This topic is about the experiences and challenges faced by a 78-year-old individual who was hospitalized for two days due to dehydration. Here are some insights and advice based on their experience:

- In the emergency room, there was a long wait of 12½ hours for a bed. Although the initial EKG was perfect, a heart monitor was attached, which was awkward to manage, especially with the need to frequently empty the ostomy pouch due to IV-induced output.

- Blood draws were challenging because of difficult veins, leading to repeated needle sticks and bruising from elbow to wrist. There was also an incident where a technician left without drawing blood and later claimed the patient never returned.

- Communication issues arose due to difficulty understanding a nurse’s heavy accent. A miscommunication occurred when "scan your leg" was heard instead of the intended instruction to scan the wristband.

- The continuous need for barcode scanning, along with IV tubing and monitoring equipment, made basic pouch care and bathroom trips cumbersome.

- After dealing with multiple minor frustrations such as miscommunication, bureaucracy, and bruising, the patient is now home and recovering.

Additional insights and advice include:

1. Heart monitors can be awkward. It’s helpful to ask staff for assistance in routing the leads so they don’t snag on ostomy equipment or IV lines.

2. Staying hydrated is crucial. Continual fluid intake is the simplest way to prevent hospital admissions for dehydration, especially for those with an ileostomy or high-output conditions.

3. Expect to be scanned repeatedly for identification purposes. It’s a good idea to verbally confirm your full name and date of birth each time to minimize identification errors.

4. If you have difficult veins or are prone to bruising, request the most experienced phlebotomist or ask for an ultrasound-guided line to reduce the number of needle sticks.

5. When dealing with hospital logistics:
- Keep cash or a credit card accessible, even if instructed not to bring valuables, as unexpected cancellations or discharges can leave you needing to arrange your own transport.
- Arrange backup transportation in case of canceled surgeries or early discharges to avoid being stranded.

6. For those living in rural areas or needing long-distance care, plan for overnight stays, budget for accommodation and food, and consider leaning on friends or family near the treatment center to reduce costs and stress.