Mind numbed by a number of hospital visits in the past two weeks

MarkinPhx

MarkinPhx

Well-known Member
Location
Phoenix
About two weeks ago my sister (who has a broken foot) fell and hit her head and was rushed to the hospital. The initial fear was that a stroke caused her fall. She did not have a stroke but was in the ICU for a few days but was finally released this past Sunday and is recovering well. However, yesterday I got a call from the Mental care facility that my dad is living at telling me that my dad was rushed to the hospital because they feared he had a blood clot in his leg. Thankfully they did not find a clot when examined but it has been almost 24 hours since he got to the ER and they still have not found a room for him. He has been given a brain MRI and knee scan and both of those came out negative.

So I have spent a lot of time visiting and waiting at the hospital for the past couple of weeks and I have forgotten how mind numbing the experience can be. Obviously the emotional rollercoaster has worn me out but it's the waiting that really numbs me. I guess I am not saying anything new to many who have gone through similar experiences. My oldest sister and her husband came to relieve me so they are now waiting at the hospital until my dad finally gets a room. and I am at home just dazed and staring into space without a thought. And obviously rambling !

Obviously I don't expect hospitals to be fun and festive but just entering one seems to dull my senses. Almost 30 years ago my mom was in the ICU for almost 4 weeks and as strange as it sounds I found it calming to visit her at nights. She had no idea I was there visiting but I would sit in the dark room and listen to the constant humming and beeps of the medical equipment and it seemed to put me in a tranquil state. Almost a meditative state.

I am not very good at writing my thoughts down so this may not make sense but I was curious what others felt or thought when they visited loved ones at the hospital and that person wasn't aware that you were there visiting them.
 

You're describing an experience you've had before and now recently.
I have been in waiting rooms lately for Dr appts but not when a person is unaware in ICU.
I can understand the meditative state. Seems the perfect time for that. Reflecting.
It's good to share your thoughts here and I hope your Dad gets a room soon.
 
@MarkinPhx
Visiting relatives in hospital has no negative effect on me, as it does on my sister. Her late husband was in
hospital for some time before he passed while there. She absolutely hates hospitals and visiting patients.
I can see how draining it must be, to sit for so long with a relative who is very ill.

We used to visit my late brother-in-law when he was in the cardiac ward. If he was asleep, we would just
sit down and wait for him to wake up.

I hope your sister and dad recover and recuperate well. Meanwhile, you're doing all you can. I hope you
can ease your stress level by having your relatives share the hospital visits.
 

I’ve had to spend some time in hospital when my mom was a patient over the years . A lot of busy active time ( meals, bathing, etc) followed by a lot of boring down time.

As long as I had a book to read I could tolerate the sitting around. But as you said, it can be mind numbing . Add to that, I was having to subsist on rushed fast food meals rather than healthy home cooking.

Being cooped up indoors would get to me and I would have to take time to go outside. The hospital has an outdoor walking track that was convenient.
 
I have waited for hours, days with the unknown of a loved one. Drug addiction and overdoses. So not the same scenario but the draining, worry about a loved one. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I will pray sister and dad will get thru this. Remember to take care of yourself so you can help them.
Hospital settings can be overwhelming as it is. To have your loved one there is even more stressful. Let your friends and family surround you.
 
We have a policy that we don't leave family in the hospital alone until they are out of any danger.

We almost lost my youngest sister due to surgical incompetence.

Another sister was sitting by the bed in a darkened room and heard her moaning softly. She turned on a light and when she saw blood running off the bed and spreading across the floor, she ran screaming for a nurse.

An artery had been "nicked" during surgery and had finally burst. They rushed her into surgery again to repair the artery and pumped her full of blood, saving her life.

Had no one been with her, she would have died on the spot before nursing personnel checked on her.

Now, someone is sitting by the bed 24 hours.
 
Having loved ones in the hospital is always stressful. In the case of an emergency, it's even more so. Thankfully, your sister is recovering. I hope they can determine what's wrong with your dad and that he'll be okay. At least you know it's not a blood clot. It's a lot to handle on your own, and I'm glad your oldest sister and her husband are there to give you a break.

I'm not comfortable in hospitals and want to spend as little time there as possible. However, when someone I love is hospitalized, I don't want them to be alone and feel compelled to be there as much as I can. Hospitals are full and short-staffed, and the staff is often overwhelmed. Keeping an eye on things is important.

Mark, your mom might not have been aware of your presence, and as difficult as that was for you, the important thing is that you were there with her. That's love.

Please take care of yourself and let us know how your dad makes out.

Bella ✌️
 
Mark, you have certainly been through it lately. My mother was admitted to the hospital many times when she would fall or have some type of heart-related issue. I've spent many a day there. Yes, the waiting is mind numbing.

I think you were very eloquent in your explanation. Please take some time for yourself. You can be more supportive that way.
 

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