Hospital Tales

I’ve spent the last few days in a hospital. My dad was hospitalized for 3 days. The room in Alabang Medical Center was a bit small. Room capacity is probably for 2 persons only: the patient and the patient’s guardian.

My first few moments there was quite unpleasant. I almost got hit by a car and was sandwiched by the elevator doors. It was a good thing I had a lot of baggage with me to protect me from the closing of those impatient doors. I admit that I fear automatic doors in malls and that includes elevators.

When I took my first steps inside the room, there was this certain smell. It stung my nose and made me feel nauseated. My nose got used to the smell and it didn’t stung anymore. The bath room was very small… very, very small. It made it a bit impossible for me to move comfortably in it. The room made me a little impossible to be comfortable in it. It was a hospital room where sick people stay. Sick wit germs. And you’re not sure if the hospital people thoroughly cleans the place. So we started of by cleaning the room using disinfectants.

On our first day there, we dropped by ATC to buy a few things and dinner. Daddy had his check-up and stuff. He also had to fast. The room was cold and I felt uncomfortable sleeping. I slept a little late and when I woke up the next morning, I was cold and desired for more sleep. That was the day of dad’s operation. He got back to the room by noon. It was a success. Thank God for that.

I wasn’t used to doing nothing in the afternoon and sleeping early. I tried looking for something to do. I found what I loved the best: eat. I went downstairs and off to Yellow Cab. I bought pasta. It was a little spicy but it was delicious. Mother didn’t like it.

I also had my clumsy moments. I do not want to mention them anymore.

On our third day, I went to ATC again but this time on my own. I ate lunch there and brought back lunch to the hospital. I went to Power Books there, I scanned and read some portions of Bakit baliktad mag-basa ng libro ang mga Pilipino? by Bob Ong. The book made fun and mockery of Filipino sub-cultures and politics. I was laughing while reading it. I wanted to buy it. I didn’t have any money with me. Maybe next time. Then I went to McDo to buy their lunch, walked a few meters, went up the overpass, and rode a jeep back to the hospital. It was midday. That morning it was drizzling. By noon, it was hot. I felt like my hair was burning.

I will end my hospital story there. I know I complained alot. That didn’t matter much. The important thing is the operation went well. The stones retrieved were a bit over sized. What I learned from all these is that most HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES (excluding the medical personnel) DO NOT KNOW HOW TO KNOCK! They would just barge in the room… End of story=]