Posted on 01/02/2007 8:54:27 AM PST by GYPSY286
A friend (and tenant) was found last September to have a carcinoid tumor in his small intestine. In late November, more tests were conducted and a biopsy was done (benign) and he is scheduled for surgery on Jan. 15. My question-he is 71 years old, good health otherwise-is this an intense procedure? He's expecting to be out of the hospital within 2 days and back to normal in a week. Reasonable or just optimistic?
The reason I need to know is that he is insisting on coming back to the house (although he has children who could help him with his convalescence). I have 2 large active dogs and because I am concerned with injury should they get rowdy around him, I am frustrated that I will be forced to take vacation from my job to take care of him (which I resent because he does have family).
Hospitals and doctors have concluded that given the chance, a lot of people are slackers which is also why welfare becomes a way of life.
Anyway, they usually are "optimistic" just to get the lazy people off their butts a bit sooner. This is also like "bar time" where the clocks in the bar are 10 minutes fast.
Take the time frame and add two days to be realistic.
"I have 2 large active dogs and because I am concerned with injury should they get rowdy around him, I am frustrated that I will be forced to take vacation from my job to take care of him"
Tell his kids that
Just MHO, but having had two parents, two in-laws, and a husband that have all had surgery of one sort or another in recent years...they release you from the hospital too soon.
I know part of the concern is the "germs" that one might pick up post-surgery in the hospital. But having cared for folks, post surgery, at home, it can be overwhelming.
I think I'd ask the kids to care for him. But if he comes to your place, the best advice...rent a hospital table. It will save you dozens of trips to the bedroom of the recovering person. You can set it up with "stuff" they'll need and won't have to be running back and forth getting things.
Hospitals release patients much too soon. I would advise you to speak with his children and ask them to bring in a caregiver for a week post op. You can not be expected to provide this type of care. If you end up taking time off, underlying resentment will linger.
So if he's a healthy guy, and there is not a full-blown incision to worry about, I would say the timeframe sounds about right. I'd still keep the dogs away from him, though.
He (you) will need help. Always good to plan ahead. There are a lot of private nurses out there...if the family needs to hire them.
Thanks for all posters input. Unfortunately, I am dealing with an old stubborn man. His cloest daughter lives 4 hours away (although she is coming down day of surgery). Hopefully I can convince her to take him back with her for a few days.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.