Lessons from the ICU Part 1- The patient side

“Take some deep breaths” I cannot count how many times I have been told that over the last 8 weeks. Yet I now find myself telling it to myself. To take some deep breaths and attempt to process the chaos of the last 8 weeks.

If you have been following along on my instagram (@chronically_patient) you know that over the last 8 weeks I have had 8 ER visits and ultimately ended up in the ICU for 4.5 days for recurring anaphylaxis. My degree in healthcare management taught me about the structure of hospitals, the ethical dilemmas hospitals face, all about insurance, etc, but nothing prepared me for being a patient in the ICU. I can say without a doubt that being a patient was one of the most terrifying, yet eye opening experiences. My time in the ICU and in the emergency room taught me things both for the patient side and healthcare. Today I am sharing my top tips for being a patient in the hospital.

1. Know your history and medications!

It is so important that you know every aspect of your medications you take, allergies you have, and the ins and outs of your condition. If you end up in the hospital they are going to ask so many questions on these things and the more you are an expert, the better. I would highly recommend keeping a document on your phone with all medications, allergies, and diagnosis.

2. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

If you have questions about the plan or questions about how the hospital works, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask! As a patient, you are an important member of your team and have a right to ask questions.

3. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t agree with a plan or think something should/shouldn’t be happening.

Again you know you the best. If something is off, you have a right to speak up. This could be asking them to change gloves, sanitize their hands, catching a med that should/shouldn’t be given at that time, etc. Just because your team are professionals doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes. It's ok to kindly question what is being done.

4. Pack only what you need.

This one is going to be tricky especially if you have never been in the hospital before. Given my frequent ER visits I had a to go bag, however 90% of it was not what I needed. Having extra stuff there was stressful, so I highly recommend not over packing. Here is what I have in my new to-go bag

1. Basic Toiletries- While the hospital has some, its nice to have things like: your hair brush, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.

2. Clothes- Depending on why you are there you might not even be able to wear your own clothes. I personally was able to wear my own pants with the hospital gown so my bag has comfy joggers and underwear with a few shirts for discharge.

3. Specialty meds.- I learned that the hospital pharmacy doesn’t always have specialized meds especially for the more rare diseases. If you have a med that isn’t common they may ask you to bring your own and then they will check it for you.

4. Hand sanitizer- Again the hospital has it around but I liked being able to have one by my bed

5. Book or any other small activity to help you pass time. Personally I think I picked up my book one day, so I don’t actually have it packed this time. But it can be helpful.

6. Phone Charger and/or power brick. Not all hospital beds have an outlet right next to it. Having a power brick made it so I could keep my phone within reach at all times and when my family visited they charged the brick for me.

7. Reusable water bottle- This last visit, I didn’t have one and I missed it terribly. If you are used to having a water bottle by your side, make sure you have one.

8. ID and any important documents related to your care.

Again, the less you can bring the better. These are just the items that I personally found to be helpful.

5. Give yourself lots of grace.

Your time in the hospital is likely going to be full of progress and setbacks. Setbacks happen; it's ok. I personally was supposed to be admitted for 1 night observation. I was in the hospital for 5 days. Each setback hit me really hard. Extra grace is required with your body when you are in the hospital.

Being in the hospital is an experience like no other and nothing can really prepare you for it. However I hope these tips help to make it a little easier. Above all, don’t be afraid to ask questions and for help. Those who work in healthcare are there to help you!

Come back next week for the lessons I learned for healthcare workers, that I hope to take with me in any future careers.

Disclaimer-

All information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider and/or your insurance provider for your specific situation. This blog does not offer medical advice.