Hospital Diary 7 – Things I Could Only Learn as a Patient – June 26, 2026 (Fri) Reiwa8

During this hospital stay, I have learned many things that I could never have understood unless I became a patient myself.

Before the surgery, the doctor came to my room and drew a circle on my left arm.

He didn't explain why, so I asked a nurse.

She told me, "It's to make sure we operate on the correct side."

I had never known that such an important safety check was part of the process.

In the operating room, unique background music was playing.

I said to one of the nurses, "It sounds like music for going into battle."

The doctor quietly listened, but before surgery he hardly spoke at all.

Later that night, during a brief round, I said to him,

"Doctor, you didn't say a single word before the operation."

He smiled and replied,

"Well... I was about to perform surgery."

Then he quickly headed toward another operating room.

I later learned that even at night, emergency surgeries for accident victims can happen at any time.

Not only patients, but surgeons also face moments that require complete concentration.

Hospitals never sleep.

While patients are under anesthesia, necessary procedures are performed, including removing clothing and inserting a urinary catheter.

By the time I woke up, everything had already been done.

At first, I was surprised.

But I also understood that these procedures are necessary to perform surgery safely.

My fracture happened because of my own poor judgment.

I was riding my electric three-wheeled scooter and tried to press a pedestrian crossing button without getting off.

I lost my balance, fell, and fractured my shoulder.

Looking back, I know it was a careless mistake.

I caused worry and inconvenience to many people.

I am especially grateful to everyone at Matsuyama Eden no Sono, who drove me to the hospital and stayed with me when I needed help.

I truly cannot thank them enough.

Of course, I sometimes think, "If only I had done things differently."

But no matter how many times I think about it, the past cannot be changed.

So I have decided to accept what happened.

From now on, I will be more careful and do my best not to repeat the same mistake.

At the same time, I want to keep looking forward.

This experience has reminded me how many kind people are supporting my life.

I will never forget that kindness, and I hope to treasure each day as I continue my recovery.

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