"I Have To Go To The Hospital?"
Ever hear that before? No? Then you're one of the lucky lupies whose disease process has been mild enough to avoid hospitalization. For the rest of us, the mere utterance of the above phrase is enough to make us start to cry!
As much as we dislike it, this "medical incarceration" can help us get out of a flare faster, reduce the damage caused by lupus on our organs and body systems, and even save our lives! The benefits of being in the hospital are pretty conclusive (as much as we hate to admit it!):
* 24-hour assistance with our physical/mental needs
* No traveling back-and-forth to see the docs--they come to you
* Meals (when permitted) brought to you in bed
* In case of emergency, specialists and trained personnel available immediately
* Someone else washes the dishes, changes the sheets, mops the floor, cleans the bathroom, etc.
* No phones, email, visitors, etc. unless you want them
* You can have all your tests done at once, without having to schedule them separately as an outpatient
* Any changes in your condition can be noted immediately and treated without delays that may cost you your health
* People bring you flowers and cards
* If you nap all day, no one says anything
These benefits, although undeniable (especially the napping part!) don't take away the fact that your life, and the lives of your family, are going to be interrupted not only for the length of your hospital stay, but for a while afterwards as you recover from your "vacation."
You can reduce the amount of stress and the degree that your family's lives are affected by having some plans ready, and knowing what to expect if hospitalization is necessary:
* When going to the hospital (If it's not an emergency and you have some time before being admitted) bring only a few basics: toothbrush, hairbrush and something to pin your hair up with if it's long (Who knows if you'll be able to shower?), a book or magazine and a watch you wouldn't mind losing. (It's been known to happen) Don't bring jewelry, changes of clothes (except maybe underwear), money, wallets or pocketbooks, or lots of heavy work from your job. You don't need to worry about losing valuables, and you certainly don't need to stress yourself with work-related things.
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