In honor of someone we all know. Please describe your worst hospital experience.

[3catwoman3]

27. March 2023 I developed appendicitis. Usually, an appendectomy...

...is a relatively no big deal surgery with an uncomplicated recovery. Because I was on Eliquis (a blood thinner) for atrial fibrillation, the surgery had to wait until I was off the Eliquis for 36 hours so I wouldn't bleed out on the table. During that time, the appendix became gangrenous, which slowed down the recovery. Instead of 1-2 nights in the hospital, it was 5.

On either the 2nd or 3rd day, my gastrointestinal function had not picked up, so I had to have an NG (nasogastric) tube. For those who don't know, this is a plastic tube, about as big around as a cooked elbow macaroni, that is put thru your nose, down the back of your throat, down your esophagus and into your stomach to allow air and secretions to be sucked out by means of a vacuum unit attached to the wall. This is done while you are awake.

I felt every centimeter of this damn tube with every breath and every swallow, and it was a completely miserable experience. It was in place for about 24 hours. I told my husband not to visit me until it was out, because I knew I wouldn't be able to to minimize how awful I was feeling, and he would be frustrated by not being able to do anything to make me feel any better, and I'd be wanting to try to comfort him and I knew I didn't have the strength to do so.

I've had 2 C-sections and 2 hip replacements, and I would cheerfully repeat all of those experiences rather than have an NG tube ever again.