Insights from a week-long hospitalization at Orthopedic Unit of Sheba hospital

Random thoughts from my last day at the hospital:

The longer you stay hospitalized, the more eager you are go home, the more you invest in doing everything the doc says - even if it hurts.

Hospital food is not so bad, especially when served every morning by a smiling, pretty young volunteer who seems genuinely interested in how you feel.

There are still both wonderful people and crappy people - everywhere - even in hospitals. The crappy night shift man who laughs at your tears for not being able to sleep and ignores your cries for help, and the wonderful people - like the little boy who ran across the hall to help you pick up something you dropped and have trouble picking up, and the teenage girl who noticed your exhaustion from rolling yourself in you wheelchair down the hall, and naturally grabbed the handle of you the wheelchair to quickly take you where you wanted to go. The great things is I think I saw more of the wonderful type, and in most cases it was the younger generation that belonged to this group - and that fills me with optimism about out future.

Sometimes, you are grateful to accept help offered, even if you haven’t asked for it. It’s hard to estimate how difficult or painful something will be before you start doing it, you are used to being independent, and you’re the type that doesn’t like to ask for help. But halfway through what you want to do - you realize help would be a blessing, and wished someone offered.

Many times - someone will. When they don’t - you have to learn to swallow your tongue and just ask for it. It makes it easier.

And just as important - offer it to others, all the time. At worst, they while smile and say “no thanks”. And best, you’ve helped make someone else even a tiny bit better. Totally worth it.

I’m on my way home today. A week at a hospital has left me on the one hand - tired, still pained, and still immobile - but on the other hand, so very grateful for all the great things - my husband, son, family, friends, colleagues, and online communitiy (so much love!) and wiser in many ways.

Now, on the way to recovery. See you in the gym in a few months!