Board Thread:News and Announcements/@comment-29339065-20170108195129/@comment-30638141-20170114071055

Survival tip for crisis mode:

Nap when you can, you never know how long you may need to stay up.

Get at least one decent meal a day, not junk food, protein, sip liquids throughout the day.

Say what you need to say to the sick person. I love you should be the last thing you say. It can never be said enough for both of your sakes.

If there is no blood, if everyone is alive, no one needs a hospital (by ambulance), it's not a yak (yet another crisis), it's just another hiccup in life.

Deal with everything as if it will all eventually turn out ok. If it doesn't, you have the rest of your life to get used to it.

Doctors are not always right. Doctors are not always wrong. Don't be afraid go ask for English translations of medical-ese. Don't be afraid to look for further options.

Don't have surgery with a doctor who is not confident (and technically capable) that he is able to do the surgery with the best possible outcome. It may not happen, but, If a doctor doesn't believe in the outcome, well, come to your own conclusions. There are doctors who will say- what can you expect at their age, others will say I've had good results with patients even older or in worse condition. I know the type of doctor I've choosen.

If someone is in the hospital be there as much as possible. It's very confronting for the patient to know your close even if their sleeping. (Bring a book or something for those down times) You are there for them, they don't need to feel like you or they are there to entertain. Just sitting and holding a hand can be just what they need.

The hospital staff will be more careful if they know the person has a strong support system and tif they know somebody really cares. Of course, politeness and thank you's with doctors, nurses, orderlies etc. Is always a good idea, BUT, if you need to, be politely (hopefully if possible) assertive or aggressive. You will never be sorry if you do your best in a crisis situation.

"This too shall pass", the sun will rise, the birds will sing, and you will eventually get back to normal (hopefully in less than a few years, joking?)

Mom13579