Please keep my dad in your prayers, he is having a rough time.
I have not been allowed to see him, but he called today with this update.

Thurday night he spent in local ER, constipation due to pain meds. Sat night spent at Cleveland Clinic, his lip swelled 3x it's size as did the chin/neck wound from 2nd surgery (1/4)
2 bags of antibiotic got it under control, and back home.
He has home health nurse, are the wounds not being kept clean enough? Shouldn't he be on maintenance antibiotic until wounds are closed and healing?

I'm angry that constipation got him down again, and am angry that they allowed an infection to set in and get him down. He's struggling to bounce back after these 2 surgeries, and will have a 3rd this week. He still has the nasal feeding tube and it keeps dislodging and he said he just shoves it back in and tries water in the bag to see if he got it in right. I'm afraid he might hurt himself by doing that. Can't they "fix" it somehow so he doesn't have to contend with that too? I asked if he is allowed to swallow anything, he said no. I've read posts here that you can lose your ability to swallow, and am growing concerned that this could happen to him, but then I think that with a nasal feeding tube they must expect him to be able to swallow sometime soon, right?

Infections are quite common when the immune system is compromised so great care my be taken to insure that the house, particularly the kitchen and bathroom are spotless and disinfected. Great care must also be taken with wound dressing, etc. We followed NIH recommendations and used a 10% bleach and water mix for spraying the sinks and bathtub. We also used over the counter disinfectants as well. You must maintain as an aseptic environment as possible.

Constipation is a common side effect, typically precipitated by the pain meds. It can be controlled but you really have to work at it. Talk to his nutritionist, get some Senekot with stool softener and be sure to stay hydrated (2-3 liters of fluids a day). The constipation issues were my single most worst side effect from treatment.

I'm glad your Dad called, but so sorry to hear of all he is going through. I wish you could get over there to see him!

Hi Ded,
I know you're frustrated but everything that's happened to your dad isn't uncommon at all. I've had the facial swelling that was the result of an infection, just happened over Christmas break, the constipation, I also have a PEG tube and I had my second surgery 4 months ago. I don't think anyone is "allowing" him to have these issues, they are just part of this journey at times. Sorry he has to deal with it but being angry about it will get in the way of how you mentally need to deal with his docs and nurses right now. Just my advice.
Take care,
Minnie

Hi Deb,
When my mom had her ngtube it was stitched in place by a few threads. Maybe they might consider doing this for your dad?

Deb, You know I am here to give yous support at anytime and that your dad is in my prayers daily. I have no words of wisdom for what is going on with him at the present time, just a lot of "I Wish , Hope and Pray" We can talk on the telephone anytime you need a shoulder. I will never understand how one person, can keep smeone from seeing their father. THey can't have a consious. I am here if you need me.

I wish I hope and I pray is enough for me Jim, I'm so glad you understand the situation with my step mom and how utterly useless to my dad I feel because of it.

If your free and up to it Tues. eve, lets plan on a phone call, Ok?

I can make a call any nite you want Deb. I enjoyed our last conversation very much.