Recovering On Schedule

kimmygarland
kimmygarland Member Posts: 312
edited March 2014 in Caregivers #1
My husband appears to be recovering on schedule, according to the doctors. I'm not sure what I expected, but I didn't expect THIS. Wow... this really knocked him for a loop. Surgery was Wednesday (this being Sunday I think, my days are all merged together!), and he is just now really coming around.

The catheter has come out, some of the iv lines, etc. and he is up walking to the bathroom, sitting on side of bed, in chair, etc. Tomorrow he will do some walking in the halls. All the wounds (throat, neck, arm and leg), look like they should according to docs. To me, frankly, they look GROSS, as does the mucous krap he is coughing out of the trache. But I am dealing with it and will dress the wounds or whatever is required when he gets home. I am trying not to get overwhelmed with all the caregiving that is going to have to happen when he gets home. We will have home health care and I'm sure they will be helpful. But it is very scary. I know they will send him home way before I think he's ready, since I will then have to take over. It scares me.

Let's see there will be the feeding tube, wound care to the arm, the leg and the neck, as well as tracheostomy care (if he has to come home with it - hopefully he won't). Trying to wrap my arms around all of it.

I am very thankful for the surgeons getting the cancer and hopefully it is now GONE. If we can get through this recovery stage, maybe I can relax.

My son has been a wonderful help, and is staying at hospital tonight for the 3rd night in a row. Says they both sleep fine. Oh to be 25 again! He sleeps on a couch type thing.

Anyway, I am rambling... things are going well, I am holding up ok (mainly because of Brian) and he will likely be in the hospital until Wed or Thurs.

Hope you are all doing ok.

Comments

  • Pennymac02
    Pennymac02 Member Posts: 332 Member
    #2
    I'm glad to hear that your husbands recovery is progressing. Try to remember to take care of yourself and rest when you can. It sounds like Brian is quite a blessing (and a real trooper)!
  • ms.sunshine
    ms.sunshine Member Posts: 707 Member
    #3
    I've been thinking of you
    Hope you have been getting rest. Sounds like your husband will recover really well. He needs alot of sleep right now. He is up and walking that's a good sign. Your son is a blessing. Keep us updated. Take care
    Jennifer
  • zinniemay
    zinniemay Member Posts: 522
    #4
    feeling
    I am pretty sure we all have the same feeling and fears , I am glad you put them into words. It is like sometimes we thinks these things but are afraid people will think less of us. I am Glad he is getting better ! I am so glad you have your son with you to help you get thru this.
    Jennie
  • grandmafay
    grandmafay Member Posts: 1,633 Member
    #5
    Challenge
    You will raise to the challenge. We do. I know that I did many things that were out of my comfort zone. You will be able to do what you need to do. I have no doubt about that. Don't forget to take care of yourself, too. I know that won't be easy, but it is necessary. You can't care from him unless you do.
  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #6
    don't be afraid
    Kimmy, this is amazing progress. Don't be afraid to bring your man home. It won't take long for all of you to be sooo sick of the hospital! Do make sure you get authorized for all the home health services you can get. In my experience, you can get pretty intensive visits for 3 weeks post surgery.
  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #7
    thought about you all weekend
    Kimmy, I know all of this seems overwhelming to you and I'm sure it is. We aren't nurses but we are asked to do some pretty intensive nursing!

    In this situation, I usually start asking the nurses if I can be the one to change the dressings, clean the wounds, etc. while we are still in the hospital, with their supervision, of course. It makes me a lot more comfortable doing it when we get home. I've never had a nurse tell me 'no' yet. They are usually glad to see me take the initiative to learn to do it right.

    Hugs to Brian - I know you are proud of him.
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #8
    Noellesmom said:

    thought about you all weekend
    Kimmy, I know all of this seems overwhelming to you and I'm sure it is. We aren't nurses but we are asked to do some pretty intensive nursing!

    In this situation, I usually start asking the nurses if I can be the one to change the dressings, clean the wounds, etc. while we are still in the hospital, with their supervision, of course. It makes me a lot more comfortable doing it when we get home. I've never had a nurse tell me 'no' yet. They are usually glad to see me take the initiative to learn to do it right.

    Hugs to Brian - I know you are proud of him.

    Hello Kimmy
    Thank you for
    Hello Kimmy
    Thank you for your recent update! So glad things seem to be going well. That is a lot to have to wrap your arms and mind around! Just try to think of these things one day at a time.
    Yes, thank God for your son, he is a true blessing! Best of luck to all of you. Hoping for a good recovery and for all to be home soon!
    Tina

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