After an eight hour visit to the TOPA clinic, I was re-admitted to an inpatient room again. The incision was re-opened by Dr Lutz, my surgeon, and today a wound vac will be installed for better healing. I was surprised to learn that this happens in about 70% of the cases, and that it wasn't something I did.
They told me to take a go-bag to clinic in the event of admission, but for the first time I did not obey, and I'm dearly paying for it. I am here in legging capris and a t-shirt....no toiletries, no charging cables, no nothing!
Next time I'll listen,
This is the best of all the rooms I've been in so far, and if it were up to me, I'd stay here for the duration, but alas, staffing shortages make that impossible. I will have a consult later, though, to get a home health care nurse for the hotel...especially since this wound vac will need tending to when I'm not in clinic.
Otherwise, all is well. I'm waiting for a Dr Gogging team visit to update me on numbers and the plan for today. I'm learning that the plan is very fluid and very likely to chamge!
Happy Friday,Dearies!
Oh my, it never fails that this type of thing happens when you don’t listen! Hope you start feeling much better, and you’re back at the hotel very soon. 🙏🏻❤️
ReplyDeleteYou will be back to hotel living before you know it! You are so brave, Coni. Wishing you sunny thoughts!
ReplyDeleteGlad your care team is on top of things, Coni! Praying you are back in your hotel room soon. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteAt least the hotel is close enough that maybe your things could be retrieved before you get too crusty or uncharged?? Better yet, they get you situated with the vac thing and kick your butt out of there and set up with a home care nurse. Based on my one and only (so far) experience in hospitals - the absolute worst place to be to get any rest needed for healing is a hospital!
ReplyDeleteI had major abdominal surgery here in the UK 5 years ago. Ended up with a vac pump in the hospital. But we weren't allowed to take the hospital one home. So my district nursing team had to hire one in. ££££. Thank goodness for the NHS. But the funny story is my neighbours wondered how many nurses I needed on that first day. There was the trainer (as the teams weren't experienced on the equipment). Then two nursing teams (to make good use of the trainer) and a probationary nurse also observing. Three extra cars in our little street. ����
ReplyDeleteFrom experience. Grab your shower on the day they change the tube and dressing. You can usually disconnect yourself and shower and wash your hair an hour or so before that happens.
And get used to the noise. You get to carry it with you everywhere 24hours a day....
Hope you heal soon and JBs back is not too painful. And that someone is able to bring you some of the essentials (like charging cables and stitching.) Maybe some toiletries too. ��
Jean -a UK stitcher.
No showers for me for at least another week! I have a central line IV that goes straight to my heart and any infection would be deadly.
DeleteP.S. You should see my hair.😳
See if someone can get you some dry shampoo. That will help.
DeleteI had major abdominal surgery here in the UK 5 years ago. Ended up with a vac pump in the hospital. But we weren't allowed to take the hospital one home. So my district nursing team had to hire one in. ££££. Thank goodness for the NHS. But the funny story is my neighbours wondered how many nurses I needed on that first day. There was the trainer (as the teams weren't experienced on the equipment). Then two nursing teams (to make good use of the trainer) and a probationary nurse also observing. Three extra cars in our little street. 😂😂
ReplyDeleteFrom experience. Grab your shower on the day they change the tube and dressing. You can usually disconnect yourself and shower and wash your hair an hour or so before that happens.
And get used to the noise. You get to carry it with you everywhere 24hours a day....
Hope you heal soon and JBs back is not too painful. And that someone is able to bring you some of the essentials (like charging cables and stitching.) Maybe some toiletries too. 😉
Jean -a UK stitcher.
Good advice all of it!
DeleteOf course when you don't have your bag is when you get admitted! I've decided having my "bag of amusements" ready nearly guarantees I'll be sent home. Looked up the vac pump. Looks scary, but then, most medical things scare me at first. Hopefully it will speed things up and get you to rights that much quicker.
ReplyDeleteLife without charging cables is a BIG deal!! But I'm glad that you are in good care and they are giving you all the things you need for healing. Thinking of you and JB too!
ReplyDeleteMy gracious girlfriend, stay in happy spirits, try to grab some sunshine (through a window, I'm sure). We can't do much for you from afar (Pennsylvania) but we will be your message sunshine.
ReplyDeleteYou are still an inspiration! This life changing event is huge! Take it slow, keep you attitude of gratitude for this gift! All will be well. You handled the hard part already! This is a piece of cake!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, wound vacs are miraculous! I hope you’ll be amazed at how much it speeds up healing. Sending good vibes and power to your red blood cells to get to work!!! 😊
ReplyDeleteIt could be worse because when I was rushed to hospital last year, my dear hubby forgot to hand me my glasses so for a week I was completely blind because no visitors were allowed due to Covid. He slid my kindle, phone and charging cord under my leg on the gurney but completely forgot my glasses. Oh well, at least I got a lot of reading done since couldn’t see tv to even turn it on. Take care of yourself and hopefully you’ll be back in the hotel room quickly.
ReplyDeleteI have had a wound vac on a persistent leg wound that I finally addresses after having it for about 10 years. The wound vac is AMAZING! Plus I was able to manipulate it within a couple of days. Keep those extra supplies; you never know who may need them. Wear It religiously, but I know you will. You wear a bag around your waist and I carried on working as usual. You are the pace that you need to be. Think of the pampering! XO Ruth in Oxnard CA.
ReplyDeleteUgh typos so sorry
DeleteGood news that the wound vac will speed up healing... fair swap
ReplyDeletefor putting up with the noise....Continued prayers for your recovery and serenity with a side bar to JB for his comfort and ease from pain. One step at a time in the direction of complete recovery will insure arriving at the finish line
assured and energized.
Oh goodness, must be disconcerting to be separated from your go bag! Glad they are keeping on top of your healing and doing what’s necessary. Keeping you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll be able to get your bag somehow and soon. I know how awful it is to be stuck somewhere with nothing you need. Please just try to not worry about it and let your poor body heal --- you've been through so much. I am praying that you will heal quickly and be back to your normal stitchy self soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your medical team are on the ball and changing your treatment accordingly. Hang on in there Coni, we're all with you (at least in spirit), you're doing amazing xx
ReplyDeleteI'd not heard of a wound vac before! Learnt something new. But it all sounds like it is doing well. Take care.
ReplyDeleteContinued healing thoughts and prayers. I am happy that you have an expert medical team who is on top of any bumps on the road to recovery. Thinking of you and your JB. You got this!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
Dear me you are really having a time! But so happy that the doctors are taking such good care of you. xo
ReplyDeleteSpecific prayers for your dressing change tomorrow. It will go well. Blessings!
ReplyDelete