 The Hospital What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Hospital—What to Expect (by MHNI Staff)
What is the hospital unit?
The following review is in response
to questions from patients who are anticipating admission to the Headache Treatment Unit (HTU) at Chelsea Community Hospital (CCH).
The hospital program is an acute
medical unit that provides services for patients with severe and intractable head,
neck, and other pain disorders. Services are provided with an intensity which is
not possible on an outpatient basis and may include accelerated efforts directed
at pain reduction, detoxification (when needed), intravenous and vigorous preventive
medication regimens, behavioral modification, and other aggressive interventions.
The hospital program is directed
by Dr. Joel Saper, Director of MHNI, who leads a multidisciplinary team of professionals
on daily "rounds" from approximately 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Each patient is
seen during this time and needed changes to an individual's program are made.
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What is a typical day like on the
unit?
Following rounds and throughout
the day, special treatment services are provided by a team of highly skilled clinicians.
Diagnostic tests or interventional procedures such as nerve blocks, spinal taps,
etc., may also be provided.
Patients usually attend therapeutic
group sessions in the morning which address various educational topics. "The group
sessions were very beneficial (for me) because they helped me understand my pain
much better. The most surprising aspect of the program was the explanation of how
the brain works. I had never been educated as to where my pain was coming from and
being educated about the origin of my pain has helped me and my family with my headaches,"
said J.C. from Spokane, Washington.
After lunch, which occurs at approximately
11:30 a.m., acute medical services and therapeutic sessions continue. Therapeutic
sessions may include individual visits with a psychologist who focuses on helping
patients utilize nonmedicinal approaches to pain and attend to any social or family
stress issues. Patients are encouraged, when they are not in groups, to practice
techniques they may have learned during these sessions, including biofeedback or
recreational therapy. In addition, family members are encouraged to be active participants
in all aspects of the patient's care.
Dinner is served around 5:30 p.m.
"Interaction with the other patients was very helpful. Having lunch and dinner with
some of the other patients was great because we got to talk about our problems and
talk about the program," stated W.G. From Grand Rapids, Michigan. This point was
seconded by A.S., a patient from Arkansas. "It was great to be able to interact
with others who shared the same problems as me, and to be able to swap stories with
them." According to J.C., "it was very helpful to interact with other people who
share some of the same pain characteristics."
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How does family get involved?
During the program, a nurse is assigned
to each patient at all times. The patient's family is encouraged to stay on campus
at the White Oak Inn where daily prices are kept affordable and patients have easy
access to family members. A.S.'s wife was able to stay at the White Oak Inn for
the duration of his stay. "It was very helpful to have my wife stay at the Inn because
she was able to attend many of my treatment sessions."
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What is the hospital campus like?
Patients also find the transition
to the program made easier by the serene and rural location of the hospital campus.
When patients feel well enough, they are encouraged to go on group walks around
the 119 acre wood property. "The campus was very beautiful and relaxing," stated
W.G.
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Tips / Services
- Smoking is prohibited on the
CCH campus.
- For comfort, you may want to
bring your own pillow.
- Patients are encouraged to dress
comfortably; jeans or sweats are fine.
- Laundry facilities are available
free of charge at any time.
- Exercise equipment is available
on the unit.
- Snacks and refreshments are
available for patients.
- Each room is equipped with a
phone and television with basic cable. A VCR is available in the recreational room
on the unit.
- Each semiprivate room has its
own bathroom with shower facilities.
- Patients are encouraged to bring
books, music, or other activities they enjoy.
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