Post-Op Back Surgery

[FormerOstrich]

Not long ago I saw a thread about back surgeries. My significant other had surgery on Wednesday.

Based on the description/drawing they gave me I think it was a laminectomy (removal of the bone) on three (L3,4,and 5)...I think...it was a very quick tutorial for me.

On Thursday, he seemed better than I was expecting. When I got there in the morning he was ordering breakfast and sitting up. During the day we walked laps around the rooms and to the cafeteria, twice. They said they were going to release him on Friday.

Friday, I get there he was in bed and wouldn't eat. He had a fever (< 100.4) and chills. He could only walk one lap and only did so when he had to get up to go to the bathroom. About 4:00 he tried to get up to go to the bathroom. He struggled and had such a hard time the nurse brought a chair and brought him a urinal at 5:00. It was about that time they were bringing in the release papers and sending us out the door.

I thought he should stay there. His chills were more like tremors. In two hours he couldn't walk 15 ft (+/-). They called the Doctor and they said release him. They loaded him in a wheelchair and stuck him in the car at 6:30.

He seemed much better on Saturday. He was walking around (with his walker). He ate, read, and watched TV. Yesterday he seemed even better yet. He showered (1st day permitted), walked around (with his walker), made coffee and watched football. He was still running a fever (fluctuating but always < 100.4).

Today he is so much worse. His fever is still fluctuating but mostly lower than yesterday. However, he hasn't hardly walked at all. Watching him sit up is excruciating. He had me bring a bucket twice because he couldn't make it to the bathroom.

I called the Doctor and they were significantly not concerned. They told me if the fever went over 101 to go to the ER. If the wound looked red/draining/bad/etc to call. Otherwise, they would get him ASAP for his post-op appointment.....their ASAP is January 30th @ 10 AM (instead of 2:00 PM).

Meanwhile I'm freaked out and scared. His Doctor was highly recommended. He had two other "2nd Opinions". I took off work Wed-Friday, but hadn't realized how dependent he would be on me this week. I am fortunate and worked from home today and tomorrow. He needs to improve a lot or it will be wfh the rest of the week (or I'll have to take time off).

Any insights on if I should be alarmed and in Doctor's face? I am very unhappy with the Doctor/Hospital. But I don't know if I should be putting my foot down or if I am overacting.

Thank you in advance for any input. I'm dead tired.....

[tblue]

1. I'd take him to the ER

if I was as worried as you sound. I would have someone there look at him and see if maybe he needs a med adjustment, if he has an infection, if he needs some tests run, etc. If your sense is that the medical staff you have spoken to is not giving him the attention he needs, then trust yourself and be your loved one's advocate and do what you feel needs to be done.

My BIL just had a huge back surgery and was in the hospital for about 10-12 days, then transferred to a rehab facility and was there for over 2 months. He was dying to get out but they kept him until he was fully ready to be discharged. It would have worried us terribly if he had been discharged in a matter of hours after his surgery, and then running a fever and feeling poorly when he was home.

No, sweetie, don't let them dismiss your concerns if you don't feel satisfied with the quality of care he's receiving. The patient has rights and you have every right to demand the medical attention he needs.

Think of it like this: if this was your baby child, what would you do?

Please let me know what happens. I'm here if you need to connect again.

[pnwmom]

2. I agree -- take him to the ER.

His normal temperature might be lower than average, so 100 degrees could well be a fever for him. And more important than the temp, it seems to me, is how sick he seems to be.

I took care of my brother after he had a plate and screws put in his back, and we didn't have to go through anything like what you're going through. He just steadily got better.

Trust your instinct. You know your S.O. better than these medical people do. If you think he's getting worse instead of better, bring him to the best ER in your area.

Good luck!

P.S. What kind of thermometer are you using? Some of those electronic ones, in my experience, aren't very accurate. You might want to ask a pharmacist which one is the most accurate. I like the ones that look and work like the old mercury thermometer, but don't use mercury.

[Glimmer of Hope]

3. If his walking and sittitng difficulties are worse that pre-surgery, something doesn't seem right.

Did the surgeon do a post-surgery CAT scan? I had a similar surgery and had a scan before I was released to make sure things looked ok. The fever post surgery is worrisome. Don't hesitate to get in the doc's face or find another docs. I hope he finds some relief soon!