Day 8: Half way there

I have been here for eight days. I have eight more days to go. Within those eight days, I’ve learned:

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• it is critical to bring snacks to the hospital for extended stays: you don’t know what you will get served for food and you don’t know how your stomach will handle medication — I have a range of sweet, salty, and different textured snacks (Cheez-its, Reese’s, almonds, oatmeal, protein bars, snack fruit bars, etc.) just in case I don’t “feel” like eating a particular type of food one day.
• water. They will fill up your mug, but having a water bottles on hand reduces any moment of dehydration. It is so easy to get dehydrated here from the constant air pulling that is doing through the ventilation system — a necessary system but also one that will make you feel like a raisin.
• hand lotion: back to dehydration. My hands rarely crack or show that they are dehydrated and my god my hands looked like wafer thin paper strips ready to break.
• layers: heat and cool air in large buildings is not predictable. The best outfit I have had here has been a combination of sweatpant, tank top, and comfortable zip up hoodie. Zip up hoodie is a new one for me, I typically wear a crew neck or hoodie, but with the main line flapping out from my neck, a hoodie has been perfect. And it is easy to slip my arm out for the frequent vital checks.
• vouchers: this may not be available at every hospital, but worth an ask. Instead of getting the regular meals delivered, ask if you are able to get a voucher to select what you would like. Here, I am able to walk to the cafe and apply the voucher there. It isn’t the best, but it helps me maintain my weight while here. And, I have seen people wheeled down there by the staff or visitors if they are unable to make the trip. If walking isn’t an option, at least open up the conversation and see if there are alternate options for meals, it is vital to keep up weight in the hospital and so easy to lose while here.
• movement: if you are able to, try and move a bit each day. No stress or gym-like behavior but get out and walk up and down the corridor, or if feeling well, stretch it a bit. There should be devices or nurses available to help if you need assistance, they too know how important this is!
• wipes: body, pits, face — get them and use them.
• shoes: sandals/slip ons and sneakers
• a light: doesn’t matter what, I prefer my soft duck light that I use at home to read with, but a soft light that isn’t the overhead flourescent lights so at night or if you take a nap you can have a comforting light to either read or just have on.
• sleep mask: a must

Some of these I learned from previous stays here, but always good to repeat and remember. Healing is not just the medicine, it is also how you approach your health. Maintaining a positive disposition (not forced!) and keeping an environment that helps you relax (as much as you can here) really go a long way.