Surviving the Hospital! PART 1

Good Morning World!

Approximately two weeks ago, my brother-in-law wrecked his motorcycle and ended up in the ICU with a serious brain injury known as Diffuse Axonal Injury. Now battling a case of menningitis thought to have been contracted from the catheter in his head to drain the excess cerebro-spinal fluid (CFS) his prognosis is unknown.

I just had a few tips I want to share with anyone who has to go through this with one of your loved ones.

1) Speak up! If you don't know or don't understand something ask! Doctors and nurses for the most part want to help you understand, but don't know what you don't know.

2) Follow the Rules! - Places like the ICU are often extremely stressful places, they have set visiting hours for a reason. If they have "Block Out" periods, respect them! They are there to provide the best possible care to your loved one, and you don't need to be in the way.

3) Take Care of Yourself! The hospital and it's staff is not responsible for your well-being unless you are a patient. SO pay attention to you. Get plenty of sleep, eat right, get away from the hospital frequently. If your loved one is suffering from a long-term inury like ours, you will be there a while, weeks possibly months. You do them no good if you get sick.

4) Deal with your emotional and phyical stresses promptly! don't take that to the ICU, they don't need it and neither do you! Get a massage (weekly if possible, monthly is a must!), exercise regularly, and stay connected with the people you love and care about. Consider playing with your pet for a few minutes before you go to the hospital. It's a great stress reliever and helps you take a more positive attitude into see your loved one.