Read Emma's real story to find out more about what it's like to stay in hospital.
Hi, I’m Emma. I am 13 years old and this story is about what being in hospital is really like.
I spend a lot of time in hospitals, I’ve had a heart problem since I was born and then I had a new heart (heart transplant) in June last year, but I still keep going to my hospital a lot for checkups.
Hospitals aren’t scary
Hospitals aren’t really scary. They’re places where people come to get better! The beds are comfy, the food is nice and the nurses and doctors are really friendly.
Being prepared is the biggest advice I’d give anyone. Hospitals can be boring, but not that bad if you bring some things with you.
Being prepared
If you like reading like me, bring a book with you! If you like doing puzzles bring a puzzle book with you and a pen to do them with. If you like drawing, bring a sketch book and a pencil case with, pencils, a rubber, sharpener and then some coloured pens or pencils. If you like music and have an iPod or mp3, bring that with you, it’s a good distraction from everything. If you have a Nintendo DS, why not bring that with you? And then bring a favourite game or two?
I always bring my iPod and Nintendo DS with me. And I find hospitals not really boring at all.
Most places in hospitals you can use your mobile, so you can text your friends if you wish.
Your parents can stay with you all the time, if you want them too. And usually one can sleep on the ward with you too.
Ask what’s happening
You might feel confused about what’s going on. If you don’t understand what’s happening; ask a nurse or your doctor. If you have any questions, do ask, they don’t mind! You might want to write a list of questions you want to ask.
Some tests, like blood tests do hurt a tiny bit, but its only for a second and you can always ask for some 'magic cream' to numb the pain, or cold spray which is just a freezing cold spray, so you cant feel anything!
It only takes a few minutes to take blood tests: you could listen to your iPod or read while it’s being done. If you don’t want to see what’s happening, tell the person who is doing the bloods, because then they can position you so you can’t see what they’re doing.
Hospitals can be tiring places, they’re busy too! But it’s not really too bad at all with a little preparation.
I hope my story of hospitals has helped people who are worried about going to hospital.
This story may have been edited for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.
