Preparing Yourself for Hospitalization

After your thorough physical examination and a complete review of your medical history and lifestyle, one of our headache specialists may recommend admission to our inpatient unit at Saint Joseph Hospital. There, you will receive the intense and immediate treatment necessary to stabilize the condition and create an effective long-term outpatient plan.

Packing a suitcase for your stay at the Inpatient Unit may seem like a low priority right now; however, bringing needed information and familiar items can quickly help provide the stability and comfort you and your loved ones will need. We felt it was important to emphasize the following points and recommendations before admission to our inpatient unit: 

• Pack clothing to last 7–10 days. Be aware: Chicago is a four-season climate with unpredictable weather. Be sure to check local forecasts before arriving.
• Don't forget a government-issued photo ID card and your Social Security Number. This can be a driver’s license, passport or other official ID. 
• The Inpatient Unit does not allow family or caregivers to stay overnight with you. Hotel accommodations are available nearby. Please call our New Patient Representative at (773)388-6398 for some recommendations.
• Copies of any advanced directives - such as living wills or durable powers of attorney for health care. If you do not have one of these directives, and want to learn more about advanced directives, a 
• Saint Joseph Hospital social worker will give you details about preparing one.
• Bring a supply of your prescription medications, and five (5) copies of the list of your medications and dosages. 
• Let nearby relatives and close friends know you will be gone for up to 10 days. Make arrangements for periodic check-ins at your house, as well as care for any pets or other routine household responsibilities.
• Rooms in the Inpatient Unit at Saint Joseph Hospital are private; however, there are other patients on the unit also are under treatment by Diamond Headache Clinic physicians, so be prepared to interact with and respect the needs of all other patients.
• Write a journal while you're at the hospital. Use it to talk to your family about your treatment and remind you of the things you learned about staying well.
• Our Continuum of Care means the same doctor who treated you in our clinic will direct your treatments at the hospital. You will see other doctors and caregivers; but a Diamond Headache Clinic physician will be there every day to make sure your treatments are going well.
• You have a say in what happens to you. We will listen to you and make sure you know how to keep your headaches under control.
• Ask questions. We will take time to give you an answer you understand.

Now that you know what to expect and how to prepare yourself, we offer the following points below to help you talk to family members and caregivers about your inpatient stay.

Preparing Your Loved Ones for Your Hospitalization

The great news is, your time at the Diamond Headache Clinic will get you on the right track to understanding and coping with your headache condition. While you are with us, the focus must be on participation in our program, so we have provided this list of tips to help you talk to your loved ones and caregivers about what to expect and how to prepare for your treatment:

• Reassure your spouse/partner and loved ones you will be safe during your treatment. If you are traveling alone, give them an exact time line as to when you will leave and when you will return.
• Explain to your loved ones or caregivers the purpose of your treatment and what will occur at the hospital. Encourage them to review our Weekly Schedule for exact program times and topics.
• Give your loved ones or caregivers contact information for Saint Joseph Hospital and explain our communication policy. Let them know exactly how to contact you in case of an emergency.
• Make sure your loved ones and caregivers are aware of and fully understand your advanced directives.
• Give them a list of your prescription medications and dosages; contact information for your primary care physician; and any relevant emergency contact numbers.

About Diamond Headache Clinic's Inpatient Unit

We were one of the first headache centers in the country to offer a complete and dedicated inpatient option. Our 37-bed unit at Saint Joseph Hospital in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago is a treatment destination for acute headache sufferers. The unit offers the benefits of early intervention, as well as one-on-one interaction with our team of headache specialists.