Tips From a Surgeon: What Every Patient Should Know

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http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=3015082 & page=1

Barb in Texas - Together in the Fight, Whatever it Takes!

Son Ken (32) UC 91 - PSC 99 Listed 7/21 @ Baylor Dallas

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This is a very interesting article especially the part about a sick family member should not be left alone. How true! My husband and I both kept notebooks where we could jot down questions, concerns etc so that they wouldn't get forgotten. It also gave us a place to make notes to back up things we found wrong or not addressed properly such as housekeeping taking two days to empty trash cans or mop the bathroom floor where urine had spilled. There were many nights when I stayed all night with my husband that had I not been there who knows how much attention he would have gotten since he had many notes on ringing for the nurse, the aide comes in to see what he wants, shuts the call light off and then it is another hour before the nurse actually shows up on nights that I didn't stay. That hour can make a big difference when waiting for pain meds. Yes

I know all hospitals have posted visiting hours but when you are in a private room they cannot throw you out unless it is for a safety reason. Even when he was in ICU I generally didn't leave him except when they asked me to due to a procedure they had to do. After the nurses on my husbands many floors realized how much I was doing to make it easier to take care of him they never questioned my coming and going or rooting in the linen closet for fresh linens for him to make his bed the way he liked it. Don't take anything for granted. If something doesn't seem right to you, question it. That question could make a big difference in your loved ones care. Hettinger

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[Guest guest]

This is a very interesting article especially the part about a sick family member should not be left alone. How true! My husband and I both kept notebooks where we could jot down questions, concerns etc so that they wouldn't get forgotten. It also gave us a place to make notes to back up things we found wrong or not addressed properly such as housekeeping taking two days to empty trash cans or mop the bathroom floor where urine had spilled. There were many nights when I stayed all night with my husband that had I not been there who knows how much attention he would have gotten since he had many notes on ringing for the nurse, the aide comes in to see what he wants, shuts the call light off and then it is another hour before the nurse actually shows up on nights that I didn't stay. That hour can make a big difference when waiting for pain meds. Yes

I know all hospitals have posted visiting hours but when you are in a private room they cannot throw you out unless it is for a safety reason. Even when he was in ICU I generally didn't leave him except when they asked me to due to a procedure they had to do. After the nurses on my husbands many floors realized how much I was doing to make it easier to take care of him they never questioned my coming and going or rooting in the linen closet for fresh linens for him to make his bed the way he liked it. Don't take anything for granted. If something doesn't seem right to you, question it. That question could make a big difference in your loved ones care. Hettinger

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