Could you please define what you mean by "hospitalized?" Are we talking about ER visits too? Overnight stays? Extended stays? Surgery? ALL of the above???
I'm sure that for me, I've been hospitalized more times than I could possibly want to try to remember in the past 21 years.
As far as CD related hospitalizations, I've had four major operations (gallbladder, apendix, 3 resections) and numerous hosptial ER visits and admissions for bowel obstructions and dehydration. Can we say, "human pin cusion?" It's pretty bad when they start inspecting your groin area b/c they can't find any "good veins" left... scary too! lol
Besides that, I experienced one bad auto wreck in 1995 that landed me in ICU overnight and the hospital for a week. I've also delivered two babies (both in a hospital).
I don't necessarily like hospitals...but for some strange reason I feel comfortable in that atmosphere (like Ree said, it's almost like a "second home").
I have a lot of compassion for people who are stuck in the hospital. I know how much it means to have visitors come by as well as have a person to speak up for you on your behalf and watch your back (literally with those stupid gowns! LOL) when you're incapacitated.
I've had experiences where I personally felt quite helpless and dependant lying in a hospital bed with all sorts of tubes coming and going everywhere after major surgery.
My mother was always a lifesafer when I've been in the hospital. She would come visit me and help me to freshen up (wash my hair, give the personal attention you feel more comfortable getting from someone you actually know [sponge bath, lotion, deoderant, bringing clean underwear and a nighty/robe from home!). Little things like that can make such a BIG difference!