Still here.

I haven’t heard from plastics yet, but they’ve cleared me to walk the hall with assistance.

I’ve completed three full laps – yay.
I know it doesn’t seem like much, but it’s crazy how much the little things matter.

In hospitals, I’ve learned that it’s best to be thankful and not push to take advantage – until you can.

Hospital thoughts:

* Modesty doesn’t exist.

If you have a saggy butt, suck it up. The people see a lot from patients – good and bad. After seeing so many age-spotted backsides and ooze-infested wounds, it’s amazing that they have any inclination to procreate. You won’t phase them.

* Appreciate the little things.

They don’t have to let you walk around. They don’t have to let you brush your teeth. They don’t have to provide a sponge bath. They will, if they can. But if they’re tired, understaffed, or you just complain a lot, they don’t. Or you’ll get a pity wipe.

While you’re in the hospital, you’re not independent. You can’t do it yourself. You are compromised.

Be happy with what you get, and thank them.

* Try to swing the conversation around to them.

Nursing staff hear hundreds of sad stories a week. They are stressed. They have lives outside of work.

Yes, you’re in the hospital. The “poor me” mindset is predominant. It’s easy to just wail about life situations.

But they are in the hospital for over 40 hours a week.
Listen to them and let them talk if they want. Ask about their families, the job, their school… anything, and really LISTEN.

Call them by their names when they walk in.

* Yes, the food isn’t going to be great.

This varies based on the hospital.
The ones that don’t heavily rely on state funding has a better selection than ones that do.

The state-funded ones are often outsourced to the same companies that feed jails and nursing homes.

While the food might be a “little” better than a jail, it won’t be much. Not that I’ve ever been jailed to compare, mind you, but hospitals tend to have more families. There’s also nutrition. You know, that thing that doctors are rarely trained on but is vitally important.

I’m hoping, anyway, this hospital is a little better than a jail. But Hunt’s pudding, Heinz salsa, and other ultra-processed food may prove me wrong.

* If you have an extended stay, HOARD anything you can.

Nurses are busy.
Resources are limited.
If you want that Sprite Zero at 4pm, it might not be available.

Friendly staff might bring an extra. Hide the extra. When the shift changes, ask for more, even if you’re not done with the first two.

* Get used to the pain.

Hospitals will offer muscle relaxers, heavy painkillers, and just Tylenol.

Medication to manage pain. People who literally wipe your butt. Continual compliments. Mysterious food appearing – can trick the brain.

It’s not like that in the real world.

The area that I feel I have the most agency in is the pain.

If I can stand the pain, I’m still me – to some degree. If I can stand it. If i can manage it.

If I have to take drugs, I’m not managing it. The drugs are.

So, if possible, start weaning off that.

—– Those are my insights – so far.