[zookeeper671]

Just got back from the endo. She wants to admit me to hospital for a while to see what's going on with my blood sugar level (been having probs). I also was sent home with a lovely pee-canister to tote around for a couple of days again.

So my question is... since I was never admitted to hospital upon diagnosis, what exactly do they do to you while you're in there? She said they're going to have me fast for a day or TWO then run other tests. I'm assuming this is to determine my correct basal. Are they going to be sucking me dry with lab draws every hour or what? I'm soooo not thrilled with this whole hospital idea.

Before I can even go in, I have to make sure my dog will be properly taken care of. Haven't even spoken with my bf yet, and to think she wanted me to go in today. Have a feeling I'm going to have to drive my dog to my parents' home (10 hour drive round trip) for him to be cared for. He's old, on tons of supplements, neurotic, deaf, on a special diet and wears Depends for Men inside of a little jeans-jumper suit... very high maintenance. There's no way my bf can care for him. I really didn't want my parents to know about the whole hospital thing, too.

I'm a bit scared about all of this. Reeeally dislike being a patient.

Any ideas as to what they're plotting?

[BeadieJay]

Angie, I'm so sorry to hear all this - I don't have any advice, as I've never been in hospital (apart from having my kids), but I hope that someone here can help you. I just wanted to say that I'll be thinking of you, and also I hope that you can sort out a carer for your dog. I can understand you not wanting to worry your parents. Wish I was nearer - I'd look after your boy for you (the canine, not the boyfriend LOL).

Seriously, I hope all goes well, and hope that you'll post as soon as you're back home again.

Sending you a great big cyber hug

XX

[Belinda]

Angie...take a good book. Not sure what it all involves either. But your poor dog..can he not go to the kennal for a day or two? I hate the pee jug too but I don't worry about it until spring...then it will be my yearly tote the jug day

[Eri's mom]

They wanted Eri to go in (and we had the pee jug) while we were in Buffalo a few years ago...I was ready to take her in(they gave us a few days b/f they wanted her in)...but, let's just leave it as this: my husband had a fit that she and I would be staying behind for a while(a few months)...for them to keep an eye on her AFTER the few days in the hospital.
I know they were going to run EKGS, do blood work, and watch her closely.

I'm really sorry you have to go in. Eri had never been admitted as well(except for DKA last year...and that was less than 24 hours)...

As for your dog...I'm so sorry(animal lover here)...wish I could help out(I have 6 dogs here between my mom and I...5 are English Mastiffs)...oh, and 3 cats and fish. The kennel idea sounds good...they have some AWESOME ones out there...my friends dog had a hard time coming home b/c he was so spoiled at that kennel!!!

Good luck and keep us posted!!!

[am1977]

Try not to stress out too much about going in...I know that's easier said than done. I probably would be a little nervous too, but then I would also be a little bit relieved in that I would know that this would be a step to get me back on track and heading in the right direction.

I've only been admitted once...when I was dx'ed...and that was just overnight. My blood sugar was over 600 and I was in DKA, not to mention that i felt really crappy Basically they took a lot of blood tests (my electrolytes were way out of balance ) and they did a lot of fingersticks to see where I was at. I think they took glucose readings every hour then it became every 2 hours in the middle of the night. Needless to say, I got NO sleep that night, but as I was being rehydrated, I started to feel much better. They also gave me a crash course in diabetes 101 including diet, insulin injections, and testing. It was really information overload, but I guess I didn't have a choice.

I'm sure that you are probably in better shape than I was at that time, so you will probably not need to go through all the stuff I went through then (esp. the crash course in Diabetes management, since you already are one). I don't know if you are type 1 or type 2, but depending on what you are...they will probably try to get you back on a better treatment plan whether that be using insulin or meds., and, yes, they probably will take blood and test your blood sugar often. I do remember feeling like I didn't know what was going on when they kept coming to take blood, one of the phlebotomists told me to definitly ask questions about what was going on and ask to keep me informed. I think this is excellent advice, afterall it is your body and you have the right to know! So do ask any questions you need to. Also, like was mentioned, I would bring a book or magazines to help time go a little faster.

I know it's a little scary, but if you leave feeling better and having better control, I think you will be glad that you went. Let us know how everything goes, we'll be thinking about you.

Take care

[Dewey]

(((((Angie))))),
I'm really sorry you have to go to the hospital. I hope everything does go smoothly and that you'll be able to help get your sugars leveled out.

I'm not sure what kind of kennels are available in your area, but I used to work for a vet clinic that had kennels attached to it. If available, maybe it would be a good idea to check into a local vet hospital/kennel so that your baby will have adequate care (and immediate attention should he need it) during your hospital stay.

Other than regulating your sugars, I'm not really sure why your endo wants you to go to the hospital. Perhaps she just wants to ensure that there are no other (underlying) health concerns going on? Just a thought. Please know that you're in my heart and thoughts. As the others have said, I too am sending a big hug your way! Please keep us posted when you can, and I hope your time in the hospital is short and your recovery is speedy!

