The Surprise of a Short Hospital Stay That Lasted Five Days

Expecting an Outpatient Surgery

When I initially went in for surgery, I was under the impression that it would be a quick, outpatient procedure. The plan was simple: go in, get the surgery done, and head home the same day. However, my doctor mentioned that the MRI and ultrasounds were inconclusive, so there was a slight chance I might need to stay overnight. I thought, 'Okay, one night won't be too bad.'

A More Complex Procedure

As it turns out, the surgery was far more complicated than anyone had anticipated. The area that needed attention was larger than the doctor had originally prepped me for. When I awoke from the surgery, I was in a lot more pain than I had expected. Managing the pain on my own was out of the question, and it became clear that I wouldn't be going home that day.

One Night Turns into Four or Five...

So, what was supposed to be a short hospital stay turned into a four-day ordeal. Each day, I hoped that I would finally be well enough to go home, but my recovery was slower than anticipated. The hospital staff were wonderful, doing their best to make me comfortable, but there's just something about staying in a hospital that makes time feel like it's dragging. By the time I was finally discharged, I felt like I had been there for an eternity.

No Visitors Allowed

This was a challenging time for me, as my unexpected hospitalization coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning that I was not permitted any visitors. I had to rely solely on the items I had packed in my backpack for my outpatient procedure to see me through my hospital stay. It was a difficult and isolating experience, but I am grateful for the dedication and care of the hospital staff who supported me during this time. I am also thankful for the technology that allowed me to stay connected with my loved ones virtually. Despite the circumstances, I managed to find strength and resilience within myself to get through this tough period, and I am now on the road to recovery.

Reflections on the Experience

Looking back, I realize that even though any hospital stay feels too long, sometimes it's necessary for a proper recovery. It was frustrating and exhausting, but my health and well-being were the top priority. In the end, I'm grateful for the care I received, even if it meant spending more time in the hospital than I had planned.