Roommates
So you’ve made your long trip for your weekly treatment. You’ve done what you needed to do to get there in the first place, but suddenly, you’re greeted with a roommate.
The influx of people being diagnosed with this horrid disease is growing, and it seems many facilities can’t keep up with the growing community of multiple myeloma patients. So, there can be shared treatment rooms and makeshift spaces to accommodate all of us. So, what’s the big deal?
Too close for comfort
Are you comfortable sharing your personal information with a roommate? There seems to have been a missed concern for many in this situation. Sometimes they've started using smaller chairs and tables to hold your arm. Sometimes you're within earshot of other conversations. Well, it can all be a bit much to deal with when going through treatment.
There have been many cases where despite the hospital's space situation, I’ve spoken up to get some privacy. Do you feel like your privacy is compromised? Are you okay speaking about your date of birth, or problems with treatment in front of a stranger? Well, I had a problem with it. There's been a strong push for privacy due to HIPAA, but why hasn’t the sharing of treatment spaces been challenged? I’m sure many may not have thought much about the issue, but there are a great many who may find this to be a problem and annoying. Now, don’t get me wrong, some may feel comfortable with sharing their space, or may not have considered this to be a problem.
What’s the big deal?
Well, it’s kind of a big deal when you think about it, and here are a few reasons why:
Privacy considerations
Sensitive information is frequently being shared. Many nurses, lab workers, and administration team members start your time in treatment by making sure you’re really you. The infamous DOB (date of birth) comes up every time. What if you don’t want people to know your age or other information? Is it wrong to make this a big deal?
Risk of infection
What if you or your room buddy is having a hard time, maybe coughing due to being ill with a cold? Is it enough for you or them to wear a mask to make this okay?
IVs and other stressors
Prepping for an IV is a stressful time with just you and your nurse, but now you have this other being (possibly with their support team) looking at you getting plucked drawing a line.
Taking one WITH the whole team
Okay, so if you’re okay with another patient in your room, are you okay with the patient’s spouse, adult kids, and a neighbor? A support team is always welcomed, but not when it entrenches another patient’s privacy and comfort. Then that’s a problem.
Okay, now what?
If you find yourself in this bind, I suggest reaching out to your nurse to see if there’s another way to resolve this that makes you comfortable and keeps your privacy intact. It’s also suggested to reach out to a Patient Manager. And, you know those surveys you may have taken asking about how your visit was? Well, it actually works and they do call you if your visit flags any issues so don't be afraid to speak up!
The time to fight is now, with integrity, grace, hope, and a smile….when you feel like it
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