Stay Safe During Hospitalization and Medical Procedures

 Stay Safe During Hospitalization and Medical Procedures.

Having undergone four major surgeries, I know how many things go wrong in the hospital and how traumatic the experience was, leading to poor treatment and PTSD. Readers, I encourage you to take this article, as it may save your (or a loved one's) life, avoid a horrible hospital admission mistake, and truly provide a healing experience.

1. To be truly safe, education and careful preparation are essential when planning any medical, hospital, or surgical procedure. It will increase your confidence, relieve anxiety, increase your security, reduce stress, improve your immune system and prevent some mistakes.

2. Plan your health team to be active participants, not passive participants.

3. Wait for recovery and do everything you can to strengthen your immune system, body and positive mindset before any medical procedure.

4. Get a second or third opinion about your diagnosis and treatment options. Before you have surgery or medical treatment, including chemotherapy or radiation, you must be informed about your options. Go online and do your research too.

5. Choose the least invasive treatment possible. Don't let anyone talk you into surgery or unnecessary surgery! You are in charge here: use your power.

6. Submit the medical consent form at least a few days before the surgery/procedure/hospitalization. Double-check for accuracy! It's great that your friends read it too. A common mistake here: if I don't check myself once, I'll lose some healthy organs. Remember: you can change your mind and not undergo surgery/treatment at the last minute! This is your body, remember.

7. See a hypnotherapist several times before surgery or procedure. Hypnosis can ease your fears, induce deep relaxation, increase confidence, prevent complications and side effects, boost your immune system, reduce bleeding and pain, and generally keep you relaxed during and after your medical experience. You will receive a recording that prepares you for the upcoming procedure/surgery, which will improve your ability to relax and program your mind to heal faster afterward. With your doctor's help, the hypnotherapist can add medical necessity to your records.

8. Double-check with your insurance carrier to find out what your insurance covers before the procedure/surgery, so you can avoid unexpected expenses.

9. Make sure your surgeon or doctor will be available after your surgery and the day after. If not available, find out who will. If you have an emergency, you won't want to be without their help!

10. Food or Drug Allergy / Intolerance: Always check all medications or foods you are prescribed! Common mistakes in hospitals. If you are hospitalized, make sure you have a sign on your wrist and on your bed that lists your special needs in addition to the chart!

11. If you are going to the hospital, take your loved ones with you. This will increase your security, confidence, and sense of well-being. Some hospitals will let you sleep in your room by appointment. You need a patient lawyer when you are young! At least ask him to stay in your room for the first few days after surgery.