Sincerely,
Dewey

[Jenn80Mc]

I'm really sorry you have to go in hospital. I have been in a few times because of my diabetes. First time was because I got DKA, other following times was because I was scared I was getting DKA again. Seems I didn't learn my lesson.

They just did lots of blood tests, and I was on IV to regulate everything. I'm really sorry as I know how horrible it is.

I hope you find someone closer who can help you with your poor doggy

[lgvincent]

I hope your stay will be a short one. I know your dog will miss you but I'm sure he'll be fine!

[mg_2204]

... It's scary because it's the unknown. Scary not to know what's going to happen next.

Angie, I'm so sorry you have to go into hospital! But perhaps will help you if you say you've been having problems lately? Will think of you a lot, every day. And don't worry about your dog, it will be fine. Soon you'll be back and you will miss all those good looking male nurses

Take good care and looking forward to your return!

[zookeeper671]

Thanks all, for the kind words and support.

I still don't get why she wants me to go in-patient. I'd much rather drive (or be driven) back and forth for the blood-work if necessary. Fasting for a day or two can also be done [miserably] at home over the weekend, where my bf could keep watch over me. I keep accumulating more questions as time goes on that I plan on asking my Internist on Friday after I dump off the "jug" and get some blood work done.

My Endo seemed so serious about me being admitted right away (as you can see I'm still at home, procrastinating) yet she didn't explain why it had to be done right away... and I did ask. I'll find out more on Friday. The whole thing freaked me out a bit.

As for my fluffy son, I talked with my bf and he said he'd watch over him. It'd be a bit like a mother handing over her child to be cared for by a 10 year old with ADD. I could prepare his food in advance, meds/supplements already mixed in, which would be easy for my bf to handle... but then there are the little things that I fear won't be done, such as carrying doggy up and down the stairs for his walks (he has arthritis, has had knee surgery and can't do stairs), making sure he lifts him onto the bed at night and NOT forgetting to take him off again in the morning (otherwise he'll sit on the bed and cry... can't get down... bed's too tall). Just the little things.

I know I'm being ridiculous. My priorities must seem so wacked. I understand my health is important. There just has to be another way other than going in-patient. Truthfully, I don't have the energy to drive 10 hours in a day, toting a pee-jug, to drop off my dog and upset my parents, only to get back in time to be admitted where I'll be starved and "stuck," only to turn right around and drive another 10 hours to pick doggy up.

If I can't get out of this, I'll do as suggested. Good book (have several lying around, all partially read) and a Game Boy. Sure hope something else can be worked out.

[Linda57]

Angie,
I'm so sorry you have to go in hospital - I think it stinks that they wont tell you why you have to go in.

I would love to look after Pooch, I wish I lived near you, he could happily join our three.

You stick to your guns, and demand to know everything - the days of keeping patients in dark are well gone..

Look after yourself, and keep safe babe,

BTW, put something next to the bed in case BF forgets to lift him down.

Love you - Linda

[HeatherP]

Hi Angie. I'm sorry to hear about the hospital stay. Based on my last experience I'd say the hospital is the absolute worst place to be for Diabetes care. Their way of handling it was archaic at best. Take your own b/s monitor w/ you and test often and take your own insulin too, because you might just need it. And inspect your food - they didn't give me a "diabetic" diet. I got regular jello and french toast w/ sugar on it. I'm glad Steve will be taking care of Phillipe. You will have a phone, so you can nag him so he remembers to do stuff!

Keep asking questions until you understand. This is a big deal and they have an obligation to inform you of exactly what they are worried about or are checking for.

I hope that it goes well for you, and that you won't be there very long. Take good care of yourself and I hope you'll be back home SOON!

Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs,
HeatherP

[gettingby]

I'm sorry that you have to go into the hospital. I'm sure the "baby" will be ok. I know it's rough. I have a new buddy (well, not really new. Have had him a few months now) and I couldn't imagine spending that much time away from him. I hate going to work and leaving him alone but at least he's inside. Hugs to you !!!!!!!! Hang in there.
Cin

[Shalyndria]

I'm sure both you and your "fluffy son" will do fine, Angie!

Personally, I think a hospital stay is a fantastic idea; wish they'd still do it for newly Dx'ed. Gives your health team a chance to see the whole 24/7 scope of your BG's, meals, etc. I would imagine that they'd rather see you stay overnight not only to have 'hands on' overnight testing, but also to take good notes of all of your activities.
When I was first Dx'ed I was admitted into the Ped's ward for over a week. It was great! I learned sooo much, and also formed a bond with my health care team - some of whom I still see now. Maybe it was different in the past; I had to do my own meal planning (under light supervision) and attend daily Diabetic educational classes. I think that it shows good judgement on your physician's part to get you in, and as soon as possible.

On another positive note, just think of everything that you'll learn! (hopefully lol)

I hope everything goes well for you!
Shy

[Belinda]

and also think of the good diet foods they will bring you :p oh and not to mention being woke up every two hours for something...but look at the bright side..you will find out lots of info and your meals are in bed