Guest guest Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Melinda, If you work in an ICU then I preach to the choir!! I know how many caring,fantastic people work in hospitals. I consider myself blessed to have had top notch care...so I would say expect the best and just be cautious, as you know as well as anyone that mistakes can happen. My husband was not really much of a medical person either, which is why I really didn't want him to feel that he had to hang around the hospital for hours on end. But he knew enough about what was going on to have been able to " advocate " if necessary. Thankfully, it wasnt. As to your questions: Did you have a central line? Yes, I did. I had three surgeries in a two day staged event separated by 7 days. Both times the central line was put in after I was out. It stayed in each time for 2-3 days. One of Bridwells patients in StLouis said hers was put in the day before surgery under light sedation. Either way, as far as I know, everyone who has this surgery will get one...but I am guessing there! How long were you intubated? I don't remember it being taken out, so I assume it was just in for surgery and removed in recovery or before I left the surgical suite. Any throat soreness from being intubated? When were you able to start eating? Nothing notable throat soreness wise. Believe me, everything else hurts so danged much I probably wouldn't have noticed! No, thats not true. I do remember that I was much more annoyed by the pain and stickiness from where all the surgical tape had been ALL OVER my body. I guess it helps to have something else to focus on...he he he. I was on ice chips for about 24 hours as I recall. Then progressed to that yummy clear diet you must be familiar with....broth, jello, tea. It seems to me I started easy solids maybe late day 3 after each surgery. Were you on a Morphine pump? Yes, although my surgeon uses Duramorph packed right into the spine at closing and that apparently gives a good long initial pain free period. I would say it worked pretty well, and I was free to use the PCA pump which I believe I started on about 14-18 hours after surgery. Were you on IV Vanc? I don't know what that is...so I think the answer is no! If it's IV antibiotics then yes, I had leviquin. Did you have issues with getting your bowels to start moving again? Oh yeah baby....I don't believe there is a patient yet that I have heard of that hasn't had some work to do in this area. It's just the way it is! Between the drugs and the morphine pain control things just seize right up. With good care and the right mix of all the various potions things will eventually work out, but plan on this being an ongoing issue, even after you get home. Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with items like Milk of Mag, softeners and my all time favorite, the Dulcolax suppository!! You won't want to be sending your hubby out for those in the middle of the night. Don't worry, nothing you asked is too personal...glad to help. I hope a few others jump in and give their experiences....we have all had different hospitals and docs...so your milage may vary. Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Hi... I just thought I’d pop up and say that I’ve never heard of a scoliosis surgery a) without a central line and without IV antibiotics during surgery. -- On 3/6/07 2:35 PM, " cammaltby " <cammaltby@...> wrote: Melinda, If you work in an ICU then I preach to the choir!! I know how many caring,fantastic people work in hospitals. I consider myself blessed to have had top notch care...so I would say expect the best and just be cautious, as you know as well as anyone that mistakes can happen. My husband was not really much of a medical person either, which is why I really didn't want him to feel that he had to hang around the hospital for hours on end. But he knew enough about what was going on to have been able to " advocate " if necessary. Thankfully, it wasnt. As to your questions: Did you have a central line? Yes, I did. I had three surgeries in a two day staged event separated by 7 days. Both times the central line was put in after I was out. It stayed in each time for 2-3 days. One of Bridwells patients in StLouis said hers was put in the day before surgery under light sedation. Either way, as far as I know, everyone who has this surgery will get one...but I am guessing there! How long were you intubated? I don't remember it being taken out, so I assume it was just in for surgery and removed in recovery or before I left the surgical suite. Any throat soreness from being intubated? When were you able to start eating? Nothing notable throat soreness wise. Believe me, everything else hurts so danged much I probably wouldn't have noticed! No, thats not true. I do remember that I was much more annoyed by the pain and stickiness from where all the surgical tape had been ALL OVER my body. I guess it helps to have something else to focus on...he he he. I was on ice chips for about 24 hours as