idnib Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Oh my word. Yes, get the waiver. And get very clear instructions re: pain management. What is the plan for dealing with pain at home? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: This sounds scary. :( I hope you're able to get some answers soon and that Stephen gets the treatment he needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted August 8, 2014 Author Share Posted August 8, 2014 Okay, I had my big discussion with the surgeon today. I'll make this brief (well, brief for me) because I have to get back to the hospital. #1 Stephen had no infection at all. The cyst returned and it was gigantic -- as big as my hand, with "fingers" ... it had to go b/c they couldn't take the chance of it getting infected. #2 We have no idea why two different stories unless DH got mixed up or didn't listen carefully enough. #3 We will have a visiting nurse, but don't know for how long or how often yet. #4 An occupational therapist is coming to the house once Stephen is out of the hospital to assess it and tell us what we can do to make it more accessible for Stephen. I have not been here to clean, so I hope that takes a few days. #5 A gel mattress is being delivered tomorrow. #6 They took Stephen off morphine and put him on 1 vicodin, a medication that doesn't do anything for Stephen. I got it changed to percocet and spent quite a bit of time getting the dose increased to 2 pills every 4-6 hrs because with one pill, his pain level was 7/10. #7 Stephen stood up for a few minutes today. His back and legs were killing him after being immobile in one position for 20 hours. That took some doing b/c the aides couldn't figure out how to get him to a standing position without him sitting down first. DS1 solved their problem -- it was common sense. Then Stephen nearly passed out, so he went back to bed. Luckily DS1 was standing by to help -- they said they didn't need him, but I overrode that directive and told DS1 to have his hands on S at all times. #8 Stephen sang Take Me Out to the Ballgame at my request, then told me the history of the song and its writer. He never sings, so I chalk that up to the percocet or maybe some left over morphine in his system. #9 Now that he can think again, Stephen is worried about a lot of things (mostly having to do with the probable future surgeries). But I found out that if this heals, he can have laser hair removal done in the area for $1-$2 thousand dollars, not covered by insurance, and we will do that. It's the best way to prevent a recurrence of the cyst. #10 My dog is very lonely. #11 The next challenge will be getting Stephen out of the hospital without a wheelchair *and* getting him into the car so that he can lie on his stomach on the way home. #12 I am sick of the hospital, but not at least I'm not a patient, although I feel like an inmate. #13 We finally got Stephen to eat and drink this afternoon. He isn't eating much, yet, but he'll be fine once he's home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 I'm so glad that you talked to the surgeon and got some real answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowing Brook Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 :grouphug: Wow that sounds like a lot for one person to go through. I hope he feels better soon.That's a big cyst! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBM Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 It is not unusual for pilonidal cysts to recur. If you have any suspicion or even a feeling that he is getting infected, insist that he gets it checked out. Don't let anyone dismiss your concerns. Some people have been helped by using moist, hot compresses regularly, very often and including certain oils in their diet. I know an MD who managed his own this way and was able to avoid surgery. The goal is to keep the opening clear and to keep the sebaceous oil liquidy, IIRC. Well, I hope the pain begins to subside quickly and your son can get some sleep. Poor fella. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: I'm glad you got some answers. I was wondering why the after care responsibility was left to you when you were kept in the dark. Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted August 10, 2014 Share Posted August 10, 2014 It seems very, very hard, but at least it sounds as though he's making an improvement. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrn Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 :grouphug: and continued prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.