Weekly Visits To The Hospital
Over the past few months I have been averaging one weekly visit to the hospital. I attend five different hospitals for Endocrine, Heamatology, for my operation follow ups and a private hospital for my adrenal pump. Going to the hospital for outpatient appointments and treatment can be a pain in the bum. We often have to travel some distance. My nearest hospital where I get my Iron Infusions is Wigan and is only about 30 minutes away.
The other hospitals, Preston, Manchester, Liverpool and my London hospital are a little further to visit. I am slowly getting used to visiting the hospital on a regular basis. You go often enough on the same day, you even get to know the staff and their personalities. You know who is friendly and who is a grump and sadly like when I was a school child, you get very familiar with the buildings.
Having health problems is really no fun and going to appointments isn’t ether. Some days I just want to curl up in bed and not bother going. I’d like to rest or postpone but I know I need to go when I have an appointment as there is a system and if I missed I could be discharged, be made to wait longer or miss out on important tests and medication.
I always like to take my diary with me and a pen when I go to hospital. I have not had a cell phone for over 8 months now. Yes can you believe I am a blogger without a cellphone. It is really tricky at times but I traded a monthly cell phone bill to be able to pay for my monthly medications and it’s a sacrifice I need to make for now. so when I do go to hospital I have time to think and plan. Sometimes however I feel sick and can’t plan. Sometimes when I have treatment I wish I were able to lay on a bed but often I have to sit in a chair for hours and it can get very uncomfortable. It’s the same for many patients. There are beds but they are reserved for the most sick patients.
Last time I went for my Iron Infusion there was a mix up with my medication. I was cannulated and then ended up waiting 3 hours before my treatment began. I then had my treatment and then had to sit and wait for observation times. It was hot and sticky and uncomfortable but I stuck it out. I think when getting treatment it is good to take a water bottle, some snacks to eat as well as something to read or do.
On my last visit one patient had a magazine. He was reading the horoscopes to all the nurses and telling them what would be happening in the coming weeks. It was funny and the nurses had a laugh. it kept us entertained for a good 20 minutes. I think hospital visits can be boring and there are often always delays, waiting and more waiting. If you go prepared with something to do it sure makes things easier.
I think next time I have an infusion I am going to take my husband’s Ipad and watch a downloaded movie. That would keep me busy. I am also going to take a personal fan as it can be so hot and warm and uncomfortable.
I’m glad I am getting the treatment I need. I always enjoy having a sandwich and a drink after treatment and appointments, it’s my little reward or treat for getting through another visit. On Monday I travel by train to London. I am having my one year follow up having been on the adrenal pump for a year. It has been a learning curve. I’ve had many visits to London but now I can do all my tests local, send the results and simply visit my private specialist once every six months.
I won’t be well enough to travel to London and back in one day. It would be too much for me so I will be staying in the YHA hostel overnight and then coming home on Tuesday morning. I won’t be well enough to enjoy London or go out visiting. However If I can manage it, and that is a big if, I might try and go somewhere nice for dinner after my appointment or if i’m able..visit the Theatre.. that’s a dream… I probably will be far too exhausted and I’m dreaming but we shall see how I am on the day.
Last time I went to London I stayed for four days to rest well and was able to visit Les Miserables. I would have liked to have gone with John but I was on my own. I loved the theatre. It was amazing. Maybe in six months for my next appointment we can go for the week and visit the theatre again but not this time. I just need to focus on getting to the appointment and then getting home the next morning.
Well these are just some of my random thoughts about the hospital and I thought I’d share.
Angela x
I am so glad you are getting the treatment that you need. You are so strong.
tHanks. It is great I am finally getting what I need. now I need to be patient and endure!
Oh wow. I can’t imagine having to do that on a regular basis. I’m glad you can at least find some entertainment while you wait sometimes.
it is tough and not very fun!
Chronic medical issues suck so much. I’m thankful I’ve never had to deal with them. They can really suck the joy AND money out of life. I’m glad you’re able to make the best of it and keep a relatively positive outlook.
I agree. It is difficult and hard to understand until you experience it and i would not wish it on anyone.
It must be so tough having to go to the hospital so often, especially when your trips can be so far away. I hope you get your husband to join you in London next time x
Thanks Rhian. It will be nice when I am improved and can visit places more often!
Wow you are going through a lot. I hope you get to see a musical on your next big visit. that would make me and you smile. 🙂
Yes, it would be fun to see a musical in London again!
