Even though you might not feel sick, you are in relatively good health, and you don’t deem yourself to be in urgent need of medical attention, there will be a time in your life when you need to head into hospital. You might need surgery for a long-term ailment, an operation to halt the progress of a condition or some minor outpatient day surgery. Hospitals aren’t the most pleasant environments to find yourself in and, even if you don’t have a nervous disposition, the sheer unfamiliarity of the place can be hard to handle. Take a look at these handy hints that should make your hospital stay, no matter how long, a little more bearable.
Think Positively
Even before you grab your hospital bag and get in the car, take a look at the humble abode you love and think to yourself that you’ll be back soon. Even if your leg might be in plaster, you might have stitches in your stomach, or you might need round the clock care for a little while, you will eventually be back in your own bed. Telling yourself that the hospital is only temporary can help alleviate any nerves or feelings of anxiety about your hospital stay.
Get Clued Up
It pays to be aware of the implication that your hospital stay might have. If you are having a total hip replacement, for example, you may need support to get around, do the chores and cook and clean when you head back home. Knowing what you’re in store for when you leave the hospital can make you look to the future rather than dwell on the length of time you have to remain in a hospital bed.
Sort Your Bag
When you’re heading for an overnight stay anywhere away from home, it’s always pleasant to have some creature comforts close by. Pack some cosy pajamas, your toothbrush, your iPod and a magazine or book or two, especially if you are staying for a while. Being in hospital means you might be staying in a ward with strangers and without your loved one who you might never have spent a night apart from. It’s ok to keep their picture next to your bed, have a few homemade snacks from home and keep your smartphone on your pillow. More and more hospitals are now making it easier for patients to contact their nearest and dearest from their hospital beds.
Ask Questions
If you’re nervous about your stay or your operation, ask questions. The healthcare professionals understand how daunting it is to be in hospital and show your vulnerable side. They will be only too happy to answer your questions, no matter how trivial they may sound. By getting definitive answers, this mitigates the chances of your mind wandering and settling on the worst case scenarios.
Heading to hospital is not anyone’s idea of fun. However, to remain healthy, we sometimes need medical support and intervention. By planning ahead, keeping your stay in perspective, realizing that it’s only temporary and looking to the future, you can make your trip to the hospital all the more manageable.
About Jammie Morey
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