I actually felt sorry for the staff because it was so clear they were horrible understaffed, especially at night. And, before they moved me, I was surrounded by people with dementia who'd get out of bed at night and it took all the staff time trying to get those people back into their beds and calmed down. It was noisy and just generally awful. Once they moved me to a private room (which they did because they thought maybe I'd stop complaining about every other thing) and I didn't have a roommate keeping the TV on all the time, it got a little better. I would ask them to close my door but then the next person coming in would leave it open unless I caught them in time. I also had trouble getting pain meds on time and they had a policy that they wouldn't wake anyone up to take them so if I haven't to fall asleep then it was really late by the time I got my meds. I went there on a Monday so I was able to be evaluated the next day and was cleared to go to the potty by myself and walk as much as I wanted. I was thankful I was allowed to take my meals in my room because I really didn't relish eating with all those "old people" (ha, ha). Walk as much as you comfortably can and that will help build your strength.
I had a friend who threatened to come in the middle of the night and sneak me out. From what I've heard and seen on the TV documentaries, it seems many of those places are similarly understaffed. It just made me so angry that they would call themselves a rehab place and then offer nothing but PT for rehab - no ice, insufficient equipment, etc. I still haven't responded to their customer service survey (which I will do at some point) because I just wanted to get on with healing and put that awful experience behind me for the time being. I will eventually write quite a report to them and to my insurance carrier who offered very few choices for rehab in my area. I can really understand why some people rush home but I just wasn't ready. If they would have allowed me to stay in hospital a day longer, I think I could have gone straight home. The only good thing I can say is that it was easier on my son who was my care giver - I was more able to do things for myself by the time I got home (13 days after surgery).
Let your husband rage at the admin folks - it might result in better treatment. I could tell the staff was equally frustrated so I tried not to give them a hard time and show my appreciation when they did show up. I hope I never have to go back to one of those places and I'm sure you do too!
You should be able to do the little step very soon - keep your chin up and you'll soon be home.
United States
