my dads rc

15 years 10 months ago #16613 by Gene Beane
Replied by Gene Beane on topic my dads rc
Chris,
Thats great everything went well!!! I am sure you are all glad its over with. Recovery is a challenge but the best advice is to take it slow, listen to your body ,it lets you know when you are ready to do more. walking and rest, for the first month,it sometimes gets frustrating but it all gets better at 5 weeks after surgery. Take care ,,take care of dad, glad its going well!!! Ginger

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15 years 10 months ago #16599 by wmck
Replied by wmck on topic my dads rc
Thanks for all your input,suggestions and support. The surgery went really well-we are now day 2 post op. KC- I am very impressed with Dr. Soloways team so far-inparticular Dr. Manoharan who did the reconstruction work(my dad did get an outside bag)-he has been our main contact and he is very thorough, caring and explains everything really well.
They thought my dad was a good candidate for laproscopic robotic surgery and gave us that option which we decided to go for. The surgery took about 6.5 hours. My Dad is looking really good today and we are very hopeful and waiting to see what happens next. He has been in ICU but he will be moved as soon as a regular room is available.
The only thing unusual was that the Dr. noticed that a portion of his intestine is inflamed and mentioned diverticulosis. He did not think this would impede his recovery. Has anyone encountered something similar?

Chris

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15 years 10 months ago #16530 by Gene Beane
Replied by Gene Beane on topic my dads rc
Hi Chris,

This is what you can expect when he comes out of surgery, he will be very thristy, have cold wash cloths to dampen his lips, he will also have a pain pump, but should not be in any pain himself, he just pushes it when in need.. for the most part he will be in and out of sleep, he will most probably will have an IV in both hands, a jp drain on his left side across from his belly button, and his bag on the right of it..this is all standard after sugery, day 2 he will be walking, and day 3 food hopefully, maybe jello day 2...he will glad its over and on to recovery. be sure the stoma nurses are set up to come to his house twice a week to help him learn to change his bag, and choose the best fit for him. Ours came for 6 weeks. They release you when you are able to do so properly..ask for what ever you need in the hospital, push and shove to get things done,,and ask for a recliner for yourself....hope this helps,, keep us posted Ginger Beane

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15 years 10 months ago #16527 by CattailGal
Replied by CattailGal on topic my dads rc
Hi Chris,

We're also from Miami - but moved to NE Tenn nearly 5 years ago. My Mom, 79, is facing RC now, planning to do it at Vanderbilt. She could easily travel to Miami if Soloman is better - she has a huge support system there (retired when we moved here from teaching 40 years at a Christian school there).

Good luck to your Dad tomorrow!

KC

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15 years 10 months ago #16493 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic my dads rc
Hi Chris....Great doctor your dad is going to.
Is your father getting the external bag? Thats a bit easier on the patient. He'll be out of it the first day and depending on their particular protocol he'll either have a morphine pump or in some places they actually do a sort of saddleblock which really takes the pain away. I think you're just being there will comfort him even if he isn't particularly communicative. Just keep a close eye on him and what they bring into him....The second day they will want him to get up and walk and you can be a great assist with that. Just be his advocate...know his drug allergies...know what he's supposed to be getting....watch that they wash their hands and wear gloves.....little stuff that can make a difference.
He is in excellent hands with a very well known surgeon. I wish your father the best......Pat

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15 years 10 months ago #16492 by wmck
my dads rc was created by wmck
My 83 year old Dad is going for his cystectomy tomorrow with Dr. Soloway in Miami.I have been following the forum for a few months now. I am planning to stay overnite in the hospital for the first few nights. I was wondering if anyone has some tips for me as to what i can do to for him to make things a little better during this time. Thanks for any input.
Chris

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