Katlina's Journal

susan harris  the hospital probably has rules and post covid, they could be very strict. that will make some decisions for you. my son liked having one person w him (maybe two but not two all day) in case he needed something and nurse was not around. he also needed help keeping track of pain mgmt. i suggest making a chart of drugs, when next dose is due, etc. If you plan to be the one person, i strongly suggest you’ll need breaks. have others give you breaks for meals, go out of hospital for a walk , take a nap, etc.  my husband and i planned to do 1/2 days. but we ended up both being there most of time together and i wish we had taken turns more. even if taking turns, you still need breaks!
sorry to be brutally honest, this is not social hour-it’s hard work for everyone. my son didn’t want visitors. he just didn’t feel up to it. and there just isn’t really time to socialize. when it’s time to walk, eat, nap, talk to drs. doing rounds, x-ray, using the bathroom can take 1/2 hr.  etc. you can’t delay.  and you also want to minimize exposure to germs-more people adds to this. 

Rose Madura  What does your boyfriend want? Everyone is different, but I loved visitors.  The thought that so many people came to see me warmed my heart and EVERYONE was understanding if I nodded off of had to go for a test. It's all part of the process.  

Klara Čičić  Yes, everyone is different. I wanted just one person, because you have very low energy postop. One person who will meet my needs and be optimistic, cheerful, not fearful and anxious. You need strength in those times! Too many people could be overwhelming. 

Rita Savelis  I didn't want any visitors, especially in ICU, other than one person (my husband or adult son). One usually has to put on a "performance" of feeling better for visitors when in fact you just want to rest, feel miserable for a few days and have some peace. There will be time for visitors later. In fact it can be hard because sometimes family and friends are happy that the surgery was a success and do not realise the recuperating that you have to do, that you may not feel so great at first and the emotional and physical processing that has to happen. I personally can not bear those who are too cheery and say that everything will be alright when they don't know how you are feeling. But every person is different and everyone's experience is singular. Your boyfriend should be able to let his family know what he prefers. 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  I agree with Rita and Klara, one person is better, both have explained clearly why. Best wishes cheers up!!

Richard Munson  I had none due to covid. Turned out to be a good thing. No muss, no fuss. In the door alone, out the door alone. Never saw a face unmasked.