I recall. Then progressed to that yummy clear diet you must be familiar with....broth, jello, tea. It seems to me I started easy solids maybe late day 3 after each surgery. Were you on a Morphine pump? Yes, although my surgeon uses Duramorph packed right into the spine at closing and that apparently gives a good long initial pain free period. I would say it worked pretty well, and I was free to use the PCA pump which I believe I started on about 14-18 hours after surgery. Were you on IV Vanc? I don't know what that is...so I think the answer is no! If it's IV antibiotics then yes, I had leviquin. Did you have issues with getting your bowels to start moving again? Oh yeah baby....I don't believe there is a patient yet that I have heard of that hasn't had some work to do in this area. It's just the way it is! Between the drugs and the morphine pain control things just seize right up. With good care and the right mix of all the various potions things will eventually work out, but plan on this being an ongoing issue, even after you get home. Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with items like Milk of Mag, softeners and my all time favorite, the Dulcolax suppository!! You won't want to be sending your hubby out for those in the middle of the night. Don't worry, nothing you asked is too personal...glad to help. I hope a few others jump in and give their experiences....we have all had different hospitals and docs...so your milage may vary. Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Although one would need to check with the doc in case there was any reason not to use it, I have an idea on keeping everything moving, which is to take apple pectin. Last time around, I was sooooooo stopped up it just was ridiculous - I didn't go for 13 days, and even though I didn't eat a whole lot during that time, it was really not pleasant and just to be tmi, once I finally was able to start going, I pretty much spent the next 2 days in the toilet it seemed! They'd had me on sodium docusate and senna, maximum dose of both, to try to get me moving, and I had 3 suppositories also to no effect. I missed the enema by the skin of my teeth! Anyway, of various supplements I've tried for general health reasons, apple pectin was one, as it's got a lot of supposed benefits that are good with my family history and at worst it shouldn't have any ill effects. It does however keep everything going, and can cause some discomfort until you adjust to it. It's certainly effective enough on me that unless the doc has a good reason for me not to take it, I plan to use it to try to alleviate the problems next time around. titch -- The wages of sin are death, but by the time taxes are taken out, it's just sort of a tired feeling - a Poundstone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Dear Melinda, Cam and , I have had central line with my decompression surgery and my two revisions, only once did I know I had one as it was there for days. After my two revisions it was taken out before I left ICU, so I wasn't aware I had one besides the small scar where it was placed. The Central line I had following the decompression was in my neck and was just awful and awkward, and boy was I glad when it was removed about five days out from surgery. It really freaked out visitors and my kids when they came to visit. Intubation: I was intubated and kept out for one to two days following each surgery. My husband said I fought it each time, trying against the med's to wake up. I don't remember the tube coming out after my revisions, but after my decompression I woke up with it still in, very scary. I was awake, couldn't talk and felt like I was choking. Finally they got a doc to remove it, such a relief. Talk this over with you anestheologist( know I spelled that wrong). I related what had happened during my decompression, and he said that never should of happened and he said it wouldn't again. Two reasons they kept me intubated, Kumar wants you to rest after such a big one day surgery, and not to feel the really bad pain, so he keeps you out. 2nd, I'm a huge bleeder, and since they have to give me sooooo many products, I tend to swell a lot in the face and head, so they keep me intubated to keep my airway open. I had no soreness from the tube but had a lot of mucus so I had to clean out my mouth and throat with a suction thing like at the dentist for about half a day. Eating: Once I was up, clear diet till bowel sounds were confirmed by the doc. I have trouble peeing and pooping after those big surgeries, one of them they had to recath me cause I just couldn't go, like I had forgot how to go. All worked out, except after my last surgery they gave me Fentanyl patches, and constipated me something awful. My savior with this was Citrucel, fiber caplets, only thing that got me going, they are pricey, but there are store brands, just took a few and they worked within a couple hours. I only had a pump following my decompression, and my first revision, the