Going into hospital with M.E. is rare, but what if you find you need to go in for tests or stay overnight or longer in a ward or unit?
It could be that your doctor has decided that more tests would be a good idea and these need to be done in a hospital. Or the doctor may have decided that you need more medical help than you can get at home. Anyway, here are a few things to bear in mind to make your visit or stay a success.
- Prepare for delays! Take drinks or snacks unless you have been asked not to. Take something to read like a good book, comics or magazines. A walkman can be good. You may be able to take a friend to help you pass the time. You can not use a mobile phone in many hospital wards. Look out for the signs.
- If you don't understand what is going to happen in hospital, ask for it to be explained. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- If you don't feel up to people coming in to see you, ask your mum, your dad or a nurse to tell people for you.
- Make sure that if you need any special food you talk to a nurse about it or get your mum or dad or a grown-up to do it for you. Hospital wards will often have a kitchen with a fridge and microwave.
Go prepared! Take with you:
- Hot water bottle, slippers, favourite blanket, comfy clothes
- Washing things, toothbrush and toothpaste, towel, own mug
- Magazines, books, comics, puzzle books
- CD/DVD Walkman or ipod to listen to
- Pens and paper for drawing and writing
- Gameboy or puzzles
- Teddy bear or cuddly toy!
If you want to find out more, check out The medical team
Information produced July 2003
Updated June 2004
