very fit in the ICU

[zoom-zoom]

ICU always reminds me of the pachinko parlors I saw in Japan---lights going on and off, alarm bells, thumping and howling noises, you name it---just major overstimulation of the senses. The opposite of restful for sure. Important place but boy is it hard on people.

I had outpatient surgery years ago (breast reduction). I had the option to stay overnight in an outpatient ward (as long as I was in and out in <24 hours it was still considered outpatient). As soon as I finished my dinner I told my nurse I was ready to go home. I was. I never would have slept in that ward--they don't even turn the overhead lights off at night.

[NbyNW]

People think healing is a vacation because you're lying down, when in fact it's really hard work.

[OakLeaf]

People think healing is a vacation because you're lying down, when in fact it's really hard work.

Nurses and hospital staff and people who write protocols really ought to know better, though. I guess that's just it though ... the only ones who see the effect of the disruption on the patients, have no power to do anything about it.

I read something not too long ago about how the noise level in the average hospital is so high that it affects the mental functioning of the people who work there. Let alone people who are trying to get well or be caregivers.

Best to RD as he continues to heal.

And just a word about my dad's experience last week ... if they transfer RD to a SNF for the next phase, be sure that med transfers are arranged well in advance, and do what you can to see that the courier leaves the hospital before he does. Missing 16 hours' doses of pain meds days after surgery = not good.

[Biciclista]

what is an snf?

[OakLeaf]

Skilled Nursing Facility (rehab center). They usually transfer patients after they've recovered enough from surgery that they no longer meet the guidelines for hospitalization, but they need more care than they could get at home.

[malkin]

And in rapid conversation they really do say "sniff" for SNF.

Best wishes for speedy recovery and some rest too.

[spokewench]

Hang in there Mimi and RD - Before you know it, RD will be out of ICU and then you will have a host of new problems in the general rooms! I think the hospital part of being sick just makes it worse!!!!

[Biciclista]

oh no, he's going into another ward here. what's great about this place is that all the facilities and all of the doctors have instant access to each other and all the tests. it's great. they even can see when other doctors have appointments with you!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Yeowch, but isn't he supposed to be resting to recover from surgery in there? Hope the ICU stay will be short, if it can't be sweet. Medical personnel are just...puzzling.