Nurses as patients

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

It's not lost on me,many of us have issues,both chronic and acute,and due to our nursing background have issues.We know the "worst case scenario".We FEAR loosing control.Is it normal for a patient (and nurse) to dwell on "worst case"?.I know attitude prior to surgery plays a part in recovery.Is it too much to make plans for post open care if complications ensue?We 've had advance directives and DPOA written for years,both of us are in the medical field..We talk all the time about our wishes......I am facing a hip replacement and I'm kind of freaking out

........

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I see a lot of post op hips. The otherwise healthy electives versus the fxs with co-morbidities have done well, and many have almost instant relief with relatively minimal post pain which means less narcotic which means less side effects. Don't go home and over do it causing unnecessary excessive edema and leaking incision.

My two questions having seen the post op period go both ways, I'd want to make the surgeon has been well vetted from a post op/rehab perspective and to know the anticoagulant plan.

And yes, I think it's normal to worry.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

I have co-morbities......I'm fat.....Since I found out that a hip replacement for me is "when,not if" BP is running high...Way higher then ever..Am calling my PCP tonorrow(monitored for two weeks,it's consistently and suddenly higher)..Been on a statin and antidepressants for some time.Scared spitless..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nearly everyone has something or two by the time they have advanced DJD, but being diabetic with CHF and COPD is more what I was referring to. We usually see that level of comorbidity in those needing a THR due to fx/fall, not those who have been cleared for elective surgery.

What exactly are you afraid of? Post op pain? Anesthesia?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Am afraid of throwing a clot,coding, MRSA or VRE in my wound or urine.Making plans for never waking up ( so far as giving my husband a contact name and number of the local hospice IPU)Is that strange or realistic?I am not going to loose twenty or thirty pounds prior to surgery,can't walk...Two story house,if I have to wash my bump a bucket and sleep on the sofa for week,not a problem....Worried about having a job back to......not a floor nurse any longer..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not sure what helps reduce your fears but if I were you I would ask my surgeon re his Anticoag plan and incisional care to minimize infection (some are placing Silver Arglaes non removable dressings).

I would speak with the anesthesiologist re safest route for me.

I would not give my husband the local hospice info but would have already discussed advanced directives.

Discuss home mgmt with your hospital physical therapist.

Get sleeping set up downstairs, not the sofa or recliner.

Get a commode if no BR downstairs (some insurance covers a 3:1 because you'll need it over the toilet anyway).

And look forward ward to the improved mobility and decreased pain.

If your anxiety continues after taking reasonable precautions and having discussions with your surgeon I would guess that it comes beyond being a nurse.

Hope you can feel more positive about correcting what's been slowing you down.

(this isn't meant as medical advice)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

.Have a powder room on first floor,can rent a hospital bed if needed.Have close to 80 days sick time,husband can take a few weeks off.Son works a few blocks away...Don't want a foley,want to get right up and get moving.I think I'm just scared...need to adjust my antidepressants.Thank you so much.....Have always been a bit fatalistic(realistic?).....Pessimistic? Have not been the patient....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds like you're having issues with anxiety. You may want to talk to your doc about short term medication or counseling to help get you through this.

As to your question, it is not normal for nurses to dwell on worst case scenarios. Be aware of them, certainly. Dwell on them, no.

I would recommend dwelling on the best case scenario. It is a much more pleasant thought.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Thanks for all the input.Have an appt.next week.I am starting to feel better about moving forward with my plan.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't know if it will help, but last year I had a scheduled minor outpatient surgery. My first since becoming a nurse. I was a wreck. I was sure I was going to need a wound vac and picc for antibiotics due to a monstrous infection. I kept thinking of all the possible bad outcomes I could have. The day of clergy from the hospital came to see me. I am Christian and I found that praying with someone and giving it to God helped. I can't say I was calm, but my anxiety was much better than it had been.

I admit I'm a control freak and if I ever need a planned surgery again I may ask for a little something from the pharmacy to help if my anxiety is over the top. The loss of control was horrible for me.

Oh and my recovery was fine, no complications.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment