An American in a German Hospital

I frequently visit people in the hospital over here. Being the commander's wife, you like to see the new babies and check on people when they are hurt or sick. It's just the nature of what you do. When I go visit, the topic invariably gets to what it's like being in an American in a German hospital. It's not like being in the States they say. I've been in one myself, but never having been in an American hospital, I can't compare....but they sure can. Here are some things, that as an American, you should prepare yourself for.

• The doors and windows stay closed. I was in a German hospital, with my new baby, in the heat of a invariably hot summer with no AC...and wasn't allowed to open the windows...too drafty for the baby...and the door stays closed....Germans like to keep everything fairly quiet and contained....also privacy seems to be a issue as well.

• Bring your own gear. I'm talking sleepwear, houseshoes, robe, toiletries, things to do...nothing but the sheets you sleep on and maybe a glass of water is supplied for your convenience.

• Food. I'm not saying they don't feed you, but the food is usually bland, not enough and if you're not used to eating barely a roll for breakfast and a few coldcuts at dinnertime...you are going to starve....bring some snacks.

• Drink, particulary water. Germans like fizzy water..and lots of tea..if you don't like either, you'd better have a stash of fluids with you. Some of the German hospitals that cater to some Americans may have non-fizzy water, but for the most part, you are SOL....so bring your own.

• Questions. In the German healthcare system, you just don't ask questions...your doctor tells you what to do and when...you follow along with no questions asked...basta. Again, if your doctor is used to dealing with some Americans, he may have changed his tune somewhat. But I remember trying to chase down a doctor for someone once, and got a serious dressing down from the nurse...and that wasn't the only time. I learned this from my German grandfather...as a German, you keep your mouth shut and don't question your doctor. I'm not telling you to do that, but just be prepared when they look at you like you're nuts when you start asking questions, or worse, they grill you for doing it.

• Someone who speaks German. I know we have quite a few German wives in the unit. Befriend one and have her come along if she can...and if they are willing. I speak German and have done that quite a few times...it's the least I can do to help out in the unit. Once, when I was not there, we had a wife who was induced with Pitocin to get her labor going...she labored for a few hours, then next thing she knows, she was being given something "to help her sleep"...that turned into another drug that stopped her labor (sleep=stop labor?)....and then sent her home...before she even realized what was going on. She thought she was going to have the baby and soon...she didn't...until two weeks later. She really wished she had known that's what they were doing...guess it was not a literal translation.

Those are the highlights to keep in mind then. German hospitals are not the ala carte hospitals we have in the States. They are efficient for the most part, and do get things done but are low frills in many instances. Just know what to expect, and you'll be that much more prepared...and comfortable:-)) Have you had a foreign hospital experience? Or would you like to share some tips that made your hospital stay more comfortable in the States?