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Pending Sheppard-Pratt Admission

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I can certainly do that.

Meals come up on a cart that you can pick from a few choices at 8:30 for breakfast, 12:30 for lunch, and 5:30 for dinner. The cart stays at most of 1/2 hour so that is actually helpful for me because it means there are definite times for eating. I do much better remembering to eat when there is a specific schedule. And you have to be up by 8:30 for breakfast, which was the best meal.

Each day every patient sees the psychiatrist for rounds (a covering weekend attending on Sat/Sun, which occasionally is your actual dr.) and they do the med changes and check ins, general health check-ins, and mental health check-ins and some psychotherapy. Three times per week you see your assigned therapist for 45-60 minutes. Highly trained people and I think that they are probably all awesome, but I mainly worked with one psychiatrist and one therapist except during brief vacations of theirs.

The rest of the day consists of groups. Each day starts with goals group at 10:00 and each person states their 2-4 goals for the day that are treatment related and often relate to assignments that you got from the psychiatrist or therapist, but you can have your own focus as well. Each day ends with a goals review group in which everyone talks about what they got accomplished for the set goals and what got in the way of anything they didn't accomplish (no shaming, just staing).

Between those groups there is a variety of groups on a scheduled basis. We had Cognitive Therapy 1x per week, DBT 2x, Containment 2-3x, journal group 2x, Self-Compassion 1x (I actually really liked this group), yoga 2x, music therapy 3x (I came to love this group, too), cognitive tasks (think arts and crafts that help with symptom management) 2x, daily living skills 1-2x, creative expressions 1x (I love this group- it's creative writing), leisure learning 1x, symptom management 2x, health and stress management 1x, pain management 1x, med education 1x every other week, ask anything (treatment/program related) 1x. I think that's mainly it. Most groups last 45 minutes with 15 minutes before the next group. Some days there were back to back groups from 10-4 and other days there were some breaks. They also usually have art therapy, but the art therapist just left and they're hiring a new one.

There are also three processing groups, like group psychotherapy- actually that's the name of one, the other two are family issues and transitions.

The other core staff consists of nurses and mental health workers. These people sometimes run a group, but mostly they are there to help hand out med and to support you if you are having a difficult time or need help or to review an assignment. They are awesome. They rotate through 3 shifts of these workers per 24 hours periods. They check on you every 15 minutes no matter where you are or what you're doing. It's one thing that helps me sleep at night. All staff speaks the same language and can help with the skills you're learning and guide you towards helping yourself.

One thing that really helps me being at Sheppard-Pratt is knowing that I am not alone. The current unit has 12 patients max at a time. These patients have all been through some sort of trauma and a lot also have DID. So even though there is a strict policy not to talk about your trauma, you don't have to because you just know that everyone gets it. There's free time for coloring, playing games, chatting, reading, etc. You can hang out in your room or in the milieu as they call the common areas. Some nights they put on movies.

The staff helps me a great deal to make progress especially since everyone knows what you're goals are and what you're supposed to be working on. The psychiatrist that I worked with was awesome and helped me make some really good discoveries about myself. He also explained emotions in a way that actually made sense to me and I was able to start naming how I was feeling! One thing that really helps me accomplish a lot there is that I feel safer on a locked unit when doing hard work. And knowing there is always a staff memeber to help out if I get overwhelmed. I am able to be comfortable enough to use skills and to communicate internally and journal. Even though there was so much new about the unit and staff this time, it was still the same caring, supportive environment.
Hey!!! I was wondering if you could tell me how strict they were about things like lotions and creams? I am scrambling to pack these things but just confused. It says it must be in a clear bottle AND manufacturer labels in place. How is that even possible? How did you package yours?

If I bring a clear empty bottle and transfer it from the original packaging IN FRONT OF THEM do you think they would allow me to keep it?? Lol. And what about air pump bottles! They can't be opened OR closed either! Any thoughts? Sorry to pester... I really am super nervous!! And truth be told I'll be really very miserable without my skincare.
 
@JEKBreatheandBelieve I hope you see this because I'm leaving soon 🥺🥺 also how strict do you think they'll be that my mp3 player has a recording mic feature? Nintendo switches are somehow allowed though?

