Len coming on after 4 days

[willieandwinnie]

Hi Everyone,
I'm a little stunned. I went to DC today to see Len. I took him on numerous walks and played step n' fetch it. The doctor came in and said they are going to send him home tomorrow. Day 4 after transplant. WTF? Is that normal. That seems awful quick to me considering everything that he had been through. They are weening him off IV medications to oral and the oxygen and taking Foley out. Am I crazy thinking this is too soon? All he has had to eat is jello, what they call chicken broth and cranberry juice and of course water. He has been able to pass a little gas (sorry), but hasn't had a bowel movement since surgery prep on Friday. Is this normal now? I guess because he spent 6 months straight in the hospital and then when they finally closed he's abdominal wound 4 1/2 years later he spent 10 days in the hospital that this just seems to be going to fast. I know that all the transplant patients here can hopefully answer my questions. I'm so worried that the transplant hospital is 2 hours away on a good traffic day. I'm sorry to keep bugging you guys but I'm starting to get emotional and today just sent my spinning. HELP.

Take Care
Kathy

[Sluff]

   WooHoo!! 

[Roxy]

I guess all hospitals may be different. They wanted me for 6 days, which ended up being 7 to be on the safe side. But to be honest, my last couple days in the hospital were just tedious and they felt unnecessary and I would've much rather been home. You just feel better once your home, so it might just be better this way. Just make sure you're comfortable with the levels and dosages of medications and what times you need to take them and track everything they want you to track like fluid intake and urine output.  I think you'll both feel more comfortable once you are at home together. 

[angela515]

I went home after 4 days my first transplant, and 8 days my 2nd.. every hospital is different. They wouldn't send him home if they didn't think he was doing good.

Is he taking stool softners? Constipation is very common after any surgery, and especially a major one, and all the pain meds.

[livecam]

It does seem that transplant centers are moving patients out faster than they did in the past.  I agree that it would make sense to wait until he was eating normally and his GI tract was up and running before they let him go.  As to taking the Foley catheter out if they can do it then that is a major blessing.  I had more pain from that thing than from the surgical area itself.  I remember taking my first excursions and my first weekend trip home with that in place...not fun.  Best of luck to you and Len!

[okarol]

Hi Kathy,
Jenna was released after 3 days in the hospital. I was a bit concerned but the doctor said that the germ level (and the kinds of "bad bugs") meant a higher risk with each extra day in the hospital. He said a patient will sleep better at home and healing will be faster. Coming home with the big bag of meds, having to weigh her, check blood pressure, take her temperature, keep the fluids up, seemed overwhelming at first. But she did great, was eating and able to get herself to the restroom, so we got comfortable right away. We stayed near the hospital because of the numerous labs and follow up appointments the first few weeks. We actually had a friend who loaned us their house, but our hospital had apartments available for people who were in your situation. Ask to speak to the hospital social worker or patient representative. This may be an option for you. I hope things level out soon. Take care of yourself too Kathy! Get a friend to help you if you can!

[Romona]

It is not uncommon. I had my transplant on a Thursday morning and discharged on a Sunday. I did have to stay with in an hour drive from the hospital. I lived two hours away. I stayed at a house for patients and family members of hospitalized patients. I did much better away from the hospital. I rested better. You both will do just fine.  

The bowel problem is very common.  
You've got a great group of people here for moral support as well as your transplant team. Call them if you need them.  

[livecam]

our hospital had apartments available for people who were in your situation

UCSD had that too, not apartments but a hotel like facility called the Bannister Family House.  It was basically private rooms with a large living room area, a shared kitchen, and an internet room with a computer for patients and their families.  This was back in 2001 and the computer used a dialup modem.  Thanks for making me remember that...not sure now which was worse...the catheter or dialup!

[goofynina]

Sounds to me like they think Len is just fine to go home, i hope they know what they are talking about, but reading what the others are saying, i think  he will be just fine.  Ohhh, i bet he cant wait to come home and sleep in his own bed and PEEEEEE in his own toilet    I hope all turns out well and remember we are just a keyboard away if you come across any questions or just need a little support.   

[Jill D.]

I had surgery on a Tuesday and walked out Saturday night. I thought you had to have a BM before you could leave. That was the MOST painful part for me!

[st789]

I stayed for 4 days and drs wanted me to go home to avoid bugs in the hospital.

[paddbear0000]

I stayed for 4 days and drs wanted me to go home to avoid bugs in the hospital.

Boy, that's reassuring when the hospital implies they aren't sanitary!   

[okarol]

I stayed for 4 days and drs wanted me to go home to avoid bugs in the hospital.

Boy, that's reassuring when the hospital implies they aren't sanitary!   

Here's related info paddbear: Hospital-acquired infections http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=4949.0

[paddbear0000]

I stayed for 4 days and drs wanted me to go home to avoid bugs in the hospital.

Boy, that's reassuring when the hospital implies they aren't sanitary!   

Here's related info paddbear: Hospital-acquired infections http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=4949.0

Well, that's not cool! Yah know, the number of times I've been in the hospital and/or had surgery, I've never gotten an infection or sick (except for what I went in with)! I already have an weakened immune system. I guess I've just been lucky.

[rimbo74]

I went home at noon on the 5th day.