain any more fluid. Still chatter of taking out the plate. When I did finally see my favorite Doctor he did look puzzled. He is coming to the conclusion that this plate need to come out. I asked when the procedure would be. Today? Tomorrow? No, it will not be till after all this infection is done and I am healed. February? March? Well at least I will have my sick time back since I used it all in the beginning of the year.

Well that tomorrows issued I guess. I just hope I get to go home soon to feed my cats.

Weinberg "Suites"

Home Sweet Home. Ok not quite, but at least I was familiar with my surroundings. Spent my first night at the hospital. As usually the nurses came in and took my blood pressure and temperature. Hooked me up to an IV with fluid and antibiotics. Its weird to try to sleep with an IV sticking out of one arm. I am always afraid I will yank it off some how.

The team of doctors came in around 8am that Sunday. Mom was already here. Poor thing, probably only got a few hours sleep at the hotel. There were murmurs about my issue and about the plate and the infection/swelling that I kept getting. But they went on there way but would be back this after noon to evaluate the pressure. In other words they would be draining the collection of fluid in there. I just hope with a needle and not a knife.

The nurse gave me this thing I needed to blow into to help my breathing or clear up my lungs. I never did understand it the first time I was here. I could never get it above 2000. Oh well.

The good thing this time around is that I was Mobile. I did not have to worry about trying to walk again. So I felt good considering. Plus the drugs did help alleviate any pain that I had. I walked around the entire floor with this giant machine for exercise. Not as easy as you would think as I keep hitting my leg on it. Had to remember to keep it at arms length.

Doctors came back that afternoon and drained my chin. Thankfully with a needle. They took 3 vials of pus out which helped take away the pressure. I almost felt better instantly. Almost. Mom was not there for this event that they did right at my bed. Surprisingly it did not hurt.