Home Health Care Nurse Helps in Unexpected Ways
Posted , 7 users are following.
When my doctor decided I should have the NPWT (wound vac) for helping the wound to heal, I also was prescribed a home health care nurse to visit three times a week which I thought was just to change the bandage and check the working of the pump.
The nurse has done so much more for me. Of course, she checks my vital signs each visit. What is so much more for me are the many questions she asks that makes me realize so much is important in the overall recovery. She asks me about how I'm really feeling in addition to eating habits (Yes, I'm upping the protein intake.), sleeping, pain level (I have high tolerance so need to really think about that each visit), bathroom habits (Some details but nothing I'm adding specifically here.), ability to walk better (Still have some discomfort in the area of the healing incision which affects my overall walking, but I avoid the cane as much as possible now), and many other questions/discussions.
The positive reinforcement, just like these discussions on this site, definitely help with overall good spirits. My belief is that during the recovery, everyone needs someone to talk to. This is more than a physical recovery, but also an emotional one.
Interested to read more comments about this...
5 likes, 26 replies
Ducksoup diannesk
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diannesk Ducksoup
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jimbone diannesk
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Dianne,
Just had a second opinion consultation on Friday. One of the pre requisites for having the surgery at this hospital is a one week 24/7 full time "support" person to help get you through. They apparently agree with you that we need a good deal of help getting though the recovery process.
diannesk jimbone
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I attended a Joint & Spine Surgery Education Class at the hospital a couple of weeks before my surgery. My husband was there, too, as they encouraged the person who was going to be home with the patient to be there, too.
There was a contact person with title of Orthopedic Navigator who was a contact person for any questions prior to surgery. The class was required by my surgeon and definitely helpful.
ptolemy diannesk
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diannesk ptolemy
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The nurses definitely have different personalities, but all are RNs and know their stuff. I knew, too, that high protein diet is very important so I've upped my intake though I always pay attention to importance of protein. I'm a vegetarian (do eat fish and dairy) so do pay attention to what I eat.
ptolemy diannesk
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diannesk ptolemy
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So if nursing isn't so good you can get some renovation tips.
I've been fortunate that all the nurse who have been hear are very knowledgeable. Since I have the wound pump, I don't have any LPNs since the RNs are the ones to deal with the pump. All have been very professional and friendly.
ptolemy diannesk
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Ducksoup diannesk
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diannesk ptolemy
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diannesk Ducksoup
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It's important for them to be relatable to their patients. Otherwise all they would be were technicians.
ptolemy diannesk
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Ducksoup ptolemy
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diannesk ptolemy
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I meant to write she. Too bad I can't edit after something posts here. Always great to have someone who has personality.
ptolemy diannesk
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diannesk ptolemy
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Thank you for asking.
It's amazing how the wound is improving so quickly. In less than a week, the depth was less. Only 10 days since began using the vac and width/length has decreased, too. So much better than the amount of time (weeks) it would take for the wet/dry dressing. Nurse told me yesterday that I will experience more "discomfort" as it continues to heal. Definitely right with the twinges but can manage that with occasional Tylenol. Not painful like hip prior to surgery.
ptolemy diannesk
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diannesk ptolemy
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Hospitals have used wound vac systems for many years but they are very large and not great for at home use. The one that I'm using is Avance Flex. It's available in many countries.
ptolemy diannesk
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judith12644 ptolemy
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ptolemy judith12644
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