I'm sorry I'm sorry I know I'm not entitled to your time. Just scared and maybe you'll have some answers for me!
 
Just scared and maybe you'll have some answers for me!
Hey @penguinuser - in case JEK doesn't see your message (which is very possible, many members only visit the site when they have a direct need of it) - perhaps someone else here can give you advice....is there a link you can share to an info sheet that specifies what things incoming patients can (and cannot) bring with them?
 
Hey @penguinuser - in case JEK doesn't see your message (which is very possible, many members only visit the site when they have a direct need of it) - perhaps someone else here can give you advice....is there a link you can share to an info sheet that specifies what things incoming patients can (and cannot) bring with them?
Hi!! Oh thank you so much for responding, you're the best! The link is below if it helps at all. I have an MP4 player that technically records audio, and a slew of bottles toiletries I'm trying to juggle!

 
Thanks for sharing that link, @penguinuser.

The link says:
Liquid toiletries (e.g., shampoo, lotion) must be in clear bottles with manufacturer labels in place. Note: If containers are not clear plastic, or liquid is too dark to see through, items will be kept in the nurses’ station and dispensed into small cups for each use.
So, that answers your question about clear bottles. Don't transfer anything to a clear bottle, you need to leave it in the bottle it comes in. If the bottle it comes in isn't clear, or if the product IN the bottle isn't clear enough to see through - it seems like they'll let it in, but have the staff dispense it.

No glass or ceramics are allowed, and that would extend to containers. Bottles, jars, etc. So if your products are in glass or ceramic containers? Don't bring them.

Check if your toiletries are oil-based - nothing oil-based is allowed in.
I have an MP4 player that technically records audio,
That wouldn't be allowed. No recording devices means, no recording devices, no exceptions. You could try and bring it, but it seems from the link that they wouldn't let it in, and would store it with your luggage until you're discharged.
And what about air pump bottles! They can't be opened OR closed either!
Hard to tell, but the link is clear about no aerosols being allowed. If the container says that the contents are under pressure, then they are aerosolized.

Hope this helps some.
 
Thanks for sharing that link, @penguinuser.

The link says:

So, that answers your question about clear bottles. Don't transfer anything to a clear bottle, you need to leave it in the bottle it comes in. If the bottle it comes in isn't clear, or if the product IN the bottle isn't clear enough to see through - it seems like they'll let it in, but have the staff dispense it.

No glass or ceramics are allowed, and that would extend to containers. Bottles, jars, etc. So if your products are in glass or ceramic containers? Don't bring them.

Check if your toiletries are oil-based - nothing oil-based is allowed in.

That wouldn't be allowed. No recording devices means, no recording devices, no exceptions. You could try and bring it, but it seems from the link that they wouldn't let it in, and would store it with your luggage until you're discharged.

Hard to tell, but the link is clear about no aerosols being allowed. If the container says that the contents are under pressure, then they are aerosolized.

Hope this helps some.
Thanks a lot for your advice and feedback. Wondering if they're a little lenient about voice recorders on ipods/MP4 players because I can't find a player-sans-recorder-app that exists AT ALL. They only say no ipods/MP4 players with cameras, you'd think they'd specify more than that if the recorder mattered too. Guess maybe I'll just have to take my chances.

Another prepping struggle, I'm really panicked because I have a life threatening dust mite allergy and they are being wishy washy about ensuring me I will be okay there. (I carry an epi pen) Any bed without a fabric that's allergy safe, and my throat will literally close up until I suffocate. They're saying my own allergy bedding will be rejected without exceptions which would be fine if they were going to make sure I'd be safe without it! Its not like I have a choice.

I think maybe I'm just venting about the dust mite stuff. Advocating for my health needs with disabilities has always been VERY traumatic in the past so I'm really feeling small right now.

Thank you for all your help and giving me a place to vent 🌸 !!!!

Thanks for sharing that link, @penguinuser.

The link says:

So, that answers your question about clear bottles. Don't transfer anything to a clear bottle, you need to leave it in the bottle it comes in. If the bottle it comes in isn't clear, or if the product IN the bottle isn't clear enough to see through - it seems like they'll let it in, but have the staff dispense it.

