wordpress stat

After the Doctors: Six Recommended Activities

I recently had the misfortune of spending a few days in the hospital.

This time confined to a bed, IV flowing, and constant checkups had my head in a loop. I could barely sleep between the pain and hourly visits from the nurses. It becomes a blur when you’re recovering.

The hospital will release you the moment they can to free the bed and room.

The problem is how quickly this can go and the confusion that takes place during your leave. You’re given a final checkup, handed a stack of papers and reports, and told to go fill out prescriptions. You get back home and you’re dumbfounded as to what just happened.

This is where things get tricky.

You weren’t quite 100% yourself when discharged. You’re given a new routine but it’s easy to forget the finer details because of the confusion. Let me tell you what I recommend doing the following day after your trip to the doctors…

  • Rest – Take the afternoon and first day to fully recuperate. You’ve been through a lot and there’s no glory in pushing yourself back to the full routine. This includes plenty of fluids and foods, personal hygiene care, and emotional care (if needed).
  • Organize Meds – Chances are that you were dismissed with a handful of prescriptions. Fill them at a local pharmacy and purchase a pill organizer. Add the appropriate meds to each of the compartments. If you’re having trouble understanding their effects or accidentally duplicate the amount then use a pill identifier with pictures to avoid troubles.
  • Understand the Illness – Read the materials given to you from the doctor. Take the time to understand the illness and what may have spurred the visit to the hospital. Make new goals and routines to avoid any activities that may cause these events to happen again.
  • Find Support – Support groups are helpful if the visit was caused by addiction. You don’t have to go at it alone. Reach out to friends and family for support. Use online forums and social platforms to listen and learn – become inclusive to help yourself and others.
  • Do the Follow-Ups – The follow-up appointments are for your best interest. There you will conduct additional tests to see the progress of your healing. It will provide peace of mind knowing you’re on the path to a healthy recovery. The medical practitioner will be the one to further guide you and write prescriptions.
  • Pay the Bills – Medical bills are no joke. Contact your insurance company the moment the fog has been lifted. Make sure payments are in line. Develop a repayment plan for any expenses not covered by your insurance.

Time will heal all wounds but only if you allow your body (and mind) to rest.

There are worries I expect you’ll have:

·  What do I do about work?

·  When can I be my old self again?

·  Will it be okay to drive?

·  What happens if it comes back?

Take it one day at a time and commit to the recovery plan from your doctor. These are professionals that have helped hundreds (if not thousands) of individuals throughout their practice. They know what’s best for you.

Within time you will be back to your normal self so strive to stay positive.

I hope you never have to experience a stay at a hospital. Yet, some of us will. Keep these activity suggestions in mind in the event that it was to happen. Else, pass it forward to someone you know.

What would you recommend doing to help with recovery after a hospital visit?


Becky Wilcox is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about beauty, fashion, technology and more.  She writes for Life with Lisa as well as several other blogs and websites.  Check back soon for more from Becky.

Comments

  1. Mary Ambrosino says

    Some good advice. If you are going into the hospital make a list.

Google+