For the past four days, I’ve been in the hospital due to cellulitis affecting my right hand. The initial pain was intense, but thankfully, the combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen has been managing it well. As the days pass, the pain is gradually subsiding, and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to leave the hospital on Monday and resume work on Tuesday.
Being on the patient side of things has been an eye-opening experience. As a nurse, I’m used to caring for others, but now I find myself in their shoes. Spending extended periods in the hospital can indeed become monotonous, even when you’re not feeling severely unwell. However, having family members visit and access to my laptop for entertainment has made the days more bearable.
The redness and swelling in my hand are gradually diminishing, and the pain has significantly reduced. With the IV antibiotics doing their job, I’m optimistic about leaving the hospital soon. The transition to oral antibiotics will hopefully allow me to continue my recovery comfortably.
In retrospect, this experience will undoubtedly make me a better nurse. Understanding the patient’s perspective firsthand will inform my practice and empathy. As I look forward to returning to work, I’m grateful for the support and care I’ve received during my stay.