Transitioning Back to Real Life After Hospitalization

Stress, lack of sleep, and constant interruptions make spending time in the hospital physically and emotionally exhausting. But for me, it's just as difficult to come home from a hospital stay and get back to “real life.”

| 3 min read
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Somer Love
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There is no place like home, especially after a long, grueling two-week hospital stay! Hospital life is tough, and it can be so frustrating. Sitting in a room for two weeks and then returning to semi-normal life can be such a daunting task. For me, the transition from hospital life to real life is just as (if not more) exhausting as going in.

I'm not sure how, but transitioning back into real life is always so hard and so stressful. Sleep and nutrition are such important components of healing and, sadly, both of those are really hard to come by in the joint.

Hospital life is so busy and exhausting, and I feel like the door to my room is constantly revolving. Throw in some insomnia and, well ... let's just say I feel like I could sleep for a week when I get home. And not to mention, there's the long list of to-dos to make sure your home is as clean as possible when you get out of the hospital as well. I mean, there is no sense re-infecting yourself from the old bacteria you had before you went in. Clean sheets, new toothbrushes, new Chapstick, sterilized or new nebulizer cups, new O2 tubing, filling O2 tanks, new nebulizer tubing ... and the list goes on.

What are some of the most daunting tasks for you after an admit?

CF is definitely something you can't fight alone. Having a support system is so important when it comes to facing any battle, no matter the size. I am so appreciative of all the love and support I get while I am in the joint. People are always so willing to visit, bring me anything I may need, and call to check in on me when I am admitted -- and I couldn't be more grateful.

The support is greatly appreciated after the hospital for the first little while as well, as I attempt to transition back to real life. Sometimes I hear that after someone gets home, the support often stops or starts to fade. The reasoning behind this is the support system assumes that since you're home, everything is back to normal. But in reality, nothing seems normal at first.

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My best advice I can give when you get home is to take it one day at a time ... ok, who am I kidding? It's more like one breath at a time. Take big deep breaths as you baby step back into reality. You'll eventually get back to your normal ... or at least your new normal going forward.

Breathe out Love! ❤️

This site contains general information about cystic fibrosis, as well as personal insight from the CF community. Opinions and experiences shared by members of our community, including but not limited to people with CF and their families, belong solely to the blog post author and do not represent those of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, unless explicitly stated. In addition, the site is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from a medical professional. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.

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Hospitalization
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Somer was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 11 months in 1980. She tries to live each day to the fullest by keeping her hopes high and dreams big. Somer is an active advocate in the CF community who has spent her life fighting the disease alongside her parents. Follow Somer on Love To Breathe.

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