How many days have you stayed in the hospital before getting the problem fixed?

GregP_WN
GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
edited August 2020 in General Cancer
We got here Sunday night, I've had a few tests done so far. They have figured out what the problem is, I cant swallow because of the swelling in my throat has caused occlusion of esophagus. Now they will do a swallow study to determine if they can safely stretch me. If not, I will go to surgery for a feeding tube. Yesterday nothing happened waiting for the swallow study. Today it's supposed to happen. Then who knows how long before GTube?

Comments

  • Lynne-I-Am
    Lynne-I-Am Member Posts: 89
    edited August 2020
    Well, Greg, they have diagnosed your problem but solving the problem , from my past experiences, ,will probably take several more days, I have been hospitalized twice , each time for a week, with problems that were diagnosed but the whys never found. Years ago I was hospitalized with pancreatitis . I was in the hospital 5 days , had several blood transfusions and by the worried look on the doctor’s face was quite sick although except for some abdominal pain I did not feel that bad. The second time I was hospitalized for 6 days with FUO after my first chemo treatment. I had numerous tests including a giant swab pushed up my nose ( common testing for the Covid 19 virus now ). All the tests were negative I was discharged when the daily fever finally abated. I would love to know the whys and how’s of both hospitalizations.
  • Teachertina
    Teachertina Member Posts: 205
    edited August 2020
    Sounds like you are on the hurry up and wait plan! At least you are there where they can take good care of you while you wait! Of course there’s no place like home and I know you want to get there fast. We are all with you in cyberspace, keep on posting us when you have more info! Fingers crossed that stretching is possible!
  • legaljen1969
    legaljen1969 Member Posts: 763
    edited July 2020
    Though not cancer related, the most I have ever had to stay inpatient was two days to get a problem "fixed." That was cellulitis after a surgery in 2011. Now, I had to go back to the emergency room four times before they finally admitted me to get the problem fixed. They kept telling me I wasn't taking my medicine, or I wasn't doing something or another right, and would discharge me. I am one who pretty much follows doctor's orders precisely. Finally after the fourth time with a fever of 103 and finally puking on the PA's shoes, they figured out it wasn't really reacting to the antibiotic well enough. I was scared to death of an infection after my mastectomy, but everything healed great and my surgeon was super supportive.
  • legaljen1969
    legaljen1969 Member Posts: 763
    edited July 2020
    @Greg, I hope they get you fixed up soon. I am sorry to hear you have been hospitalized since Sunday. We are all thinking about you.
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited August 2020
    They found my problem the first night in the ER. Now it's a process of figuring out the best way to fix it given my basket of problems.
  • JaneA
    JaneA Member Posts: 335
    edited August 2020
    I can't imagine how frustrated and discouraged you and Donna are over this.
  • LiveWithCancer
    LiveWithCancer Member Posts: 470
    edited August 2020
    If it is anything like where we were after my husband had his stroke, you are getting less than superior care because of COVID. COVID gets blamed for EVERYTHING. In our case, we weren't waiting on procedures, though I was hoping they would get started on therapy because everything I have read says the sooner the better if you hope to get better. He got none. Why they even kept us in the hospital incurring who knows what kind of charges is beyond me.

    I hope they hurry and get cracking on getting you better, Greg!!! It is beyond frustrating to be waiting and waiting and waiting. I hope and pray they can stretch your esophagus and that you don't have to go with the feeding tube. Would the feeding tube be temporary?
  • andreacha
    andreacha Member Posts: 196
    edited August 2020
    I am so sorry Greg for all you have been through. The only advice I can give you through my experience is: Make sure that d... tube is collapsible!! I never gave it a thought as I was in the best hospital in Atlanta when they put it in. I'm sure Vandy knows better.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited August 2020
    Greg, I hope they can stretch your throat. Sending good wishes your way.
  • MarcieB
    MarcieB Member Posts: 527
    edited August 2020
    Greg, I think it's safe to say we are all hoping o hear some good news from you. You are sure going through some hoops with this. I want to hear that they have solved this and you are finally getting some good nutrition.
  • Bug
    Bug Member Posts: 393
    edited August 2020
    I'm behind in the news. It sounds like you couldn't swallow so you and Donna went to the ER and then you were admitted to the hospital. Are you still there? Sigh. So sorry, Greg.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited August 2020
    Bug, look at LWC’s recent post,
    “Greg - We’re All Pulling for You,” for the latest updates on Greg.
  • Bug
    Bug Member Posts: 393
    edited August 2020
    Thank you, Carol. I was going to ask someone to steer me in the right direction but I was afraid Greg might do it and I didn't want to bother him.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited August 2020
    Bug, I’m glad I did.
  • Paperpusher
    Paperpusher Member Posts: 78
    edited August 2020
    The longest hubby was in acute care was for cellulitis after scratching a bug bite. He was there for 8 days and it was pretty scary. They were talking about a fasciotomy and had trouble finding an antibiotic that worked. Next bout was only 5 days. We learned what to watch for and move faster.
  • SandiA
    SandiA Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2020
    This past April I had neck surgery and one night in the hospital. Ended up being a week due to a rare complication. It was during covid so of course no company.