Sunday, April 06, 2008

Errata

Masks:
You probably know that I use a CPAP machine when I sleep at night. And because of the long summer days in Alaska and the fact that my apartment had no curtains, I also use one of those Lone Ranger style sleep masks. It occurs to me that I look like the insect god when I sleep.

Amenities:
If you know anyone staying for a while in a hospital or extended care facility, among the things that will make life good for them, are:
books
CDs
their favorite herb tea
a real cup to drink it in
lemon drops or other hard candies to combat dry mouth
hand lotion
mustard and salt to "fix" the food
a small amount of fresh ground coffee to cover other smells
dried fruits
nuts
crackers

8 comments:

Cherry said...

That's a really good list.

The longest I have been in the hospital is 2 weeks, and I just kept asking for my cat. Of course I was 8 at the time ;-)

This last stay, I hoarded all of the crackers that came with my meals to be able to have something to eat with my percoset. On my last day there, the dietitian noticed and said, "You know you can ask for more crackers." Now they tell me!

I hope you got your lemon drops and all of the other little tricks you have found to give you a little more comfort.

Anvilcloud said...

That's quite a list, and I trust you have all of those supplies at hand. There's some humour in this post; I think you may be getting better.

kenju said...

I'd love to be able to send all those things to you, MG! I hope someone can. I agree with the ground coffee. It may not stay fresh very long, but it sure smells good while it is.

Joy Des Jardins said...

Yep, I remember bringing my mother all of these things...except the coffee. It really does help when you have to be there for an extended period of time. Hugs J...

Uncivil said...

And beer!!!!!You forgot the beer!!!!
Hope I made ya laugh!!!!
te he he!!!

joared said...

Good that you're sharing some of the items you find desirable as a hosp. pt. -- about that extra salt -- oh well, I'm sure you know what you're doing. ;-) (That's not to say the food taste wouldn't be highly improved with its addition.)

I had a friend to lived to be 103 and for a variety of reasons, partly to accommodate some heart med problems her husband had, coupled with unusual food allergies she had, she started cooking and seasoning without using any salt. She used various fresh or dried herb combinations to season the food.

I was prepared for the worst when I first had dinner with them again, but was absolutely amazed that everything was really delicious -- seasoning was great. She continued to cook like that for many years and whenever I ate there the food and flavors were superb.

Here's wishing for your continued speedy recovery. Know how that CPAP and mask can be, as my husband wore one and used a Concentrator, too, for many years. He had a lot of adjustment getting used to that mask and had to try different ones in the beginning. Benefits for him were worth the hassle as he finally was getting decent sleep. Sounds like you are, too -- if the staff will stop bugging you.

Kay Dennison said...

I'm copying this to save for future reference. Having spent more than my share of time in hospitals, I should remember these things but I don't. Maybe my friends are too healthy.

I am delighted to see you back with us -- I will try to visit more often.

Ted said...

And maybe a good movie or two, or three, or 15! Hang in there! Julie says you're making a LOT of progress.