13 Things I’ve Learned Since Dad is Hospitalized
1) It was recently discovered that Daddy has diabetes and gout, on top of his hypertension. He was hospitalized since May 5 due to severe dehydration from infectious diarrhea. Being the type of person who doesn’t like having consults with physicians (including his physician daughter) regarding his current state of health, he doesn’t think he could have DM or gout. It was only after the results from the lab came in that he believed he was indeed not invincible or impermeable to such illnesses.
2) Doctors are extra careful and attentive if their patient is a relative of another doctor
3) To be the hospital companion of a bedridden patient for several days is almost as good as having worked out at the gym for several days.
4) Visitors are good for a patient’s faster recovery… to a certain extent only.
5) It is good to always have extra cash at hand all the time. Store this cash in your favorite handbag or bag which you use often or in your “emergency” wallet.
6) Stock up on common medical supplies like cotton balls, alcohol, betadine, disposable gloves, diapers, etcetera, because it is more expensive getting everything from the hospital pharmacy, wherein prices of medical supplies are commonly 2x - 3x pricier than the original cost. And, if possible, buy all medications from a trusted drugstore outside the hospital. It’s way cheaper.
7) Another advantage of buying medical supplies and medicines outside the hospital: if your patient is a senior citizen, you can avail of 20% discount for his medications.
It’s hard treating a patient especially if the patient is your dad because he can be really, really stubborn.
9) But, also, if your patient is your dad, he can be trusting, at times, to the extent that he would only trust you with administering his medicines because he would not let any of the hospital nurses to do it for him. Check out my previous post.
10) It pays to have a health insurance. My dad doesn’t have one but since he is admitted in a hospital where I work, there is no problem with having to produce cash for deposit within 24 hours of admission and other on-cash basis procedures. I can pay for everything at the time of hospital discharge. But how about those who are not affiliated with the hospital in any way? So, for those who are using health cards (Fortunecare, Medicard, Maxicare, etcetera), keep maintaining your health insurance account. Do not feel that the monthly payments you make to these go to waste because it is for the convenience that in a time of emergency you need not worry about hunting for cash that you are paying these.
11) There’s nothing like a hospitalized family member to strain the entire family. But, at the same time, it also can keep the family together.
12) Learn your medications by heart. Or, at least, keep a list of all your medications. It’s not good having to rely on nursing staff and other people to remember all your meds for you because not all nurses take to heart what they are doing. Some just wanted to get through with the shift and be done with it. When you are admitted in a hospital and medications are about to be administered to you, always ask what these medications are. It is imperative that you pay attention to your health and how it is being taken cared of.
13) Savings are very, very important in a medical crisis!
LEAVE YOUR LINKS AND COMMENTS!!!
May 17th, 2007 at 11:27
I hope your dad feels better soon.
There are lots of diabetes blogs, when you have more time check them out so you and your dad don’t feel so alone–it helps with me and my diabetic husband.
May 17th, 2007 at 11:50
Hi Dra Tess! I want to get my own health insurance / health card too sana. Do you have an idea kung mgkano ung monthly ng mga ganun? Tsaka ano po sa opinion nyo ang pinaka okay na card na pinakamura hehehe
May 17th, 2007 at 11:56
Hope he’s feeling better soon.
May 17th, 2007 at 12:32
to Journewoman: Thanks so much. I’ll visit those blogs soon
May 17th, 2007 at 12:36
To Joni: Try clicking on the links in my post (Fortunecare, Maxicare, Medicard). I would recommend using Maxicare (even if I’m working for the other one hehehe). What you would want kasi with a health card is the one with the most hospital affiliations. Medyo expensive nga lang ang maxicare. Check mo sa mga rates nila sa site.
May 17th, 2007 at 12:38
to pussreboots: thanks so much. He says he feels better now
May 17th, 2007 at 17:33
Hi Prudence! My mother suffered a stroke last March, and when I read your article, it sounded like our very own experience. It is hard to describe the physical, emotional, and financial strain that we undergo when a member of our family gets sick. Thankfully things hae eased a little bit nowadays, we hope your father is now okay. Regards…
May 18th, 2007 at 0:08
Lived through some of those lessons my self. Thanks for sharing.
Lyn from Bloggin’ Outloud
May 18th, 2007 at 0:27
My husband found this all out when I was hospitalized after a fall with hip surgery. I was there 8 days and he stayed constantly! And, then 2 years ago, he was hospitalized for 10 days with gall bladder infection and removal - he was sick! AND, too many visitors are not good! The two of us was really all we needed, except for our children. You don’t need to entertain when you are sick in the hospital.
May 18th, 2007 at 2:16
i remember when my dad was in the hospital. i’m not a doctor, but i can relate to a lot of these. thanks for sharing. best wishes to you all.
May 18th, 2007 at 5:09
Those are hard lessons, and that was a really hard way to learn them. I am actually amazed at how much blogging you have managed to do in the face of this crisis. It all took me quite by surprise!
May 19th, 2007 at 14:47
to Must Be That Girl: Thanks so much. We do learn a lot from difficult experiences. I hope your mom is doing fine
May 19th, 2007 at 14:48
to Lyn: Yeah, thanks for visiting, too!
May 19th, 2007 at 14:51
to Barb: It’s nice to have visitors because you’ll know people care about what had happened. But I really preferred that they just come in small groups, you know, so that it will be easier on the part of the patient. I do appreciate all those who had visited my Dad in the hospital, though.
May 19th, 2007 at 14:54
to Lara: Thanks to you, too!
Certainly some difficulties come as blessings in disguise. I do want to take what I’ve learned from this and apply it to how I treat my patients.
May 19th, 2007 at 14:56
to Don Thieme: I haven’t really done much blogging. But if you’re still wondering, the only times that I do get to blog these days were during those times I go home to get some clothes. After that, I sit in front of the computer and just type away what I have in mind.
May 19th, 2007 at 20:13
Long hospital stays are always a strain on the family as well as the patient. It is good that you are able to be at your father’s bedside.