Question:
When to have visitors at hospital?
I'm very grateful that my friends are eager to come visit me, even wait at thehospital while I'm in surgery. I want them to visit while I'm in the hospital, I'm sure their presence will encourage me...but is there a point for friends to be there the first day? Will I even remember them being there? Will I be decent company? Will I want thm there day one? Should I ask them to wait until day 2 or 3 to visit? — [Deactivated Member] (posted on July 13, 2006)
July 12, 2006
Personally, the first day I wasn't really up for anything. I just wanted
to rest and adjust. I think day 2 might be a better choice. You'll be a
little more used to getting up and around. And it will have given you a
good much needed rest. I don't do well with anestesia, so I knew I would
be out of it for awhile. I vaquely remember a deacon coming in (I was in a
catholic hospital) and blessing me... I was so out of it, I thought I was
getting my last rights!!! lol Whatever you decide. GOOD LUCK! I hope
it goes wonderfully! =0)
— DCHEERMOM
July 12, 2006
Though I was up and walking 4 hours after surgery, eating ice chips and
talking, I don't remember A THING. My poor hubby put such thought into
getting me a cute card and this little stuffed pug (I really want a doggie)
and when he gave it to me, I just stared at him blankly like "what the
hell is this?" (at least that's what he told me...lol) Your friends
won't care that you're out of it so if you really want them by your side
then by all means! But it's true you may just want your rest and that way
you'll be rearing to go on day 2. As far as decent company (if you mean
look wise), my mom said I looked pretty rough - pale, etc. That's awesome
you have such great friends! Good luck!!!!
— platypus
July 12, 2006
The hospital was far from my home. Hubby, daughter and friend were there
when I woke up after surgery, but I told them all not to come until I was
ready to come home (day 4) as I didn't think I would really want to be
"entertaining". LOL. I was right. All I wanted to do was sleep
and be quiet. I did watch some TV the 2nd day but didn't really feel like
company. They called on the phone for a few minutes and that was enough
for me.
— patgels
July 12, 2006
It's great to want to have your friends come visit while you are
recovering, however, here's something that some people who are patients in
the hospital --- YOU'RE NOT THERE TO BE COMPANY TO THEM! They should wait
until day 2 -- day 1 you will be on drugs and sleeping a lot. If you feel
you have to be awake to be "decent company" for your friends,
then you want get the rest you need.
— the7thdean
July 12, 2006
Have your friends & family call and ask you if your up to having
company. Depending on what unit in the hospital you are on, vistors may be
restricted to immediate family only and for 20 minutes. Always be mindful
of the hospital's official visiting hours and respectful of other patients,
they may not be interested in listening to your company all afternoon &
evening. I had a lovely room mate but her family in particular her son was
soooo loud and kept me from resting. I was in the SICU the night of my
surgery and I wasn't up to company, I was full of morphine &
anesthesia. Even on the second day I had company & I wasn't really up
to it. Even on the third day I wasn't up to company either.
Best of Luck
— goldroses
July 12, 2006
I am only 2 days post-op and I still have not seen anyone but my mom and
boyfriend, who is taking care of me. I really don't have the energy yet to
see anyone and honestly, I am in a lot of pain and not always with it.
Friends totally understand, just tell them that you appreciate their
concern and give yourself a few good days for rest....as for moral
support...you have us here on the web!!!! Everyone has been great about
answering questions for me, and no one cares how I look over the computer!
Good Luck!
— mollyc
July 13, 2006
I had so many visitors the first day and although I remember them being
there I also remember dozing off and on all day. That evening I do
remember talking to my family as well.
— *Malena* M.
July 13, 2006
When i was wheeled into my room i already had friends waiting there. I was
very encouraged to see them all. BY the time i got to my room i had already
slept 3 hours in the recovery room so i was able to stay awake and talk to
them for a bit. For me it was very encouraging to have them there at least
for a little bit.
