Question:
Should my husband stay overnight with me at the hospital the night of surgery?

I feel like I would really like the security of having my husband spend that first night in the room with me. He would like to be there as well. I feel safest when I'm with him. I'm not sure this is allowed, I'm sure I can find out from the hospital. Did anyone else have have their spouse or another person stay with them? Was it helpful? Did the hospital provide a cot and offer meals? I'd be interested to hear how it went.    — Donna L. (posted on August 26, 2001)

August 26, 2001
I had my mom stay both nights with me in the hospital. I had a private room and there was a big chair that she slept in. The guy across the hall who also had the surgery had his wife stay with him. She even used the shower. Hope this helps!
   — Jennifer B.

August 26, 2001
My husband stayed with me the whole time and I hate to think about going through it without him! He even slept on the floor for two nights before they found him a roll away bed. Let the hospital know someone will be staying with you so they can be prepared. I liked having him there because as much as the nurses cared about my welfare it wasn't the same as having someone who loves you taking care of you. Also I was supposed to walk every 2 hours at night and they only came in to get me up twice in the three nights I was there. As far as meals he will probably have to eat in the cafeteria - yum!
   — georgiacarol

August 26, 2001
I haven't had surgery yet, but earlier in the year I was hospitalized for 3 days for mono and a ruptured spleen and my husband left the hospital only once, and that was to pick up his sister to come and visit. They gave him patient trays with meals. When my mom had open heart surgery, I was allowed to stay with her also. They gave me breakfast, and let me sleep in the bed next to hers (she was in a semi-private room with no roomie). I have yet to hear of a hospital that doesn't allow it, as long as there is not another patient in the room. Just ask the hospital, most of them want what's best for you. Hope this helps!
   — [Anonymous]

August 26, 2001
ABSOLUTELY!!!! You need someone to stay with you because the nursing staff at most hospitals are too busy to provide immediate attention when you might need it most. I was hospitalized for 6 days and my mother stayed with me. They did not provide her meals but there was a chair that converted into a bed that she slept in each night. Probably not the most comfortable situation but I sure was glad she was there. My husband was busy taking care of our son. I wish you the best!
   — Sharon R.

August 26, 2001
I would recommend you actually talk to the hospital first to find out what their policy is. My gf had her surgery an hour from our house. We had been told by the surgeon, and the hospital that I would be allowed to stay with her. Then the night of surgery she was in ICU, which we knew and I spent the night in the ICU waiting room and then the next day she was moved into a room and i was told I was not allowed to stay there with her. So.. Make sure you try to talk to the actual ward you / your loved one would be staying in.
   — Elizabeth D.

August 27, 2001
I hope the hospital will agree to let him stay since it is so important to you. I also want my husband there at least the 1st night. I have this fear of blood clots (never had them before) and I want him to wake me up every couple of hours to make me move and stretch so my blood keeps a flowing. lol Am I crazy or what? Hope it all works out for you.
   — Kelly C.

August 27, 2001
My daughter who was 17 at the time stayed with me. They brought her in a convertable little bed and the nurses treated her so well. She had to go eat her own meals in the cafeteria though. My hospital also had a special room where family members could shower and sleep in some recliners for brief periods of rest. Check with the hospital.
   — Cindy H.