An Aspie in hospital - routine

One thing we Aspies like is routine. I certainly do. So when I went into hospital, that went out of the window, as they say. But...they do have their own routines, which in their way did help me cope.

Meals – The meals all were dished up at certain times of the day. If they were late, which sometimes they were, and I got hungry (hangry), then I'd be angry. At least I knew what time of the day it was. The meals I had is another post as I have various food intolerances.

Medications – This was one routine I had to get used to and accept. I had my own routine, especially with the two tablets for my IBS. I always took them as it said on the boxes; before a meal. Did that happen there? Nope. They had their own system, plus they had to order one of them in. I even had a go at one nurse about this and she had a go at me. (I wasn't the only patient to have a go at this nurse – she was an agency nurse not a ward nurse). That is another story. I came to accept the new routine but one thing I hated, or it annoyed me, was to be woken up at 10pm with 'Julie, time for your medication.' Hmm.... Grr.... And especially when I was about to get to sleep. This was the same for what they call Obs (observations) such as taking blood pressure and temperature. Another way I knew what time it was.

Nurse shifts – 8am and 8pm. This was the routine at most hospitals, especially in the High Dependency Unit at St Thomas's. When the changeover happened, I knew it was eight in the morning or night.

Lights out – When the lights either went on or out, I knew what time of the day it was. I could wind down in the evening, knowing I was about to sleep for the night. (Sleeping in hospital is yet another post).

All these routines helped me to cope being in what was a strange environment for me, especially in lockdown, and no one could visit me.

I am currently writing my memoir about my journey with endocarditis, including my hospital stays.

Mouthwash - a healthy alternative to after dinner mints?

Last week I went to the dentist and saw a dental hygiene student. She told me that I shouldn't use my mouthwash in the evening after cleaning my teeth but to use it during the day and after meals. This got me thinking. Usually after meals, esp lunch and dinner, I have a Murray mint to freshen my breath like an after dinner mint. These are sweets and are v sugary, so not good for the teeth. I thought what about using my mouthwash instead, it has a minty taste to it. Also, mouthwash you don't actually swallow, you spit it out so it doesn't stick to your teeth like sugar does. So, once all my mints have gone, I am going to do an experiment and try using the mouthwash as an after meal refresher and see how it goes. I think it can be a good thing as mouthwash gets rid of some plaque, which usually stays there after eating. Shall let you know how I got.

Do any of you out there use mouthwash after meals? If you do, let me know how it goes.

An Aspergirl and Birthday Celebrations, Or Not

Asperger's Syndrome is often called social awkwardness because we find it hard to socialise with others. This is definitely true for me when I was a child, and more so when it came to birthdays. As a child, I never had any birthday parties (I didn't really have any friends to invite), and I never went to anyone else's parties, either. I was a very shy child, and in some ways I still am that shy child. As I grew up, I didn't mind celebrating my birthday, receiving cards and presents and telling people it was my birthday. I liked people saying 'Happy Birthday' to me.

I remember the only adult birthday party I had for my 21^st. I had it at my home and invited close family and friends. I put myself in charge of the music, in the corner the then dining room, and there I stayed. I was asked to dance with relatives but said no. I didn't even go and socialise and chat to the relatives and my friend's family in the other room. As I think back to that occasion I cringe and am embarrassed. I know I couldn't help it then, but I still feel that I could have made the effort just to say hello.

Now as an adult, I don't mind celebrating my birthday. Not with parties, but by going out for meals with family and friends. I went out for a meal for my 30^th with work colleagues. I went out for a meal with family for my 40^th (not that I really want to remember that one as it was spoilt by someone – not me). Although, I know at these meals, I still don't mingle and chat to family on the other tables.

So, that is how Asperger's affects my birthday celebrations, or not. I am blogging about this as April is Autism Awareness Month and I want to spread awareness.

Julie Day

Blog: An Aspergirl and Birthday Celebrations, or not at www.julieaday.blogspot.com

'Don't Get Mad' is now available for $1.99. Book 4 of Geraldine's Gems romance series

Available at Smashwords: Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/julieday40

Don't Get Mad: Sandra is sad about her failure of her marriage to control-freak husband, Jim. Until her aunt Geraldine arrives and tells her 'Don't Get Mad, Get Even'. So Sandra joins the local gym and meets hunk Troy, and gets fitter and healthier and falls in love. She also gets more confident, and finally stands up to Jim in pubic, and wins.

For more authors taking part in this Birthday Book Blast, please go to Stacy Whisenand's blog at

http://stacygreenauthor.com/2013/04/12/its-my-birthday-and-ill-cry-if-i-want-to/