My in-patient date for Stanmore, RNOH, came and I felt sick as soon as I opened the letter. My initial thought – ‘I don’t want to go’, my stomach churned and anxiety kicked in. It was real now, I was actually going into hospital for three weeks. THREE WEEKS!
The admission date is August 3rd, if the picture at the top isn’t obvious enough, so not long now. I’m not feeling half as bad as I was but I’m still apprehensive. I just need to focus on the positives and how much this rehab programme will benefit my health. If I only learn how to pace, that’s a bloody good positive in my book. I’ll always be in pain but if I learn how to manage it better, I can’t complain. Let’s do this!
Things I Need to Take:
- Medication
- Medication Passport – Booklet that was sent out listing my meds
- Towels
- Comfortable ankle-supporting trainers (I bought some cute Reebok gym trainers)
- Comfy clothes for physio (new joggers are ready and waiting in my wardrobe)
- Pyjamas and slippers
- Underwear, socks and all that
- Skincare
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner, brushes, hair dryer etc.
- Dry shampoo
- Baseball cap (for bad hair days)
- Shower stuff, including shower cap
- Make up – obviously.
- iPad
- Laptop (yes, I need both)
- Books – lots of books
- Colouring book and pencils
- Notebook
- Holdall – There’s some waiting around during the day so need to take meds and things to do during the wait
- Bottles of water
- Cash
- Splints and braces
- Crutches and walking stick
- Heat/ice packs
- V-pillow, knee pillow
- Headphones
- Ear plugs
- Fan (heat regulation with PoTS is a nightmare)
Since my way of getting to the hospital requires an hour long drive down the M1 and I have to be there at 8:30 on a Monday morning, I’ve booked a hotel ten minutes away for the Sunday night. I really don’t fancy fighting rush-hour traffic on one of the busiest motorways in the UK. During my last RNOH visit there was a huge accident on the motorway and the one hour journey home took four hours. I think booking a hotel is very wise as I’ll avoid any jams and won’t have to set off in the early hours of the morning.
Sarah x
I've just read through your Stanmore series and found it really interesting, I hope everything goes well for you! Sending lots of love and luck xx
Toasty
I've just read through your Stanmore series and found it really interesting, I hope everything goes well for you! Sending lots of love and luck xx
Toasty
Aww thank you so much for reading them all 🙂 Thanks, doll x
Aww thank you so much for reading them all 🙂 Thanks, doll x