question.........favor?-trigs?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
question.........favor?-trigs?
9
Wed, 01-05-2005 - 7:42pm

after reading all your posts and talking with some of you it was suggested to me that i ask you here about your experiences in the hospital.

Avatar for kdvaleski
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2004
Wed, 01-05-2005 - 8:15pm

Hi Traci. I have only been in the hospital for my ED, not bp. It's an entirely different type of hospitalization, as I understand it. I'll be very glad to share my experience there with you if you would like to hear about it or think that will help you at all, but it won't be the same thing. That being said, it is not a scary place at all. One thing I'm sure is a common denominator is that I felt safe there, and that I was being cared for, so I could finally focus everything on getting better. Please don't be scared of going there. I have been hospitalized on several occasions, and it has always turned out to be a good thing.

Love,
Kristen

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-20-2004
Wed, 01-05-2005 - 8:41pm

Traci-

I've been in the hospitol more than once. I never had a bad exerience there.

First you go through an intake interview. Then they assign you a room. It's just a regular room with a bed and a night stand. There is usually a big common room that people can congregate in if they want.

During the day you usually meet with a pdoc and a tdoc and have some group t. The people there were always very nice to me and the other patients are in the same boat you are. We had arts and crafts for an hour a day. It was concidered occupational t. I learned how to tile there on a little project and I used those fundimental skills last year to tile my bathroom.

Meals were served when you first got there in the common room but, after they know you're okay you usually get to go to the cafateria. It's hopitol food but not as bad as it used to be.

There is usually a lights out time but it's not until about 10. Not all but most places have a get up time where they do your vital signs and everything like in a hosptiol.

They took all my sharp object from me "for your protection and others" is what they said. I wouldn't bother taking anything sharp with me if you don't need it. They will give you access to the things they lock up but, there's no point messing with it if you don't have to.

There are usually pay phones for you to use so you might want to take some change. I was in one place where they were pretty liberal about letting you use their phone.

One of the biggest benifits for me was it was a break. I could stop the world outside and get off for a little while. It's time for you and the doc's to focus on you and getting you well.

Any place I have been has been clean, well lit, had my best interests in mind. Of course it wasn't a vacation but, it was a wonderful chance to just slow down. I have been taken to the hospiol by the police kicking a screeming. I was still glad I went by the time I came out. For me it was the difference between life and death.

Now as to the other patients...they are basicly there for the same thing you are. Not bp but to get better. There aren't people strapped to wheelchairs and drolling. It's usually a calm enviroment.

They do lock the doors to the ward but, not the door to your room. You can come and go out of there as you choose.

I've gone on too long...if have any questions just ask.

Love to you,

Jamie

Love,

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Wed, 01-05-2005 - 10:10pm

Traci,


I've been in patient twice in the last 3 years, and twice in an outpatient program.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 12:28am

marci, jamie and kristen ~thank you all. marci i think you struck on one thing that has caused me to seriously consider this option. that was being safe from yourself.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-20-2004
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 9:07pm

Traci,

If for some reason you don't go because of something I said, I will never forgive myself.

Love,

Jamie

Love,

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2004
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 9:58pm
Traci--Many of the ladies here have experience with this. They were all scared when they went in, but they all sounded so much better afterwards. Their attitude, their outlook, etc. I know it is scary and hard, but what is that thing that they say....those things that are the most difficult are the most worth it. You have to take the big risks to get the big rewards. You deserve to feel better than you are now. Going inpatient will get you stable faster. You can take some sort of FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) time off from work. How old are the kids? I'm betting that if they are younger than 10, they will never even remember your time away. You won't be gone forever and you will feel so much better and you will do them more good when you get back. Please seriously think about it. We only want what is best for you. Please let us know what you decide. We'll be here for you. Amanda
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Fri, 01-07-2005 - 3:54am

jamie,


i guess i just didnt say it right, which these days isnt a surpise. the sharp object issue is not anything you have any bearing on directly. its something i guess ive known but didnt want to admit. if aht makes any sense.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-20-2004
Fri, 01-07-2005 - 2:46pm

Traci,

I'm glad you aren't not going because of me. I am glad that you and your tdoc work out a trail for you. It's sounds like it's planned enough since you are going armed with phone number. If your like me and don't have a cell, don't forget change . I was also happy to hear that you had a little break yesterday. I hope the weekend works for you.

Love to you,

Jamie

Love,

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Mon, 02-14-2005 - 6:12pm
bumping this up.