— phranny19
July 13, 2006
I had lap RNY, surgery on Tuesday morning, but didn't get to my room until
that afternoon due to a bed shortage. I was up the next day first thing in
the AM and didn't go back to bed until midnight that night, then home the
next day. I was either up in a chair or walking the halls. Really, not
enough time for visitors! Besides, there were the nurses, patient care
assistants, surgeons, residents, medical students, unit director, chaplain,
volunteers, and multiple others already there to keep me company!How long
are you planning to be in the hospital? (Not that you have much choice
about how long you get to stay!) I wanted to go home as soon as I possibly
could, and I wanted to go home on the second day, but they wouldn't let me.
(I had surgery at age 47, too!)
— koogy
July 13, 2006
I remeber part of the first day, my mom & a friend were there first but
I don't remeber them after I was taken in the OR. I don't remember them
leaving after I got to my room. My dad came in next & all I wanted was
to sleep & he kept talking. I was just thinking my god please go
home...I do love my dad but your first dy they should just sit if you need
them then you can ask for help etc...but let you sleep.
MaryLyn
— Kriola
July 13, 2006
I am truly a people person, however, when I'm recovering or feeling sick I
really dont want anyone around. I had my surgery at a hospital four hours
from home, my husband was with me. I even found myself telling him to go
back to the hotel. I had an excellent stay, got up walked, wasnt ill ..but
sure didnt want company. That's just me.
— debmi
July 13, 2006
It was cool that my best friend was there on the first day and my other
close friends came the next day. The first day is not about them it's about
you. So, If they dont want to watch you sleep tell them to come day 2 or 3.
— Jamal Young
July 13, 2006
Well Shannon with a C, while a warm smile, a tender touch and a supporting
thought is wonderful - there is a time and place for everything and the day
of or even the day after your surgery isn't it! Should you be like myself
you won't even know anyones there and even if you do at that stage you
really won't care.
Is that being rude to your visitors? NO - chances are you will still be so
druged that you might not even remember anyone being there. Ask them to
give you a few days and them come visit....Good luck!!!
That's my 2cent worth.
Robert - [email protected]
— RobertMiller
July 14, 2006
I allowed my mother and brother to stay at the hospital until they could
see that I was OK (you know how family can be!). After that I chose to not
have anyone visit. My goal while in the hospital was to concetrate on
doing what the doctor told me to begin the recovery process. I did not
want to be distracted from my goal by having to "entertain"
guests. Once I left the hospital, then all who wanted were welcome to come
and keep me company. Having people around me at that point helped to not
think about food until I adjusted to my new routine.
— cindizzy
July 14, 2006
I actually liked the visitors, althogh i was not very good compan on the
first day.. On the second day, at least i could get up and walk arond and
was appreciative of them being there because hospitals are boring! I would
say it is better to wait until the second day, although you shold have
someone there the first day to help you walk, etc..
— Novashannon
July 14, 2006
For me, there is a standing rule when I've had surgery...NO ONE except for
my husband shall visit the first day, and perhaps they should wait until I
come home. I had a particularly uncomfortable, no, painful experience when
I had a major surgery. I told my hubby NO VISITORS...PERIOD. Well...the
inevitable rudeniks showed up anyway....the wife decided I needed my hair
combed...combed..not brushed...and started ripping hair out of my head with
the comb...while her husband sat and kicked the bed with his foot...I
wanted to kill my husband for allowing that to happen after my specific
instructions. I hope we all don't have "friends" like that,
because who would need enemies? Anyhoo..that's my personal experience.
YMMV! Regards~
— Statuesque
July 19, 2006
PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE AND DON'T HAVE VISITORS UNTIL DAY 2 OR 3. I HAD A
ROOMMATE IN THE HOSPITAL AND HER ENTIRE FAMILY STAYED ALMOST ALL 3 DAYS
FROM EARLY MORNING UNTIL LATE! IT WAS ANNOYING BECAUSE THEY WERE VERY LOUD
AND THERE WERE TOO MANY OF THEM IN ONE SMALL ROOM. ALSO- DAY ONE, YOU MAY
BE IN PAIN AND NOT TO MENTION: HOOKED UP TO IVF'S, FOLEY CATH, PULSE OX,
SCD's OR PLEXIPULSES, ETC...
— CHARLYLVN
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