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Surgery Update for Dad

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Posted 8/25/2007 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

This is Julie posting with a surgery update.

My Dad's surgery was yesterday, friday and took about 2.5 hours. But it took them 5 hours to move him to his room and he did not get up and walk at all yesterday and as of 11am he still hasn't.  He is at the University of Michigan hospital.

We are a little concerned and my mother is getting anxious because he was told he can't leave today because his "drain tube" is filling up more than it should, which they sent a sample to the lab.  Apparently that happens in about 20% of the cases and usually it just heals it self?  He said he's pretty tired but in not too much pain although he actually hasn't been moving that much.  It seems as if most people who I've read about have been up and walking by now????

I guess we are on the other side of surgery, but now are feeling anxious because we thought he would just be discharged today and maybe stay in the hotel for 1 night before doing the 3 hour trip home? 

I guess we should just try and not be too anxious, surely not everybody was discharged from the hospital the next day???

Thanks

Julie

Posted 8/25/2007 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Julie,

I would not worry at all. Every person is different, therefore every surgery experience is different even with the same surgeon.

I was told I'd be in the hospital up to four days and I was released in two days. Some in this forum were released in 24 hours.

Your dad's body is just reacting a little differently and I'm sure your health care professionals are doing what they believe is best for him.

Don't worry about when the drain is coming out. That is different for each person as well.

Try to stay calm and give him all the encouragement you can. I would stay on top of what is going on in the hospital. Ensure that he has everything he needs and that you're paying for! :-)

I wanted to drink a lot of fluids and I had to keep on top of them to have enough ice water and juices.

Your dad should do just fine.

We're sending our thoughts and prayers out to you and your dad, Julie!

All the best,

Idaho
Posted 8/25/2007 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Julie,

First...sounds all good so far. 2.5 huors is right about the norm and your dad sounds like he's doing fine physically. Being loaded up with slaine solution, medications and gasses will wear a body out. These too shall pass.

I am concerned the hospital staff is not getting your father up and walking. He should be up, absolutely! Guess you will have to be the wind beneath his wings today! He's going to feel somewhat tired Julie. It's perfectly normal. He's just had surgery. Get dad up and walking if only short distances more frequently. This sounds a bit like a dad doesn't want to get up. Maybe he's just a tad scared something will happen. Again, a normal reaction.

Being a care giver is sometimes a bad guy role. We do have to occasionally light a fire under fear so our loved ones will move on. Every case has a different time frame but, the goal is the same. The sooner we get back to doing normal activities following a procedure, the faster and more completely we heal.

Oh, and yes, the JP drain often stays in for several days.

God Bless, Swim
Posted 8/25/2007 8:14 PM (GMT 0)

No, they don't want him walking, the staff has him on bedrest because they said there is a leak somewhere and that is why his drain tube has urine in it.  Supposidely the leak will heal itself, but they don't want him walking yet as that may make it worse????

Thanks for the support.

Julie

Posted 8/25/2007 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Julie,

Okay..that sounds strange since it's verrrry common for patients to go home with a JP still in place but...hey, whatever the Doc wants. I'm not there. NOT walking slows the digestive tract and increases the risk of pneumonia and blood clots. I'm sure they're managing those risks just fine. Make sure he's doing his respiratory therapy :>)

Take Care, Swim
Posted 8/25/2007 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Julie,

I also was in surgery for a little over 2 hours, and they kept me an extra 12 hours till I convinced them I wanted to go home with the catheter and the drain tube still in. The doctors know best however. I hope your dad will mend soon, and get to go home for some home cooked food. I think that's the best medicine.

God bless all of you,

Glen
Posted 8/26/2007 1:24 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Julie, I went home with my drain tube, because it was running around 200ml every 24 hrs, I was in hospital for 4 days, and the drain stayed in for another 4, hope Dad has a good recovery, have not heard of urine in drain before, but there was some weird stuff coming out, my RP lasted 3 1/2 hours.

Regards Mal.

Posted 8/26/2007 3:07 PM (GMT 0)

Well the good news is we are going home today (sunday).

They finally let him walk last night about 9:30pm, and the "leak" to the jtube slowed down, so this morning they pulled that out and we should be good to go.  Just waiting for the paperwork and we will be on our way!!!

Julie

Posted 8/27/2007 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Julie,

That's great news. I hope your dad is feeling better today. Please tell him that we all wish him a speedy recovery...make sure you take care of yourself too.

Glen
Posted 8/27/2007 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Helping to keep *mochapy’s journey together…   Threads started By: Julie   *mochapy   08-25-07  Surgery Update for Dad 08-22-07 Countdown to Surgery 06-12-07 Choosing a Surgeon??????
Posted 8/29/2007 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Julie! Great to hear that your dad is going home! Best wishes for a quick recovery!

Another doting daughter

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