Hubby Had Emergency Surgery!

[Paul56]

Wishing you and Mike all the best!

[gulfpearl]

Dori My best wishes go out to you & your husband . May his healing process be speedy .

[kteague]

Dori,
May strength and healing abound in your lives at this time. I'd venture to say those RT's will be talking about you from shift to shift. Teach them a little something while you're there! Who knows how many other patients under their care may end up helped by your shared knowledge and experience from a family member perspective. You have truly set the bar high for spouses taking the initiatve to educate themselves for the betterment of their loved one. Yes, he is blessed to have you, but sounds like it's mutual. You deserve each other - in a good way of course.

When it's time to take over the dressing changes, maybe you could put on some rose colored glasses, borrow his cpap for yourself, put some smell-goods by the air intake area, and make the process less unpleasant. Seriously. Whatcha think?

Keep us informed as time allows.

Kathy

[Judy R]

Keeping you both in my prayers,Dori. Keep us posted on how he's doing. You take care of yourself too!

[Patrick A]

Dori
You and your husband are in our prayers.

[JohnBFisher]

Dori, you and Mike will be in my prayers and thoughts. Here's hoping he will recover speedily.

[slapmeawake]

I can so relate to the wound care thing you will have to go through again. Many years ago my husband had to have surgery and when they were getting ready to release him they dropped the bomb on me that I would have to change the gauze in his open wound 3 times a day. I thought I would pass out when I saw that deep, red tissue and to think I had to pack it with gauze etc. etc. everyday 3 times a day. I told the nurse I couldn't do it but she told me it was either me or a visiting nurse would have to come and I don't think insurance would pay for that. I wonder what single people do???? Anyway, its amazing what we can do when we have to for a loved one. I did it and was better for it in the end, it helped me get over my fear of wounds etc. Your husband is so lucky to have you. I know he will do well. How can he not with all the prayers and good wishes going up for him. Hang in there and make sure you get your rest too. DSM prayers for your father-in-law also. Carol

[Catnapper]

I wish you both well too.

From the patient's point of view, I am sure your husband will really appreciate all you do for him. My DH has had to take care of me in the past, and I was so very grateful.

You will do fine, and it will get easier after the first few times. I am sorry you have to, though.

Catnapper - Joanie

[DreamDiver]

I cannot possibly fathom what you're going through, but my sincerest best wishes and prayers are directed towards you both.

[carbonman]

Dori, be strong.
You are a very special person.

I've said it before...I'll say it again....

angles deliver miracles.

[DoriC]

I'm thinking of you and Mike, Dori.
His body is getting more oxygen now that he's on CPAP, hopefully that will make healing his a simpler issue this time around.
Best wishes
O.

Oh yes O, I never even thought of that! It gives me so much hope now! He's also going to use some healing vitamins/minerals that Kira suggested which we never used before which should help too. I never thought I'd need you guys for this but I thank God I found you.

All your kind words and prayers are giving me a good start for the new day!

[sleepycarol]

I know how taking care of wounds can be -- when my son had third degree burns and was sent home from the hospital I had to dress those. Ugh!!

You are in my thoughts and prayers. DSM your family is as well.

[SleepingUgly]

Dori, how is Mike today?

[DoriC]

We got off to a rocky start this morning. His BP dropped to 40/something and he became unresponsive. I was called by the Charge Nurse to come right away. Some quick thinking by the nurses and a staff Dr brought him around again and it turned out to be another one of those hospital screwups! It seems he was overmedicated when his BP shot up on just one high reading because he got agitated when the nurse didn't answer his bathroom call in time and he hates that! I've yet to find out who ordered a nitro patch, increased his dosage of lisinopril and then added a diuretic. I've told everyone loud and clear that any meds other than those on his original admission orders are to be approved by our primary only and I watched as they wrote that message in RED on the front of his chart. I also called our Dr's office and his secretary told me Dr.C was already aware of the event and was very "disturbed" and on top of it. I don't know how much I'll actually get out of him as far as names, but I'm sure he's giving someone hell right now behind the scenes. One good thing is that the Infectious Disease Dr said his cultures came back as just garden variety staph bugs but no super duper ones and after today and tomorrow on the specific IV antibiotic he can easily be treated at home for 4wks on a readily available oral antibiotic. At this point in his life the Dr said Mike's body has learned to "co-exist" with this chronic condition and he would not be able to tolerate more sophisticated treatment. I agree. So we're getting to possible discharge tomorrow?
.

[cflame1]

I can so relate to the wound care thing you will have to go through again. Many years ago my husband had to have surgery and when they were getting ready to release him they dropped the bomb on me that I would have to change the gauze in his open wound 3 times a day. I thought I would pass out when I saw that deep, red tissue and to think I had to pack it with gauze etc. etc. everyday 3 times a day. I told the nurse I couldn't do it but she told me it was either me or a visiting nurse would have to come and I don't think insurance would pay for that. I wonder what single people do???? Anyway, its amazing what we can do when we have to for a loved one. I did it and was better for it in the end, it helped me get over my fear of wounds etc. Your husband is so lucky to have you. I know he will do well. How can he not with all the prayers and good wishes going up for him. Hang in there and make sure you get your rest too. DSM prayers for your father-in-law also. Carol

We single people manage... I changed my own dressings in the middle of my back with a back scratcher, a long shoe horn and a door.

My best wishes Dori... hopefully Mike will be better and be home soon.