questions about Post operative care

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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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Specializes in Critical Care.

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

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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.:scrying: I hope I am not overreacting.

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This doesn't even make sense. They won't allow you to see him at all?

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nope. But they gave me a list of hotels where I can stay...

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What kind of hospital is this? Sounds to me like I would not be a patient of this facility.

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Shands hospital at Gainesville.

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Specializes in Newborn ICU, Trauma ICU, Burn ICU, Peds.

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.

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Specializes in Newborn ICU, Trauma ICU, Burn ICU, Peds.

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.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, CVICU, Trauma.
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.

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Specializes in Newborn ICU, Trauma ICU, Burn ICU, Peds.

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."

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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...

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