Going Home: Bitter Sweet

/in /by CAMTA

Many patients have shared with me how jittery they get while recovering in the hospital. The hospital environment is a busy one, and the patient's schedules are dictated by the numerous check-ins and teachings that the general practitioners, nurses and physiotherapists must do. The patients also share a room with two or three other patients, which can attract a crowd of family members visiting their loved ones. This environment makes them eager to return home to a calmer, more personal space. 

Left: Eric Entwistle (Recovery Nurse) wheels Alejandra away for her surgery. All the team loved her “pantouflas” (slippers) and Eric's smiley nature could not resist them either.

Right: Alejandra had trouble falling asleep because of the crowd in her room. When she finally drifted off, it was soon the time to wake her for physiotherapy. 

On the other hand, they feel safe when surrounded by CAMTA. All the new sensations in their hips and legs can trigger a bit of anxiety, but the team is able to explain every little tingle, pull or pain. The patients are also surrounded by the uplifting smiles and laughs of the team. 

Alejandra with Dr. Alex Gessner, her general practitioner and Natalie Klawitter, her nurse.

Some patients bond very quickly with the people who look after them, and it is not rare to see a team member choke up when a patient is discharged and goes home.