At some point in most people’s lives, they will need to have a stay in hospital. Being told that you need to visit the hospital and stay can be a daunting prospect, and you may feel a little apprehensive about the situation. To help you feel more relaxed about your hospital stay, it helps to prepare as best as you can beforehand. Knowing exactly what to expect and getting everything ready in advance is an excellent way to put your mind at ease and feel ready for the experience. Here are some of the ways that you can prepare for your hospital stay:
Gather Information
Scouring the internet for a diagnosis for your medical issues and answers to your medical questions is never usually a good idea. But, speaking with your doctor and using reputable resources to understand your medical concerns better is a wise idea. If you feel unsure about aspects of your treatment or your diagnosis, you should always speak with your doctor for clarification. Whether you are having an operation or radiation therapy, it helps to understand what the treatment will achieve and precisely why you are receiving this particular treatment.
Pack in Advance
The hospital should supply you with a list of items you will need to bring in for your treatment. This should usually include all the essential things you would usually take if you were staying away from home, such as personal hygiene items, nightclothes, robe, slippers, change of clothes, etc. You may also want to bring a book or magazine to keep you occupied during your stay. Even if you are told that you will be staying for just one night, it could be helpful to pack enough for a couple of days, just in case you end up staying for longer or your treatment is delayed.
Get Healthy
It is a wise idea to try and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle in the run-up to your treatment. Falling ill with a cold or virus unrelated to your medical issue before your hospital stay could delay your treatment. Check with your doctor beforehand if you feel unwell to be sure that your hospital stay can still go ahead as planned.
On the Day
On the day you are due to be admitted to the hospital, it is helpful to double-check any paperwork that you have been sent to ensure that you know exactly where to go and follow any other instructions given to you.
If possible, you may want to get a friend or family member to drive you to the hospital so that you don’t need to worry about public transport delays or finding places to park your car.
Understand Your Recovery
It is also useful to discuss with your surgeon how long they expect you to stay at the hospital and how long your recovery at home will take. This will help you to plan ahead for your recovery and to arrange for someone to collect you when you are discharged.
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