No glass or ceramics are allowed, and that would extend to containers. Bottles, jars, etc. So if your products are in glass or ceramic containers? Don't bring them.

Check if your toiletries are oil-based - nothing oil-based is allowed in.

That wouldn't be allowed. No recording devices means, no recording devices, no exceptions. You could try and bring it, but it seems from the link that they wouldn't let it in, and would store it with your luggage until you're discharged.

Hard to tell, but the link is clear about no aerosols being allowed. If the container says that the contents are under pressure, then they are aerosolized.

Hope this helps some.
Also, do you think bras are counted as underwear? It says underwear is the exception to the no spandex rule
 
Wondering if they're a little lenient about voice recorders on ipods/MP4 players because I can't find a player-sans-recorder-app that exists AT ALL. They only say no ipods/MP4 players with cameras, you'd think they'd specify more than that if the recorder mattered too.
From the Items Prohibited, No Exceptions Made list (further down the page)
Recording devices (sound or images) including cameras or webcams

It's a privacy issue.
They're saying my own allergy bedding will be rejected without exceptions which would be fine if they were going to make sure I'd be safe without it! Its not like I have a choice.
I know they say not to bring medications - but if they've been informed appropriately of the allergy (which it sounds like you did), then it'd be medically irresponsible of them NOT to have Epi-pens on-site. And there are medical staff in attendance....so, of all the places you could have an allergic reaction, this one should be well-prepared to handle it. My guess is that (as a health-care facility) this is. place that uses plastic cover over mattresses and pillows (or some other plan for maintaining sanitization) as well as industrial-strength sanitizing cleaning processes. Odds are, you'll be fine.

But I understand the need to vent; just don't let it wind up your own anxiety. It's stressful, to be going inpatient - but try and remember that this is something really good you're doing for yourself.
 
From the Items Prohibited, No Exceptions Made list (further down the page)


It's a privacy issue.
I agree it is totally a privacy issue I'm just scratching my head a little since from what I could find nearly 100% of mp3 players and ipods have recorders. I'd think their experience with that would make the list a tad more specific. Otherwise almost no one can bring them. Just weird. I'm going to destroy the mic on the device so it can't record, and deliberately bring earbuds that have no mic.

I know they say not to bring medications - but if they've been informed appropriately of the allergy (which it sounds like you did), then it'd be medically irresponsible of them NOT to have Epi-pens on-site. And there are medical staff in attendance....so, of all the places you could have an allergic reaction, this one should be well-prepared to handle it. My guess is that (as a health-care facility) this is. place that uses plastic cover over mattresses and pillows (or some other plan for maintaining sanitization) as well as industrial-strength sanitizing cleaning processes. Odds are, you'll be fine.

But I understand the need to vent; just don't let it wind up your own anxiety. It's stressful, to be going inpatient - but try and remember that this is something really good you're doing for yourself.

Hey thanks, you really are the best. You're right, I was also thinking it would be odd if their mattresses weren't encased in something allergy-proof (a pore-less material). I was originally not worried for the same reasons -- a hospital would be even more diligent about cleaning. Originally I totally assumed a hospital environment would have a lower overall allergen load. So thanks for reminding me of that.

I just hate that they can't tell me for sure, you know? If their couches don't get steam cleaned frequently, are more than five years old, or aren't a special material, my throat will close up just by sitting on them! All people with allergies have a hard time with people accommodating them; and it's scarier when medical self-advocacy was traumatic for me.

Luckily I'm talking to my psychologist today so she can help me through it. Thanks for reassuring me. Really. I already feel better.
 
@penguinuser , I am sorry, I wasn't on for awhile. I don't remember if you said when you were leaving. I think you got a lot of good answers. If they know a device can record and take pictures it probably won't be allowed. I am quite certain that the Switch has to stay in your room or it may even have to be signed in and out. Lots of things are dispensed at the nurses station. If you have any questions about something they take away upon admission, just ask. If it seems inconsistent, talk to the charge nurse, Emily, or your psychiatrist. And if you have have left and don't see this until after you've gone, I hope you found it as helpful as I have.
 
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