I had no idea you needed so many hospital appointments. I’m not sure I could manage without a phone but then again it’s probably nicer to be able to concentrate on everything without the endless (and meaningless!) distraction of Facebook and social media.
Yes not having a phone has been tough but then I don’t leave the home as much as others so I guess it’s not as difficult.
Thanks for sharing your journey. It’s all about showing up. One day at a time is how I learned to get through this stuff!
Your welcome. it is about one day at a time I agree!
Sending White Light, Healing Vibes, Prayer and Hugs your way! I am a Cancer Survivor and I know just how draining hospitals can be! 🙁
Thanks for sharing positive vibes 🙂
Oh gosh, it seems a lot a visit a week to the hospital but in the run up to my girls heart surgery years ago we were doing the same. The hospital is 2 hours away on the bus. It made a lot of long days.
Taking the Ipad sounds like a great idea. The fan too…Why do hospitals have to be so hot!
Congrats on having the adrenal pump a year. That seems to have flown over.
I hope you get your theater trip soon x
i bet it took you on a trip down memory lane. It can be long days when I go to hospital. I know the one year has gone by so fast. It took 3 years of fighting and I’m almost at year 4!
My son spends a lot of time at the hospital. Like you, most of his appointments are also far from home. The iPad is the best thing to take to them all!
I’m sorry to hear that but it is comforting to know people understand. Yes i need an Ipad!
You are a real trooper, it is tough to be at the mercy of other people especially to get healthy. I wish you all the luck and good health in the future.
Hopefully things will only improve. I can’t get well from chronic conditions but can improve and manage it better.
Being at a hospital for appointments or stays can be so draining. I hope next time you get to go back to the theatre.
It sure can be draining. I’m glad it’s not more often!
I am so sorry that you have to go through all of that, but you sound like you have such an upbeat attitude. Chronic illness can be so exhausting it is hard not to get frustrated and irritable. It seems like you have found a great outlet in blogging.
Thanks. It is tough but yes blogging about it does help!
Stay strong and positive. I hope everything’s going well.
Glad that you are visiting your doctor weekly. The more you visit the more a chance to heal. 🙂 Always pray that everything will be fine. Get well!
That must be so tough going to the hospital all the time. I’m so glad there are things you can do to be somewhat entertained while you’re there.
What an ordeal. I am pleased that you’re finding ways to cope with the weekly visits. Tx
Thanks Ting. it is good to find ways to deal with this and make the most of life no matter what my circumstances.
You seem to be taking it pretty well. If I were having to do this every day, I would be very upset. I applaud your ability to stay positive.
I hope all continues to go well. This is not the reason one wants to go to London. Sigh. I’m glad you get your sandwich for a little reward. Sometimes it’s definitely the little things. 🙂
It sure is!
All in all, I am happy to see that you are getting the treatments that you are supposed to be getting despite the many sacrifices that have to be made. I am rooting for your good health! Stay strong, girl!
You are one strong woman. I mean, most people would have given up if they had what you have. I have two cousins who are cancer survivors but they still have to go to the hospital every so often to have them screened for malignant growth. You are an inpiration to those suffering from chronic illness!
thanks Annemarie. I appreciate your lovely comments.
This must be really tough for you but I’m glad you are getting the help you need
I too suffer from a chronic illness that will never heal on it own, but I can manage the symptoms. I wish you well on your doctor’s visits and I hope you get to watch a theater play soon.
Thanks. It will be nice to go tot he theatre one day soon!
Ahh, I hope all the treatments are going well. My Grandma spends a lot of time in hospital getting transfusions and she always takes her music with her but it sounds like she always has a laugh with the nurses! xo
I think the Nurses are great in the treatment places. They do a fantastic job!
Oh my you’ve got such strength. I would find these downtimes so difficult. Do you follow podcasts? I’m obsessed. They are great for us bloggers and so inspiring. Let me know if you need any recommendations. Elinor x
Interesting post! I can’t imagine how much you have to go through on a daily basis. I think I’d go mad sitting in a hospital all the time, especially with no cell phone!
Yes.. Sometimes I feel that way! I will get a new phone eventually.
Hospitals can be really boring when you have to sit there for hours on end. I am so happy you are getting the help you need. Have you tried crocheting? It would keep you busy and I find all the counting of stitches helps to keep my anxiety down.
I’ve not tried that. It may be something to have a go at!