Operation postponed

Bones, joints and muscles
1

My husband Derek was due to have his hip operation tomorow, but when we went to the Hospital yesterday they cancelled the op; because he has an infection where he grazed his arm last week. He has Myasthenia Gravis and his medication makes him pick up infections very easily.Yesterday we went to the Occupational Health department who explained the does and don'ts after the op. One problem is the arms of our suite are not supportive, has anyone else had this problem? The sit up and beg chair the Hospital wlll supply if required don't seem very comfortable. Any suggestions please.

Hazel

2

Sorry to hear it has been postponed, but it understandable and correct that they took that action. I think the sit up chairs, if they are basically the same as patients use on the wards, are quite comfortable once you are in them with any required cushions. They will certainly be the correct height and have supportive arms. I would accept the offer and see how it goes, your armchair can be used after the initial few days if it is high enough and the arm support not needed so much. Best of luck

3

Hi Derek

Sorry your operation has been postponed, but it obviously is for the best. Any sort of infection can cause complications. As regards getting up off a settee I couldn't do this just after my op, I had an armchair with raised legs.... The one being offered by the hospital I think is the same as the ones the patients sit in at the side of the beds. Hope this helps and he soon gets his operation xx

4

Hi Derek,

It's always traumatic when an operation has to be cancelled...but it's for the best. 

Any sort of infection can spread...

In hospital they have armchairs and lots of pillows, I sat on the chair on the side of my bed from day two, it was comfortable.

best wishes

Ella 

5

Dearest Hazel - I am so incredibly sorry that the Derek's surgery is postponed and agree with all that it is for the best .... the medical staff seem to be excellent in their care for Derek and don't want to take any risks ... but it must be disappointing ...

Yes, I also agree with taking the offer of the hospital chair ... 

good luck, lots of strength and keep having faith !

warm hug

renee

6

Hi Hazel

What a disappointment for you both- I had my op cancelled the first time and it is a devastating blow

However it was the right thing to do under the circumstances and he is obviously under very good medical care

I bought a second hand upright chair to go in my bedroom and it has been a great help - much more manageable than a comfy armchair and very useful when I have been awake during the night

7

Thank you Maggie, we have contacted the Occupational Health Dept about the chair, we will just see how it goes.

Regards Hazel

8

Thank you Gillcat

We know the postponement is for the best, but all this waiting is difficult. Derek had his first consultation in April 2014 and was told he was on the list in  July 2014, but he was never put on the list; we only found out this in March this year. So it was back to square one with a new referral. We will try one of the chairs.

Regards

Hazel

9

Thanks Ella, we just hope the infection heals quickly.

Derek has contacted the Hospital to say we will borrow one of the chairs; we have loads of pillows to make it comfortable.

Regards

Hazel

10

Thanks Renee, it is for the best we know but we were hoping to get it over with. We will take them up on the offer of a chair.

Thanks for the hug and the good wishes.

Hazel

11

Thank you Pansycat, it is great that there is someone out there who understands. Of course we are disappointed but it is better to be safe than sorry. I am thinking of wrapping Derek in a big plastic bubble so he doesn't injure himself again. We have contacted the Hospital to ask about the loan of a chair.

Regards

Hazel

12

Oh, and don't forget to take good care of Hazel !!! make sure she rests and is gentle with her self, okay?

13

Hi Renee

If you remember Derek should have had his op on the 15th July, it was cancelled as he had an infected arm. Our GP gave him two lots of antibiotics to clear it up. Last Tuesday the Doctor confirmed he was now fit for the op. Derek has just phoned his specialist's secretary, she says the specialist is on holiday for another three weeks and some time in September and can't give us a date for the op. Derek first saw a specialist in April 2014 and was supposed to be on the list from July 2014, but somehow he was dropped off the list and saw his current specialist in April 2015. As anyone got any ideas what we can do?

Hazel

14

Good morning Hazel,

I wish I have right the words to comfort you, to encourage both of you to keep the faith ... everything happens for a reason, right? You have come so far .. 

At times we just have to accept what is ... it is not conducive to your well being to fight it ... this is so challenging and frustrating ... How is Derek handling it? it must be hard for you to see him suffer and in pain ... 

Tell us a little bit about Hazel and how she is feeling ... This is a safe place and you can always send a private message - just click on the little enveloppe -

warmest hug

renee

15

Hard as it is the surgeons do need their holidays. They sometimes do 3 or 4 hip replacements a day, around 1.5 to 2 hours an op. My husband works in theatres and says they look exhausted when they come out. Having said that Derek needs to be one of his priorities on his return. Get the GP to write to the secretary with all the details,again. Give that letter time to arrive and phone her again and ask her to speak to him on his return about Derek. She will have a list of things to discuss with him on his return, Derek needs to be one of them. Then chase that up. If no joy write to the surgeon and copy in the CEO of the hospital

16

Thank you Maggie for your advice, we do understand surgeons need their holidays, it isn't because he is taking his holiday that concerns us; it is the fact they are unable to give us a date. We will follow your advice and hopefully be given a date. Thanks again.

Hazel

17

Thank you Renee for your kind words, sometimes it is difficult to believe there is a reason behind everything. Derek is disappointed he says it feels like his life is on hold and at 75 years, he wants to enjoy what is left of his life. Would you not have thought they would have made an appointment for him to have the op at a later date, instead of just forgetting about him?  I will reply to you privately, if I can find the envelope. If not thank you for everything including the hug.

Hazel

18

Hi Renee thank you for your kind words.

I have tried to send you one of Derek's drawings but it is too big, here is one of mine, it is of Whittaker (overlooking Hollingworth Lake)a few miles from where I was born, not my favourite drawing but it is smaller than the others.

Hazel