[princessbelle]

Originally Posted by SleepyButch

~snip~

As far as being in a hospital, a lot of people feel like they lose their dignity during those times, not just Butches but everyone. People being made to wear gowns where their asses are hanging out. Having a catheter in, being poked and prodded at what seems like every second. It's never easy being sick and having to deal with this as well makes it that much worse.

Being a nurse myself I would suggest to just find a nurse/someone you trust and tell her/him your wishes. Hey, I prefer to wear my boxers. Hey, I don't want all of these people around when I'm being examined. It makes me uncomfortable. It is your prerogative to ask. A lot of times, hospitals have pants that you can wear instead of those awful gowns. Ask for them. The worse that could happen is they can say no. Someone around there has to be a patient advocate. All nurses should be even though I know that's not the case. They are all concentrating on getting you over your sickness and not thinking about the fact that you might be uncomfortable. Remind them.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you are going through.

I totally agree SleepyButch. Everyone does need an advocate while you are hospitalized or worse. Make sure someone that knows your wishes on how you want to be treated is with you during these times. Also remember that we nurses take an oath to be a patient advocate. I know i have, as i'm sure all nurses here, have stood nose to nose with doctors protecting our patient's privacy, wishes and personal needs. That is something we don't take lightly. Most of us take it seriously.

Talk to your nurse and if you are incapacitated to the point you can't talk, make sure someone you are close to will do that for you. Be open and honest to the staff and if your nurse seems as though they have forgotten why they are a nurse to begin with, ask for the charge nurse, the nurse manager and so on.

Getting someone pants to wear instead of a gown, being called "he" instead of "she", having a partner in the room, should be the easy stuff compared to why you are there to begin with. Stand up for yourself and don't be afraid to demand the respect as a patient that you deserve.

Back in the 80s when being gay wasn't cool (pardon the pun there) it was way more difficult to get hospital peeps to understand where you might be coming from. Today, even though it is still hard at times, it is better understood. Thanks to the people who educate, like Greyson and Julie for example.

Anyway, i ramble on this because i have seen it transform so much over the years. Bottom line....don't be afraid to tell hospital staff, especially your advocate, your nurse, how you EXPECT to be treated. It is your right.