My first UC hospitalization was in upstate New York in a hospital that must have been a relic from the 19th Century, grim as it was. They installed me in what was called a semi-private room, a euphemism if ever there was one. A room is either private, or it’s not. A never-ending string of other patients funneled through the room during my one and one-half months there. I remember only one: a miserable older man who had just had his second leg amputated. Whatever pain meds they were dosing him with, it wasn’t enough. The poor man groaned loudly most of the day and night. Yet even when he lay silent, the hospital was not quiet. A woman patient about two rooms down from me persisted in screaming constantly: “NOISE! NOISE!” Had there been any disquiet to speak of, I felt certain that I would have heard it too, yet her bellowing was the only noise I could detect. Thirty minutes might pass, and then: “NOISE! NOISE!” Still, I heard nothing else. I was fairly sure that I hadn’t been deposited in a psycho ward. Who knows what this woman was screaming about. An aide came into my room on her rounds. She stuck a thermometer in my mouth (this was 1963) and reached for the blood pressure cuff. “NOISE! NOISE!” “What is that woman screaming about?” I asked the aide. “Do you hear any noise?” She smiled comfortingly. “Oh, that’s the lady from Brooklyn,” she said. “She’s just calling for the nurse.”
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,099 members. Get inside and you will see.
We're not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed in the forums.
It's a very special community, embracing all ages and backgrounds. People are honest and truly care.
Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.
Create an account and you will be amazed.
Advertisement
Hollister
Are you a caregiver for a child with an ostomy? In the summer months, this can become more challenging, thanks to heat, humidity, water activities, and travel plans.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.
Advertisement
Hollister
When traveling, you need to pay special attention to your unique needs, issues, and potential hazards.
Learn about special travel considerations for your ostomy type, so you can be worry-free.
Learn about special travel considerations for your ostomy type, so you can be worry-free.