being alone at the hospital (cross post )

Hi all,
I hope everyone is doing well today.
I posted on the 12th about going in for exploratory surgery on the 19th and I appreciate all the support I got  here.I was feeling a little less afraid but now I just found out my Husband will be going on shifts at work next week. He works for the the transportation department of PA. 

He Will be able to be off the day of my surgery but after that he will be working 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm so he will not be able to be with me the days after my surgery due to the hospital being about an hour away and we are supposed to get snow here in PA which means he'll be working over until midnight.

Has anybody else ever been in the hospital and been alone? How did you deal with it? I really feel like canceling until he goes back to normal daylight hours but that won't be until April and I know I can't put it off that long.

Thanks for letting me whine and complain to you all.
Take care,

Is it preferable to have someone with you? Sure. It makes a hospital stay a little easier.

But don't be afraid. You will be surrounded by people whose job it is to keep you safe and comfortable.

Take lots of books!

What hospital will you be in?

Thank you Normanb258,
I will be at Allegheny General in Pittsburgh. thats a good idea about the books I do like to read.

I spent 10 days in the hospital when I had my knee(s) replaced (10 days both times - 5 days on the surgical side and 5 days in skilled nursing for rehab) - and there were some very lonely days, but books helped, and so did a portable CD player my sister got me - I loved having that! If you have an iPod or MP3 or something like that I would defintely load it up and take that along - you can even download books on tape if you like that sort of thing. Don't put off your surgery - it probably isn't good for you - but you can find things to occupy your mind and your time. Crossword or word puzzle books are good, too - things to keep your mind occupied.

Good luck with the surgery - keep us posted.

Kathy

Thank you Kathy,
I'm going to get some books. I like music but I can't stand to wear headphones so that's out.I 'm hoping to only be there a couple days if all goes well and they can do it lap instead of open.

I pretty much spent my whole time at barix by myself... I brought books and my ipod and just read and watched tv... to me it was a nice break from dealing with a 1 year old (at the time), dishes, etc... hehehe... so think of it as a mini get a way...

I made sure my ipod was loaded with my favorite tunes and I took its docking speakers so I could listen to the music without earplugs.  they nurses were so cute.  they would come in to listen to the music i was playing.

Diane

It's not the greatest feeling in the world, but definately doable.  And hopefully you'll have really great nurses taking care of you and can "bond" with a few of them.

Besides....you'll want to rest and recover and not feel like you have to be "awake" for visitors.

Definately bring things you like....books like others said or if you are in to crosswords or whatever.  At least a few magazines.

You'll be alright!

Pam

I had three kids away from home and my husband was unable to stay very long with me at the hospital all three times.  I managed just fine, and this was long before CD players or iPods.  When I had my gastric bypass, my family only visited me briefly.  I took my iPod and books and crocheting.  The TV sucks at Barix, so I was better off with my music and my books.

Rest and read, and you will be fine.

Hugs,
Trish