second one I was out for almost three days and went to the patch once awake. [ ] Re: Melinda-re: DrLaGrone Melinda,If you work in an ICU then I preach to the choir!! I know how many caring,fantastic people work in hospitals. I consider myself blessed to have had top notch care...so I would say expect the best and just be cautious, as you know as well as anyone that mistakes can happen. My husband was not really much of a medical person either, which is why I really didn't want him to feel that he had to hang around the hospital for hours on end. But he knew enough about what was going on to have been able to "advocate" if necessary. Thankfully, it wasnt.As to your questions:Did you have a central line?Yes, I did. I had three surgeries in a two day staged event separated by 7 days. Both times the central line was put in after I was out. It stayed in each time for 2-3 days. One of Bridwells patients in StLouis said hers was put in the day before surgery under light sedation. Either way, as far as I know, everyone who has this surgery will get one...but I am guessing there!How long were you intubated? I don't remember it being taken out, so I assume it was just in for surgery and removed in recovery or before I left the surgical suite.Any throat soreness from being intubated? When were you able to start eating? Nothing notable throat soreness wise. Believe me, everything else hurts so danged much I probably wouldn't have noticed! No, thats not true. I do remember that I was much more annoyed by the pain and stickiness from where all the surgical tape had been ALL OVER my body. I guess it helps to have something else to focus on...he he he. I was on ice chips for about 24 hours as I recall. Then progressed to that yummy clear diet you must be familiar with....broth, jello, tea. It seems to me I started easy solids maybe late day 3 after each surgery.Were you on a Morphine pump? Yes, although my surgeon uses Duramorph packed right into the spine at closing and that apparently gives a good long initial pain free period. I would say it worked pretty well, and I was free to use the PCA pump which I believe I started on about 14-18 hours after surgery.Were you on IV Vanc?I don't know what that is...so I think the answer is no! If it's IV antibiotics then yes, I had leviquin.Did you have issues with getting your bowels to start moving again? Oh yeah baby....I don't believe there is a patient yet that I have heard of that hasn't had some work to do in this area. It's just the way it is! Between the drugs and the morphine pain control things just seize right up. With good care and the right mix of all the various potions things will eventually work out, but plan on this being an ongoing issue, even after you get home. Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with items like Milk of Mag, softeners and my all time favorite, the Dulcolax suppository!! You won't want to be sending your hubby out for those in the middle of the night.Don't worry, nothing you asked is too personal...glad to help. I hope a few others jump in and give their experiences....we have all had different hospitals and docs...so your milage may vary.Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Hi ... I thought a central line was always in one’s neck. Where else did you have one? -- On 3/6/07 4:31 PM, " Kirkaldie " <.Kirkaldie@...> wrote: Dear Melinda, Cam and , I have had central line with my decompression surgery and my two revisions, only once did I know I had one as it was there for days. After my two revisions it was taken out before I left ICU, so I wasn't aware I had one besides the small scar where it was placed. The Central line I had following the decompression was in my neck and was just awful and awkward, and boy was I glad when it was removed about five days out from surgery. It really freaked out visitors and my kids when they came to visit. Intubation: I was intubated and kept out for one to two days following each surgery. My husband said I fought it each time, trying against the med's to wake up. I don't remember the tube coming out after my revisions, but after my decompression I woke up with it still in, very scary. I was awake, couldn't talk and felt like I was choking. Finally they got a doc to remove it, such a relief. Talk this over with you anestheologist( know I spelled that wrong). I related what had happened during my decompression, and he said that never should of happened and he said it wouldn't again. Two reasons they kept me intubated, Kumar wants you to rest after such a big one day surgery, and not to feel the really bad pain, so he keeps you out. 2nd, I'm a huge bleeder, and since they have to give me sooooo many products, I tend to swell a lot in the face and head, so they keep me intubated to keep my airway open. I had no soreness from the tube but had a lot of mucus so I had to clean out my mouth and throat with a suction thing like at the dentist for about half a day. Eating: Once I was up, clear diet till bowel