questions about Post operative care

1. Hi, my boyfriend is going to have a 4-hour nose surgery (to remove cancerous cells and to rebuild his nose tip) tomorrow. He is required to stay in the hospital for 23 hours after the surgery. I would like to know what is going to be done on him during that 23hrs, especially I am not allowed to stay with him or even visit him at all. His last surgery was done about 3 weeks ago and he had trouble urinating afterwards for about 7 hours. In this surgery, a catheter will be inserted into him but I am not sure if they will keep it after the surgery till he is be able to void himself. Will the post-operative team take care of this problem? I know this question sounds stupid, but I am so worried...any detailed information is really appreciated here. Thanks...

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2. 

   About lil_penguin

   Joined: Feb '07; Posts: 5

   12 Comments

   Topic Closed
3. 
   Feb 7, '07

   What kind of place is he having the surgery at that you aren't allowed to see him? That would definitely NOT be my first choice for a procedure.
   
   As for the care, 23 hours (in most facilities) is considered observation and treated just like an inpatient stay. He should have frequent vitals done post-op and I & O's done every shift at the very least. Basically, it's just like if he was in for a "real" stay.
   
   tvccrn
4. 
   Feb 7, '07

   I have no clue what the procedure is. I called the hospital and basically they are telling me that I am not allowed to stay with him. Last surgery, he was put in the recovery room where I was allowed to see him. But this time,I don't even know the exact time when his surgery will be at. We will have to call the nurses tonight get the time. I am so frustrated. It's like I don't know anything about what they will do to him. I hope I am not overreacting.
5. 
   Feb 7, '07

   This doesn't even make sense. They won't allow you to see him at all?
6. 
   Feb 7, '07

   nope. But they gave me a list of hotels where I can stay...
7. 
   Feb 7, '07

   What kind of hospital is this? Sounds to me like I would not be a patient of this facility.
8. 
   Feb 7, '07

   Shands hospital at Gainesville.
9. 
   Feb 7, '07

   Okay, I think you are overreacting somewhat (but I do realize you are under stress right now). I think what the hospital is trying to tell you is that you cannot stay with him in his room overnight. Most hospitals do not allow visitors to sleep in the room overnight with an adult patient (I'm not saying "sleep" with them, I mean they don't allow overnight visitors). I am certain you can see him before and after surgery.
   
   There are many times we don't have surgery times scheduled until the night before, that is not at all uncommon. In fact, many times patients are "add-ons" and you just have a general time, such as morning or afternoon. When he makes the call to get his surgery time, just have him ask what the visiting policy is for pre and post-op.
   
   Also be aware some places do not allow visitors to see patients in the recovery room if they are going to be staying in the hospital after the surgery. You can see the patient in their room once they are transferred to it.
10. 
    Feb 7, '07

    I just wanted to add that you should let him make the calls as he is the patient. What with HIPAA laws and all...I'm sorry to say that add to that the fact you are the girlfriend and not a legal next-of-kin and things get tougher.
11. 
    Feb 7, '07

    Quote from lil_penguin

    Hi, my boyfriend is going to have a 4-hour nose surgery (to remove cancerous cells and to rebuild his nose tip) tomorrow. He is required to stay in the hospital for 23 hours after the surgery. I would like to know what is going to be done on him during that 23hrs, especially I am not allowed to stay with him or even visit him at all. His last surgery was done about 3 weeks ago and he had trouble urinating afterwards for about 7 hours. In this surgery, a catheter will be inserted into him but I am not sure if they will keep it after the surgery till he is be able to void himself. Will the post-operative team take care of this problem? I know this question sounds stupid, but I am so worried...any detailed information is really appreciated here. Thanks...

    The catheter must be removed before he can void himself. And he probably will have to do this before he can go home. The trouble you are having with getting information may have do do with HIPAA. We cannot give you detailed information here - you would need to speak with your boyfriend (I'm sure the doctors have explained the procedure to him) or directly to his doctors.
12. 
    Feb 7, '07

    Here's the visiting policy at Shands AGH from their website:
    "Visiting Hours
    Most units have open visiting hours because of our Planetree philosophy."
    Here's Shands at the UF's policy:
    "Visiting Hours
    Family and friends are welcome to visit patients during the hospital's visiting hours, 9 am to 9 pm, seven days a week."
13. 
    Feb 7, '07

    Thanks faithmd...That helps. I went to the website too...I am not sure if that applies to my case though....I don't even know which unit he will be put in afterwards...But your replies do relax me a little...

    Last edit by lil_penguin on Feb 7, '07
14. 
    Feb 7, '07

    lil_penguin, may I ask if you are a healthcare professional or someone who is looking to become one, or are you here to get answers to your questions? I'm not trying to be rude, but you need to understand the purpose of this website. One of the most important things about it is that we cannot give out medical advice, at all. I know you are probably just trying to get an idea of what will happen, but without knowing all that has been done, and what they plan to do, it's nearly impossible to tell you these things.
    
    Please don't post that info, we cannot give medical advice anyway, and it is a privacy issue as well.
    
    What we can tell you is that he will have an IV, likely have a little oxygen at some point, probably a mask-type apparatus since they will be working on reconstruction of his nose, and will have a soft catheter in his bladder for a few hours after surgery. The fact that he couldn't urinate after surgery the first time is NOT a cause for alarm for you. Many people have problems with inability to urinate after surgery, it is a side effect of the drugs that are given to keep him comfortable. If he's booked to stay only 23 hours it doesn't sound like something that is deep and involved, but again, I canot tell you that for sure. Just please realize that he will be getting good care from the doctors and nurses and techs that is their job. Your job (and it is a very important one) is to be there and be calming and supportive to him.
    Sometimes knowing too much can actually be a bad thing. Many times when myself of a loved one has a medical problem I wish that I was not a nurse.
    
    Best wishes for a very speedy recovery for him and good luck to you in getting through it. I know it is tough to want to be able to fix it and you can't. Try to relax if you can.
    
    One piece of advice, if your BF wants you to be able to talk to the doctors about this, have him write a note saying that it is okay for his healthcare professionals (use that phrase, it covers most people, MD, RN, LPN, etc) to discuss his condition with you (write your name out), then have him sign and date it.

    Last edit by Mags4711 on Feb 7, '07 : Reason: moved stuff around

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