I need a shrink!

I have always been so strong and postive minded and mentally alert and focused....never in a million years would I think I would ever need a shrink, but that is almost what I am thinking now. I can't quite explain it, but my horrible stay in the hospital is still in my mind, and I can't shake it. Never once, in all our posts here did I ever think about asking for a private room, or inquiring how much extra, etc.. just assumed my affluent town's hospital would be ok...I have been there before and everything was fine, but they were just overnights and I had private.....just didn't think about it. Not only was the roommate situation so bad, but we were stuck on a tiny pediatric floor with not much place to motivate or walk. I had pictured walking down long corridors and looking out the windows and visiting the waiting areas and watching people....all I got to do is walk the length of our unit which was about 20 rooms up and back up and back. And I can't get the sounds of my sick roommate out of my head and her drugged look and having to sleep with my hand near the call button...I didn't want her to die! And I am not being a wonderful, caring , samaritan here...it was aggravating, disgusting and so hard on me. But getting home in 2 days, even though I was having some dumping and diarrhea problems, really saved my sanity! Now, I find myself resenting those of you who post about your private rooms, your private nurses and I am sorry if I come across snippy or mean. I apologize. There! Maybe I saved myself a lot of money by venting here.

((((((((Sally))))))))) When do you see your surgeon again? Maybe you could complain about the situation and tell her that it was a horrible experience for you. Maybe she could pull some strings and make it a better stay for her next WLS patient. I also think its horrible that you had to stay in the ped unit. How horribly depressing. Ive always found when I had a problem, even a small one, that when I complain to someone who could possibly DO something about it, I feel better. In my opinion, everyone who goes in the hospital should have a peaceful experience. Recovering from surgery should be peaceful, you shouldnt have had to play the mother roll to the woman next to you. I dont blame you from having issues related to your stay there. It was horrendous. You have every right to feel envious of those who had private rooms, you stayed with a moaning, groaning, puking woman in the bed next to you. Complain away!!!!

Thanks I feel better already! Actually, it was no one's fault...just bad luck. The hospital is beautiful, undergoing some new construction, and was crowded...I had a "holding" room before surgery and after recovery, that was private.,,,,I wish I could have stayed there. The ironic part is when they wheeled her into my room (at least I had the window bed) I heard her complaining that it wasn't private...LOL Then I heard her tell her daughter on the phone the next day that I was "nice". Then the poor thing lost touch with reality. I am not a doctor, but I think she had severe diabetic complications PLUS dumping PLUS lactose intolerance.. thanks it will be out of my mind eventually. My Hunny was self employed with no insurance when he had open heart and had always gone to vet hospitals. The one in Chicago has quality care, but rooms with 4 or more beds...he understands completely what I was talking about as he had to "listen" to a lot of sick people too.

When I called you thats where you were, in the holding room I think. She just sounded like a whiner... I feel bad for her tho, especially if she was having complications. I really hope she made it out of the H. Thank goodness you didnt have to deal with what your Hunny did. 4 beds???? Youd think that Veterans would have better treatment. Thats another subject all together tho. (I lived near a V.A. hospital, the conditions those people LIVED in was horrible-so I sympathize)

Hi Sally: I know exactly what you are talking about. I had the worst hospital experience of my life! In fact every time I think about it it makes me cry! My surgery went well except for difficulty breathing and getting enough oxygen. My recovery room was staffed by uncaring, incompetent nurses and other fools. The unit I was placed on had relatives of the same fools. The place was dirty and noisy. I didn't have a private room but I did hire 2 aides. I asked for nurses and got aides but that didn't matter much. They were fine and well worth the $220.00 I spent. It was 110.00 per 12 hour shift. I'm sure it would have cost more than double for a nurse. So I am not going to see a shrink. I am going to document my experience and send a copy to the hospital administrator, the director of nurses, and if I decide to forgo my privacy, I will send the story to the 3 major New York newspapers. I have repeatedly told my friends who are getting surgery to hire private duty help but everyone ignores that advice. My dd just said last night "I now see the difference between having hel*****t." Sally, you'll be ok - just vent or send letters, then change the subject in your mind. If you do send letter try to write them as objectively as possible. I am going to write about what they did wrong and not so much how I felt about it. Good luck - we're on the losing side now. Louise

Louise I feel so badly resenting reading you had private nurses on the other forum...that was one of the things that I was referring to in this post. I pictured you in a lavish country club atmosphere hospital with a private room, nurses doting on you....LOL So sorry, for YOUR experience too...and my thoughts! I never saw any of your advice for special duty nurse, but I guess I really needed a private room more than anything....one note though: you aren't allowed any water by mouth right after surgery on purpose....I tried every trick in the book to get something for my dry mouth except a swab and they were all adamant about it....so don't blame them too harshly on that. Well, the main thing, Louise...is US OLD FOLKS MADE IT! YEA!

My doc would not even let me have a swab or a wet rag for my lips for 36 hours! They did not want anything that would make me salivate. I thought I would die of thirst! Joy

Hospitals seem to all be overcrowded and understaffed these days. Sometimes it does not turn out so badly, but you really drew the short straw. You don't need a shrink--you just need some time. Realize that sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression are normal short term effects of this surgery. Don't be afraid of them, just muddle through like the rest of us! It will get better, Dear. I'm so grateful you were not the sick one, and I know you are too. Joy

Sally I don't think you need a shrink. I think you have had a lot to deal with latley and that it has been weighing on your mind. I am going to pray that God lift all that weight off your mind in the name of Jesus. I have read a lot of your e-mails on this board and I myself think you are a wonderful person. Will talk to you later , If you need to talk e-mail me any time I listen. Sarah T.

Thanks Sarah--I feel much better already...slept better, keeping things in my tummy and have lost all those hospital fluids already, can see the bones in my ankles, no pain.