sounds were confirmed by the doc. I have trouble peeing and pooping after those big surgeries, one of them they had to recath me cause I just couldn't go, like I had forgot how to go. All worked out, except after my last surgery they gave me Fentanyl patches, and constipated me something awful. My savior with this was Citrucel, fiber caplets, only thing that got me going, they are pricey, but there are store brands, just took a few and they worked within a couple hours. I only had a pump following my decompression, and my first revision, the second one I was out for almost three days and went to the patch once awake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Dear , Upper chest, just below the collar bone. Scar is about 3/4 of an inch. Re: [ ] Re: Melinda-re: DrLaGrone Hi ...I thought a central line was always in one’s neck. Where else did you have one?--On 3/6/07 4:31 PM, " Kirkaldie" <.KirkaldieComcast (DOT) net> wrote: Dear Melinda, Cam and ,I have had central line with my decompression surgery and my two revisions, only once did I know I had one as it was there for days. After my two revisions it was taken out before I left ICU, so I wasn't aware I had one besides the small scar where it was placed. The Central line I had following the decompression was in my neck and was just awful and awkward, and boy was I glad when it was removed about five days out from surgery. It really freaked out visitors and my kids when they came to visit.Intubation: I was intubated and kept out for one to two days following each surgery. My husband said I fought it each time, trying against the med's to wake up. I don't remember the tube coming out after my revisions, but after my decompression I woke up with it still in, very scary. I was awake, couldn't talk and felt like I was choking. Finally they got a doc to remove it, such a relief.Talk this over with you anestheologist( know I spelled that wrong). I related what had happened during my decompression, and he said that never should of happened and he said it wouldn't again. Two reasons they kept me intubated, Kumar wants you to rest after such a big one day surgery, and not to feel the really bad pain, so he keeps you out. 2nd, I'm a huge bleeder, and since they have to give me sooooo many products, I tend to swell a lot in the face and head, so they keep me intubated to keep my airway open.I had no soreness from the tube but had a lot of mucus so I had to clean out my mouth and throat with a suction thing like at the dentist for about half a day.Eating: Once I was up, clear diet till bowel sounds were confirmed by the doc. I have trouble peeing and pooping after those big surgeries, one of them they had to recath me cause I just couldn't go, like I had forgot how to go. All worked out, except after my last surgery they gave me Fentanyl patches, and constipated me something awful. My savior with this was Citrucel, fiber caplets, only thing that got me going, they are pricey, but there are store brands, just took a few and they worked within a couple hours.I only had a pump following my decompression, and my first revision, the second one I was out for almost three days and went to the patch once awake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 That's where I have my port-a-cath. That thing gives me the heebie- jeebies - I hate it. I've had it in for over a year now, and I have to have it accessed and flushed once a month to keep the line clear. I currently get my chemo treatments through it. I should be finishing chemo shortly, then I want it OUT. But since I'm seriously considering having revision surgery this summer, I suppose it would be best to keep it in so they can use it for that. > > Dear , > > Upper chest, just below the collar bone. Scar is about 3/4 of an inch. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2007 Report Share Posted March 7, 2007 When I had the gyn surgery in November, I woke up with a sore throat, and that was a fairly short procedure. I had a tube down my throat for a few days after I had the lower quadrant of one of my kidneys removed through an anterior procedure. A friend of mine was the head nurse on the floor I was on and he explained that I must have had my bowels moved around a bunch for them to be leaving the tube in so long. I was begging to have it taken out. As long as the tube was in, I just requested pain killers so I would sleep through the experience. I hated it!! I sometimes gag when I brush my teeth. My surgery is Tuesday, and I have an appointment to get the central line on Monday morning. I have a feeling that I am going to be hungry!! No food or drink after midnight on Sunday and nothing but clear liquids and jello on Monday. I am thinking Red Lobster on Saturday or Sunday. (surely I can go over on calories for one day since I will be making up for it on Monday and Tuesday and maybe even the rest of the week) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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