Hi Carolynn,
It IS scary to be admitted to hospital. I'm sure I don't know all there is to know about this, but I do have a few suggestions. Expect the hospital to be busy and loud. No one who works there will understand that people sleep a few hours out of every day.
Also expect to wait, and wait, and wait, and wait. They will get to you eventually, but do not be afraid to hit the call button more than once if you are in distress. Then be very humble when someone answers it. ;-) They may call you at odd hours for your tests (like 5:30-6 am.) This is so they can get inpatient tests done before they open the doors to the out-patients.
You likely will get to see your doctor for a few minutes each day, usually once in the early morning or once in the early evening. He will expect to say hi, you look good, I'll see you tomorrow, and wave as the door closes behind him. Be prepared for him and don't let him do this to you. All you have to do is say "I have a question if you have a moment." He'll always have a moment. Just don't let him run out on you. This is your chance to get things cleared up (why did I have a cat scan this morning?) or to ask for something you NEED. (I am constipated, can you help with an okay for milk of magnesia (or whatever you use). I have a cold. Can I have an antihistamine or something? I can't sleep in here. Can you help me with that? I'm really nervous about the MRI; can you give me something that will get me through that? You can't/won't get anything from anyone in there unless he okays it.
You don't say how old you are, but just in case, if you are older, in late 60s or older, you may become confused in the hospital. Prepare yourself and your family for this. It's common and will disappear when you leave the hospital. There are reasons for this, but I won't bore you with them right now. Bottom line, it's not at all serious and it goes away when you are removed from that environment.
1. wash your hands every time you think of it. Take some lotion with you to use after you wash your hands so often. Handwashing will help keep from picking up colds, flu or other bugs.
2. Most hospitals will supply basic stuff for personal care (toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, soap, etc.) I always found that it helped me to have my own stuff with me. I didn't feel so institutionalized that way. This is true about your own pillow, too. If you can tolerate dry shampoo, drop that in your bag, too. Soap on a rope will help keep your hands free for catching yourself if you slip or slide in the bathroom., and you won't have to worry about picking it up if you drop it.
3. Ask what's in the med cup or syringe EVERY time it is brought to you and make them read your name to you. This is for your protection so you don't get someone else's meds. Know where your emesis basin is (in case you have to throw up after a new med.)
4. Take some snacks, unless you just happen to really like jello.
5. Take slipper socks with you or socks and slippers. Every hospital I ever worked in was cold. They heat the hospital for the staff who is busy walking around all day. So, as a patient who isn't moving,patients are most always CoLD. Same is true for pjs--light flannel pants and a long-sleeve tee or sweats are great--and you don't feel so exposed. A light weight robe for getting into and out of the shower will be good. They should provide shower shoes. If not, you might think about cheap (dollar store) flip flops. You won't pick up athlete's foot if you wear shower shoes. Extra underwear is not out of the question.
6. When you go for procedures (like x-rays) always ask the tech if they "see" anything on the x-ray. Counter their argument that they cannot tell you anything with, "Oh, I understand that completely. I just wondered if there were anything I should be sure to ask my doctor about when I see him." Sometimes, not always, it works to get extra information out of the techs. If you have an MRI while you are there, ask for ear plugs and a washcloth. The magnets are quite loud and the earplugs will help with the racket. The washcloth can be left dry, folded and placed over your eyes so you aren't tempted to open them while you are in the tube. The tube really freaks me out and the washcloth makes it all better; you may have no problem with it.
7. Do take pencil and paper so you can write down questions and answers. I never remember anything they say to me in hospital. I don't know if it's the meds, being scared, or being in denial. But I get home every time saying, "What did he say?" Also take crossword puzzle books, magazines or something you can carry on your lap to entertain yourself with. It will help kill the time sitting in the hallway waiting for your x-rays.
8. If you share a room, ask your nurse if there are any special precautions for infection in your room that you need to be aware of. Could help you in terms of exposing yourself to a hospital "bug."
9. What's the hospital policy on cell phones? Do I have a phone in my room and what's the number?
10. Don't take anything with you that you care about. No jewelry, not that special pair of slippers. You might have very honest people taking care of you. Still, patients belongings are often returned to the wrong patient. Most likely they will take your jewelry away from you while you are in there to place in a safe or locker. Best to leave it at home.
Hope I haven't told you too much and overburdened you. Use only the parts of this that you think will help you. I was always glad to be released, but also happy to have the opportunity to find out what's going on with me. It's not so bad if you know what's coming. Best of luck to you; we'll be thinking about you. Stay in touch as you can. :-)
They may call you at odd hours for your tests (like 5:30-6 am.) This is so they can get inpatient tests done before they open the doors to the out-patients.