Preparing for a hospital say can be simplified with a few simple steps. Just as you take a “personal history” to your doctor visits, being prepared for emergency visit and hospital stays in a similar fashion is recommended. I have unfortunately been to the hospital too many times now. In the beginning, I did not go prepared. Nevertheless, through multiple visits, I have found a few things that allow me to get better treatment from the staff. A safe, smooth visit is exactly what you need when you are a chronic pain patient who is trying to heal or fight an illness.
Step for a Better Hospital Stay
I now ask for a room in a quiet part of the hospital as sharp and sudden noises exacerbate my pain. Most hospital rooms now have their own thermostat so you can control your own temperature.
If your room does not have its own, you can ask the nursing aide to assist with making you comfortable. If you are still not comfortable, you can also ask for warm blankets.
When I am assigned a roommate I ask for my bed to be farthest from the door so that their visitors don’t accidentally bump into me, and I can have less interruption with my resting. When possible, before their guests arrive, my husband or I inform them of my condition and how noise raises my pain levels. It is best to explain it to your roommate prior to his or her guest’s arrival so that he or she may explain it to them for better cooperation.
I have begun to bring in blankets and pillows from home. They are typically softer, and my quilts more comforting both in warmth and as a piece of home.
With RSD, there is usually an increase in sweating, so just like at home, changing your sheets may need to be done more often. Some hospitals even offer a device to hold the blanket off your body areas w/ RSD. Most of the hospitals I have stayed in now offer an air mattress that can be used to adjust the bed to your preference.
Comfort should be a big consideration so that you can heal faster.
It is almost unavoidable to not get poked with a needle as a patient in the hospital.
They typically check blood at least once a day and use IV fluids to keep you hydrated. Medications are also administered with needles or through your IV. When they are drawing blood or putting in IV needles, ask for pediatric needles because any new trauma can cause RSD to spread to a new site.
If a person takes my blood and I find them to be supportive and cooperative, I have asked that they be the one to check my blood every time. I even had a nurse who agreed to come in to take my blood specifically though she was off duty for one of the days I was in the hospital. It never hurts to ask for things that can make your stay more enjoyable and comfortable.
By Barby Ingle, RSD in Me author
It’s NERVEmber, remember that individualized care is important and a must!
