question for EMMC patients (and anyone else who has an opinion!)

Hi dearies, I know this is early to be asking this, since my surgery is not for 7 weeks, but I wondered about whether I might want a friend to stay with me in the hospital, since I don't have family around. Is that even allowed? Will I be better off on my own? As authorized EMMC clergy, I have spent quite a bit of time with patients and their families at EMMC and St Joe's and have found that for the most part, patients with an advocate there generally get better attention. Not than I want more than my share, but you know what I mean. You don't have to wait for a nurse to come when you need someone if you have  a loved one there. Of course, this is generally more important for a serious illness, and hopefully I will not have any complications.....but if I do....

What are your thoughts on the subject, especially those who have been on the 3rd floor at EMMC. Thanks!

I had my surgery on june 12 and the first night my nurse was awesome and he let my husband stay with me as long as it was ok with the roomate, who also was very cool and didn't mind a bit. the second night did not go so well they kicked him out and would not let him stay regardless of how much i pleaded. So i must advise, don't plan on having anyone stay with you unless you can somehow manage to get  private room ( also not likely). Needless to say after they kicked out the DH i was not quite as complacent as i should have been and they sent me home the next morning.

Well from what they have told us when we do our class no one can stay unless in a we have our rooms.. but there is a Inn next door where my family will be staying while i am up there as there 24hour access  and allowing families easy access to patient rooms as well as the added convenience of the 24 hour medical center cafeteria and waiting areas.   The name of the Inn is  Riverside Inn  and they also offering a medical discount rate for patients and their families whi*****ludes a hearty continental breakfast, guests are guaranteed free parking at the inn    here is the web page :   http://www.riversidebangor.org/index.htm

My experience was just as Amber stated,  my wife stayed at the Riverside Inn.  It was about $60 per night and it was attached to the hospital.

Thanks to all of you *****sponded to this thread. I think I will tell my friend that there is no need for her to come. To come to my house after I am home for a day or two might be better! You are all such a big help!

Well   Terri When i am not feeling great  i  dont want anyone around and when i wasnt up walking i was  cat napping. Will make sure  i get up to visit and you can call me anytime  as I should be home. The nursing staff is  exceptional.  Sometimes they have  patients that do need them more than  us  so it is  harder to see them.  but  if all goes well  then after the first time you are out of bed you will be able to do it on your own after that. You can  play it  by  ear though  and see how you feel    You usually are only there for  two days Have a great day Terri

From what I have experienced with surgery, and I've had a few, your gonna want to sleep, and most of the time the nurses will wake you up pretty often, by the second day you'll be walking around and won't need anyone, so, my input is: nahhhh, you don't need anyone, rest, snooze ring the buzzer and push the morphine, you'll be fine.... 7 weeks, yoo hooo Terri!!!!!

Terri, OOOOOOOOOO getting so close, so excited for you. I asked that NOONE come...even my DH. I told him to go home after he knew I was out of surgery and ok and then not come back  until I ws ready to come home.  Maybe weird but I really didn't want him to see me with drains and things plus I am such a hospitality freak, that I prob would have been worried about him being bored and have to entertain him, or show him I was just fine...nope...liked being alone with the excellent care I got with Dr. L staff, and CMMC nurses. What is happening on the call front??

I am flying out to Michigan on Wednesday to meet with a church there just outside of Detroit. And in July I am going to Iowa (yes, right in the midst of tornado and flood country!) to meet with a wonderful rural congregation. I am still hoping to have the chance to meet with a congregation here in Maine and one in New Hampshire, but I am not saying yes to any additional church profiles until I see where these lead. It is an exciting time! I am hoping that my Ecclesiastical council will be BEFORE my surgery date and if I don't get that step completed successfully, none of these calls will happen. It will be on a Sunday afternoon at 3 pm. If you would like to come, you may. It is open to the public. Just let me know and I will send you the details (when I know them) in a private message. Thanks for your support Kate!

Terri, let me tell you something, and I dont' want a "Flame" or anything, but, I havn't gone to church since my dgt. was baptized.  "LONG STORY"... me and DH are pretty bitter, not with God but with my old church and the way I was raised.  but If you were near by I'd start going again, I could listen to you talk forever.  Love you and wish you the very best in job searching.  I'm being selfish here, but I want you to stay in Maine....  Good Luck, cheryl