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15 years 10 months ago #17147 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic seeking answers
Anne Marie ..i'm so sorry for all the set backs. I had what they thought was a wound infection....note to all..do not ask for a heating pad!!..Since my stomach area was so numb after the surgery i did not realize how hot the pad was..doh...and i started seeping blood thru the stitches. The surgeon paniced and started removing the stitches starting at the top by the navel...i had about a gaping 4 inch wound that was perfectly healthy but they could not sew it back up and it had to be dressed and packed several times a day until it healed on its own. That took about 6 to 8 weeks...plus antibiotics for that period of time.
Is he still able to have bowel movements on his own?
Pat

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15 years 10 months ago #17144 by cariad
Replied by cariad on topic seeking answers
Thanks again for the replies.

Its great to have the support.

John is still in hosp, its now 17 days since his op, he went back on iv fluids today and has terrible pain in his groin, he had 2 x-rays which did not seem to indicate anything. Looks like he has a wound infection too and its opened up quite a bit. >:( I am trying to be positive, but things are difficult.

Anne Marie

partner of John
Diagnosed april 08
r/c may 08
T4aG3
Trying to take things one day at a time!

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15 years 10 months ago #17097 by harry s
Replied by harry s on topic seeking answers
Hi Anne Marie - I hope by now with the NG tube inserted and the enemas things are beginning to around for the better. Are you able to take him out for a wheelchair ride in the halls? Sometimes a change of scenery from the hospital room helps with their mental outlook. I know Harry enjoyed going to the end of the hall and looking out-it boosted his spirits! Prayers still being lifted. Margot

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15 years 10 months ago #17061 by fearandfight
Replied by fearandfight on topic seeking answers
No one at the Univ of Penn has the RC done without getting the NG tube this is just their standard protocol for this surgery just in case something like this occurs. After 2 days if they see all is well then they take it out. I rather have it in while I am knocked out then have to have it put in while I'm awake I would freak. I hope he feels better soon and that is good he moved his bowels some that is a good sign. Good Luck. Joe ;)

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15 years 10 months ago #17045 by Gene Beane
Replied by Gene Beane on topic seeking answers
Ann Marie,
The surgery alone is enough to handle, with this set back I am sure he is depressed and confused. The poor guy probably has lost a bunch of weight which is to be expected with this surgery without the enemas etc. Try to be patient, if he has had bowel actions food should be the next step to recovery, but then strength is compromised anyway and he will regain it slowly, how unfortuneate he has had this experience, do anything you can to make him laugh and keep the mood light.
I went through the r/c with my husband and it seemed to help alot...the humor part.
Positive attitude at this time is almost non existent, be his cheerleader, it will help!!!!! Take care, Ginger

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15 years 10 months ago #17043 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic seeking answers
Hooray...a cause for celebration..a bowel movement. Hopefully they will remove the NG tube and allow him some soft foods to eat...my first meal was broth....woopie!
Its a really tough surgery and the intestines are just giving payback for all the cutting and manipulation but they will start behaving. Its absolutely normal to feel yucky. Once they can send him home you will see immediate improvement mentally and physically. Hang in there with him...it will get better.
By the way i have a neighbor girl who has spina bifida and Childrens Hospital here is now doing bladder replacement with the Indiana Pouch on the young ones since the indwelling catheter causes so many problems. She was 11 yrs old and really made me look bad....she bounced right back...such a show-off :D
Pat

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