23 replies to this topic

[jane]

hi, i am off into spinal unit (sheffield) in a couple of weeks for a few days, i have only been once as a n outpatient, i am off in for physio, assessement and to sort out b & B. i am a bit nervous and don't know what to expect. any suggestions?

[Simon]

jane, on Aug 22 2006, 08:40 AM, said:

hi, i am off into spinal unit (sheffield) in a couple of weeks for a few days, i have only been once as a n outpatient, i am off in for physio, assessement and to sort out b & B. i am a bit nervous and don't know what to expect. any suggestions?

B&B - I presume is bowels and bladder not bed and breakfast
Not sure what you should expect as units vary (we know from nightmare stories we've had from clients) from being no use to pretty good. Sorry can't help more.Simon

[Apparelyzed]

Hi Jane,

I know Sheffield spinal unit well, it's where I go every couple of months for my Baclofen pump refill, and where I went following my accident.

The unit is very good, so I don't think you'll have any problems.

The nurses are always helpfull, and the consultants are very good. At least that has been my experience.

Just take plenty of magazines to read as it can get boring. And take some earplugs if you're a light sleeper, unless you get a side ward. You could try phoning them and requesting a side ward, it's my prefered choice.

Regards

Simon

[Lucky]

I was on an all-inclusive holiday there for 6 months too.

They ain't a bad bunch. Cruise around all 3 wards and mingle. You might need a take-away or 2 .... grubs shite!

Take a few beers to drink on the balcony at night !

[Okie Rick]

Spinal Unit? Here in the States we have spinal units (treatment of freshly injured) within hospitals...like prenatal unit, etc.. Perhaps is your Spinal Unit there similar to our Rehab Units or Rehab Centers here? Where one learns how to get on with ones activities required for daily living?

Okie
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[jane]

I think i am most worried about the fact i can walk a bit - i have heard stories about how people who can walk are made to feel awkward by other patients - thanks for your replies simon and lucky - food doesn't bother me - i don't eat anyway.

[LadyPilot]

Apparelyzed, on Aug 22 2006, 02:25 PM, said:

Take some earplugs if you're a light sleeper, unless you get a side ward. You could try phoning them and requesting a side ward, it's my prefered choice.

Regards

Simon

Boots the Chemist sell wax ear plugs which are brilliant for blocking out unwanted noise.

I've never heard of resentment in Spinal units against "walking SCI". Try not to worry about it. Remember their problems are NOT yours, you are there to sort out problems to make your life better and your stay there is only temporary.

[jane]

the hardest thing is going to be missing kids - and no visitors as it is too far away from home. still it won't be for long i hope.

[Apparelyzed]

Hi Jane,

The unit you will be going to serves spina bifida patients as well as spinal cord injuries, so they see quite a few walkers. You will probably be on the Pressure Sore ward, where Urology is also based.

You'll not be treated any different to anyone else.

They also have a very good outpatients department, who if you have been to the unit before, you can ring direct (01142 2715677) if you have any problems or queries.

If I have something wrong with me, they usually fit me in pretty quick.

Regards

Simon

[wriggley]

hi jane

i play basketball in the gym there every tuesday if you need anything or just want someone to pop in, i dont mind anda friend of mine isa nurse on osborne one and she's lovely. like i said just let me know

[Simon]

jane, on Aug 23 2006, 07:55 AM, said:

I think i am most worried about the fact i can walk a bit - i have heard stories about how people who can walk are made to feel awkward by other patients - thanks for your replies simon and lucky - food doesn't bother me - i don't eat anyway.

If you get an attitude from non walkers that's really their problem not dealing with things, for me as a c4 complete when a walker came in it was great as they usually help us less able lot out Good luck.

[Lucky]

wriggley, on Aug 23 2006, 12:05 PM, said:

hi jane

i play basketball in the gym there every tuesday if you need anything or just want someone to pop in, i dont mind anda friend of mine isa nurse on osborne one and she's lovely. like i said just let me know

Who's your friend on Osbourne 1 ? Bet I know him / her.

I'm also a stones throw away, so if you like, I too could pop in for a chin wag. Ain't doing much else

Ta ta for now.

[jane]

hi all, thanks, im going into osbourne 2? i may take you up on it wriggly - it would be good towatch.

its just fear of unknown i suppose.

[Okie Rick]

Is this a place in which you'll have access to a computer? Or wil you have time for and/or want a computer?

Okie
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[jane]

Okie Rick, on Aug 23 2006, 11:51 PM, said:

Is this a place in which you'll have access to a computer? Or wil you have time for and/or want a computer?

Okie
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i don't know - simon can you help?

[Apparelyzed]

They have internet access in OT, just ask a member of staff there, as you might have to book a slot.

Regards

Simon.

[juls]

Everyone's from the same area (well sort of!) i feel so alone in Australia

[LadyPilot]

juls, on Aug 24 2006, 11:43 AM, said:

Everyone's from the same area (well sort of!) i feel so alone in Australia

Hey, on this site one thing's for sure, YOU'LL NEVER BE ALONE!! There's always someone online to "talk to".

By the way Simon, the newly added Smilies are great!

[Okie Rick]

[quote name='LadyPilot' date='Aug 24 2006, 05:59 AM' post='14731']
[quote name='juls' post='14730' date='Aug 24 2006, 11:43 AM']
Everyone's from the same area (well sort of!) i feel so alone in Australia
[/quote]

Hey, on this site one thing's for sure, YOU'LL NEVER BE ALONE!! There's always someone online to "talk to".


For sure! I'm in Oklahoma - one of the States - this place is friendly and always open!


[quote] By the way Simon, the newly added Smilies are great!
[/quote]


Well danged if they aint spiffy, I'll be sheep dipped 'n hung out to dry with the white clothes!


Okie
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[juls]

Thanks guys...you know how it gets sometimes!

[jane]

well, I go in on Sunday. so I may pop down and see you if I can on Tuesday Wriggly.
Going to miss my kids - tthey are even refusing to come up with us to take me there on sunday - i suppose they have bad memories from last year.

[Joed]

jane, on Sep 15 2006, 09:19 AM, said:

Going to miss my kids - tthey are even refusing to come up with us to take me there on sunday - i suppose they have bad memories from last year.

Missing my son was the worst part for me, as I was 7-8 hrs. away from home. I would call him each night and say prayers with him over the phone, but it just broke my heart each time. Hubby and him would come up each weekend for a visit, but it got to where I'd rather that they didn't, as saying good-bye each time became increasingly more difficult for me. He was only three y/o at the time, and you know how it is when you're young....a week is a month, and a month is a year.

If your kids won't come for a visit, be sure to phone often, and/or send little cards/messages when you can. It'll help to ease some of the homesickness.

[lynne]

Good luck Jane. Hope all goes well for you next week.

[jane]

Hi, well I am back and it was ok - thanks for your encouraging remarks, the staff were nice and were very good at mopping up my tears of which they were a few.

it was definately worth going and i now feel i can cope with a few things better. And the food was crap!!!