I need advice about staying in the hospital

[Ms. Toad]

7. Good luck!

My strongest advice is to not go alone. Have a friend, family member, loved one with you anytime you are not physically or mentally competent to defend yourself against against the inevitable medical mistakes. (E.g. you are under anesthesia, on pain meds, or incapable of walking to the nurse's station.)

Hospitals, particularly the nursing staff, are chronically understaffed. They do their best - but there is not enough time for them to care for everyone as they deserve to be cared for.

I spent a month in the hospital a couple of decades ago - and have been a regular visitor myself - or with other members of my family. I could tell you horror stories that would curl the non-existent hair on your chest - but I won't. Nothing significant happened to our family, since there are virtually always at least two of us present. But particularly in that month I witnessed what happens when patients don't have an extra set of eyes, ears, and feet/hands to ensure that the patient doesn't fall through the cracks.

You'll be fine. My mother (two separate mastectomies) and I (partial mastectomy) took pain pills for the first 24 hours - probably didn't need them, but she and I share the philosophy that you stay ahead of the pain.