i am still very concerned (ok, you might say obsessed cause i'm so scared), of having to go into the hospital cause of this colon problem.
what can you recommend to do? i've been reading articles on hospital infections and it ain't good!!
i don't think as a patient you can do much, it's the environment.
but is there anything you can do to protect yourself? do they do a central line if you have colon surgery? isn't an iv a central line?
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
You can watch the hospital personnel closely to make sure they wash their hands before touching you or any thing connected to you such as an IV.
You should watch that they use sterile technique when necessary and use blood and body fluid precautions...such as gloves, masks when indicated, etc.
Also, I wouldn't want a sick nurse taking care of me...one who sounds like they have a bad cold.
An IV is not a central line, it is a peripheral line.
A central line would be used for a very sick patient at the discretion of the Dr.
You should also have someone who can be there with you as often as possible who can be your advocate when you are unable to speak for yourself.
I hope you don't have to be in that situation, but you are wise to think about it before it arises.
Posted by grandmother (Member # 19908) on :
Having someone with you is a good idea.
Perferably someone with a little knowledge and brass balls.
Posted by proudmom (Member # 15532) on :
How long before your stay? I did all I could to boost my imune system. Vit.C,D etc. for the couple of weeks prior. Just being in the hospital is enough to put stress on you and your immune sys. Do what you can as far as meditation and relaxation too.
I know it's hard to be positive in such an environment but preparing yourself is very important. I'm sending you possitive energy and hugs. Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
Are you saying that you are going into the hospital because of your colon issues; or that you are just worried that you might have to go?
Either way, don't cross any bridges before you get to them! 90% of the time we worry for no reason!
And if you are going to the hospital, there is some good advice on this thread.
Don't worry, I'm sure it will all work out!
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
First of all, try to avoid hospitals like the plague. You only go if it is an emergency, like you might literally die if you don't go, or you have a scheduled surgery that is not elective.
If you are admitted have someone scrub down all ALL the surfaces in your room with Chlorox wipes. Cleaning people in general don't care enough to do a good job. They have too much work to do so if it looks OK they don't touch it.
You should not touch anything that you don't have to. Don't touch the curtains, put sheets on the chairs, etc.
Make sure that if anyone touches you that they wash their hands. Hand sanitizer is OK, soap and water is best.
Doctors are the worst when it comes to spreading germs. They rarely wash their hands though they seem to touch everything in site. They do not follow universal precautions. Many do not put on proper attire (gown, gloves, etc) when they examine patients in isolation. This scares the daylights out of me!
At least most nurses are very aware of good hand washing precautions. They don't want to get sick. They don't want you to get sicker. Healthy patients are easier. Healthy discharged patients are even better.
Have someone with you to speak for you and watch over your care. Ask lots of questions. If you need something ask.
Have family wash their hands before they leave to prevent bringing germs home.
Finally, pray that you have a good nurse. A good nurse will make sure that you are taken care of providing you with simple things like ice water to making sure that all your docs are communicating on the same page. He/She will watch out for you, get you what you need to get well and go home.
If your someone (nurse, aide, house keeper, or physical therapist, etc) treats you well, thank them for it. People like to complain but they rarely give compliments. If you do this you will make someone's day. They will love you!
And after all that, try not to worry. Focus on getting better. You will get better.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
well i'll find out friday cause my colon exam is for 8:30. it's at one of those care centers not at the big hospital. it's called an endoscopy center. i've had about three there and so far so good.
had to have them due to precancerous polyps so i needed checking every couple of years.
my doc is real good.
i'm hoping that he will just say abx and restricted diet but i'm not sure. he said in 2007 i had this problem and i've had the one er attack in december and then two bad attacks in january.
so we'll see. i'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying alot.
my mom had it, my dad had his colon removed and wore the bag, and one sister has it, so it's family.
Posted by Karen Mc (Member # 23354) on :
Randibear,
Im praying for you and hoping all will go well. Lets us know!! You've been such a help and blessing to all of us here
Karen Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
I'm praying that your exam goes well on Friday and you have a good outcome!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Keep us posted!! I think you'll have a good outcome!!
Posted by Alana (Member # 14077) on :
-When you enter the hospital (especially via the ER), insist that you be given a mask (or bring one yourself) This is especially important when you are in common areas like halls and elevators, enroute to x-ray, procedures, your hospital room, etc. If no mask is given to you, cover your nose and mouth with either the clothing your brought with you, or the blanket you were given upon arrival -Bring a large container of Purell. Place it on your table and insist that anyone coming near you use it -Insist that anyone wanting to listen to your lungs or heart sanitize their stethoscopes with either an alcohol wipe or Purell -Yeah, they might think you're a bit odd, but do you really care? Better odd than sick with a hospital-acquired infection! -Request paper plates and plastic utensils for all hospital meals -Do not let housekeeping staff "wash" the table that your meals are placed on, or the side table that your phone is on. You can sanitize these surfaces yourself with alcohol wipes, clorox wipes, or Purell -If anyone (nurse, doc, aide, cleaning person) enters your room with an obvious cough or illness, tell them your immune system is shot and that you do not want to be around anyone who is sick, as you've been through too much already (or you can simply say "would you mind reassigning my case to someone who is not coughing/sick?" It is your right to request that a different nurse, doc or whomever be assigned to you. If you are nice about it, most people are reasonable and will understand. -If anyone refuses to honor your requests, use your hospital phone (wiped down with alcohol or Purell of course) and request that the nurse supervisor come to your room as soon as possible. Should your room (esp ER rooms)not have a house phone, use your cell phone to dial the main number and request to speak to the nurse supervisor in charge of the ER/Floor 3, or whatever. Explain your concerns to her and ask her to help you address and rectify the problem. -If you are sharing a room (UGH) make sure you have Clorox wipes on hand to wipe the sink and toilet. Keep the curtain separating the beds closed for privacy as well as a "germ barrier". -If you are on the window side of the room, crack the window a bit so you get some fresh air. -If your roomate is allowing family and friends to use YOUR restroom and sink, call the nurse supervisor and/or talk a walk over the nurses' station and tell them what's going on. They might not do anything about it, but it's worth a shot.
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of course) and request that the nurse supervisor come to your room as soon as possible. Should your room (esp ER rooms)not have a house phone, use your cell phone to dial the main number and request to speak to the nurse supervisor in charge of the ER/Floor 3, or whatever. Explain your concerns to her and ask her to help you address and rectify the problem.