Monday, June 21, 2021

Hospital Life Lately...

Where do I start? This hospitalization has been so challenging. It's the first time my Mom is an actual Oncology patient in the Oncology Unit. That has made it a bit easier. If you've spent a significant time in the hospital...you will understand. My Dad spent so much time in the hospital. And anytime we weren't in oncology...it was the worst! 

With my Mom, she has been in normal units. As well as ICU and the CCU. Normal or stepdown units are horrible! So I'm relieved to be here. In this space. With caring people. Knowing we will see her doctor every day. And ironically, we're here. During his hospital rotation. Makes things easier. And my Mom isn't fighting to go home. Because she trusts her doctor. Heck, even Dr. I has been nice this time around. 

But my Mom has had a number of procedures. New and old. It takes me roughly an hour to get home. So I can feed the dogs and clean up after them. Another hour back. I quick trip home...is usually 3+ hours. And my Mom hates for me to leave her. So it's tough. And she can't have any other visitors because of COVID-19 restrictions. I've tried leaving enough food and water...so I only go home every 2-3 days. 

The challenging part for me. Has been trying to get my timing right. The doctors don't round at a set time any longer. Did COVID-19 change things? I've been going on runs, early in the morning. I found a nice trail near the hospital. But then, I don't know when to shower. Because the nurse and the techs have different shift changes. And they like to hear from me during that time. So basically I just sit here for 2 hours. Then I'm trying to beat the doctors. The Oncologist and the Hospitalist come at completely different hours. The nephrologist also comes by. 

Since I've been running...I don't want to smell. But at the same time, when do I race in for my 5 minute shower? Every day I've been caught by one doctor or nurse. I'm usually in the shower. Today, I'd just gotten out. And was about to get dressed. My naked body right next to the glass door. When I'm in the shower...I will figure out a way to get dressed in there. But, well...

At the Main Hospital I wouldn't care. They have real doors. Here everything is glass. I mean it's a frosted glass door separating the room and the bathroom. I hope Dr. N didn't see anything. But who knows. At this point, I'm just happy to be clean. And that my Mom is improving. But really. Why was he so early today? Hopefully he was busy doing doctor things and didn't notice me fighting to get dressed in that small space.

I dressed as fast as possible when I heard him talking. And I came out to see him kneeling to talk with my Mom. Soaking hair. No socks on. But at least I was dressed. Maybe we get to go home this week? Hopefully. Because I doubt Dr. N will be here much longer. And my Mom isn't going to want to stay past that point. I'm just saying.

On top of all of this. I'm pretty sure he saw my underwear last week. I was getting ready to take a shower, when he came to see my Mom. With the NP. I was trying to help her with something. And he went to the bathroom to get something for us. Ya, all my stuff was sitting on the sink. Just life in the hospital. I guess. I'm ready to go home and peacefully shower. Maybe cook a meal.

If we're here much longer. I'm going to have to get a better schedule. When my Mom was in the ICU almost 2 years ago. Dr. P and I came up with a schedule. When he'd get here in the morning...at 4AM. He'd sit outside the room. So I could have 10 uninterrupted minutes. He wasn't letting anyone in the room, unless my Mom was having an emergency. I greatly appreciated that. We were also in the hospital for almost 6 weeks? 

I don't ask for much when I tag along with my Mom. I want her to get the best care. And as long as I can take a 5 minute shower and brush my teeth...I'm a happy lady. Total bonus if I can get decent food. At this particular location...the cafeteria is horrible. And I'm afraid to leave before lunch time. So I'm just eating dinner. By now, you'd think I'd buy myself some snacks to hide in the closet. Your girl is living on iced tea...and dinner. But I can benefit from dropping a few pounds. 

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