It’s Friday and yesterday I spent the entire day at the hospital while my uncle had another heart surgery. I am tired and rather stiff today. Not to mention working on getting everything from yesterday done.
Sitting in the waiting room watching people yesterday made me worry about people sometimes. First there is not anyone at the desk. There is a sign in sheet with the note, in black marker across the top, to sign in and call a number with the phone that is right there.
There are also two signs that say the same thing yet every single person either looked around confused, sign in and never called, or asked everyone else what to do. No one took the time to simply read the instructions. I wish I had taken a picture of the sheet with the marker on the top because that was written so big it grabs your attention. However, no one could do it.
They call the patient back and you have to wait thirty minutes then they will come get you. That way they can shave the patient and get them prepped. You then go back and sit with them until they wheel them to the operating room. You are then told how long it should be, and that they will come and get you once your patient is in recovery.
Again, everyone was confused. One lady came into the waiting room pushing an empty wheelchair. One that obviously belonged to the patient she was with. She looked around, then called the patient and asked if they were in the area we were in. If she didn’t know then how did the patient get there since she had the wheelchair? I’m not judging (well I’m trying not to) but everyone acted as though they have never been to a hospital or doctor’s office before. They were looking at their watches making noises like they were tired of waiting after ten minutes.
They told me my uncle’s surgery was expected to take about two hours. However, I knew from the doctor’s visit beforehand that it could take longer depending on what happened once they got in there. So I planned for an all day event. After surgery, there is like a six hour span in recovery to see if he could come home or not. We got to the hospital at 6:30 am and left last night at 10:00 pm. It happens, it is heart surgery after all. Don’t worry it was stents but still it’s surgery and anything can happen.
Yet, every single person (with the exception of about five or six) acted as though it was an inconvenience for them to be there or that the hospital needed to work on their schedule and do everything for them. In fact, it was so bad that the nurses made sure to thank me as we were leaving for being so patient.
We live in a world of instant gratification and I know that is something that fuels a lot of people. However, it’s not wise to irritate the very people working towards saving or (or our loved one’s) lives. Surgery takes time. It’s delicate work and hospital staff are a lot of the time overworked and stressed as it is. So next time y’all happen to be at the hospital please so a little grace. Make sure you bring something to occupy your time. Plan for longer than they tell you because then you aren’t irritated when it is right on time.
Know beforehand where the cafeteria or cafe is so that you can eat and bring snacks or drinks. He has two more surgeries to go and the next one I promise to share a few pictures of my bag that I take with me. It helps to be prepared and you feel less stressed out.
Off My Soapbox
I know that seemed like such a rant but if y’all had been with me yesterday you would have felt the same way. My uncle is doing well today. He’s sleeping and I actually slept pretty late this morning. I did go to the coffee shop yesterday and got a cinnamon roll that was so bad. It was awful and I ended up throwing it away. Other than that we are all taking the weekend to take it easy and just recover.
This made me smile this week.
I like watching them scoop the slime. I never really buy any but there is something about watching them scoop it that I enjoy.
These are the sweetest twins! They truly are and they will put a smile on your face. so if you need a little pick me up take a look at this video.
They are making more candy! I love watching them (and another company) make their candy. It is always so satisfying for me!
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Two of my kids just found out they won college scholarships. It was great news to hear!
I has been a busy week lots of running around and getting things done before it gets too hot. Been watering my flowers and hoping they make it through this triple digit weather. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your uncle.
It’s been a very long week because I’ve been watering my sister and nieces flowers and watching their pets while they’ve been on vacation.
I was incredibly sick this week and still feel run down.. it wasn’t a good week.
There were so many explosives (not just fireworks) going off in the neighborhood at all hours, it’s had me on edge for weeks! Don’t know who I can talk to because I don’t want retaliation. I hope your uncle gets well soon!
My week was ok. Rainy them really hot. Just got back from a Baptism.
This week has been overcast and rainy. I learned that this is a typical Alaska summer! Despite this, we have had a great time! We went gold panning, well, we went to a business that had water troughs for us to sift through dirt. We each found some gold flakes. It was cold but interesting and fun. SO sorry to hear about your day in the waiting room. People are, well, people. lol
It’s so frustrating when things like that happen – especially at a hospital!
My week was super desert hot, and it wore me out. Work was super busy but it ended with good pizza at least.
Rough week. I had major surgery about 3 weeks ago and then got a devastating diagnosis. Trying to navigate healing while also dealing with roiling emotions.
Also – many people in surgical waiting rooms are dealing with the process for the first time. Their impatience is also a manifestation of their fear and uncertainty. They want it over so life can feel “normal” again.
Just cat things and trying to get them all for their checkups.
It has been really hot. I have been to the pool and lake to cool down.
It’s been a boring week I haven’t been feeling good! Hope you had a good week!