Operations

UPDATE

I've finished the course of antibiotics now, and to be honest it doesn't feel much different. I'm thinking of going back to the doctor in a few days, or should I give it another week or so?

Only thinking if I do need to have the op then I just want to get it done and out of the way.

UPDATE

I've finished the course of antibiotics now, and to be honest it doesn't feel much different. I'm thinking of going back to the doctor in a few days, or should I give it another week or so?

Only thinking if I do need to have the op then I just want to get it done and out of the way.

Originally posted by VS075
Only thinking if I do need to have the op then I just want to get it done and out of the way.

No ifs, ands or -- erm -- buts: get it out of the way.

GJ

Originally posted by VS075
Only thinking if I do need to have the op then I just want to get it done and out of the way.

No ifs, ands or -- erm -- buts: get it out of the way.

GJ

Originally posted by VS075
UPDATE

I've finished the course of antibiotics now, and to be honest it doesn't feel much different. I'm thinking of going back to the doctor in a few days, or should I give it another week or so?

Only thinking if I do need to have the op then I just want to get it done and out of the way.

Go back NOW (well Monday anyway). If you've been treated aggressively with antibiotics and the problem is still there, a week will be along time in terms of discomfort/ pain. This condition is common, particularly in young men (who tend to be more hirsute than women).
If the antibiotics have been ineffective the other alternative may be draining/ excision.Anaesthetics (both local and general) are exceedingly safe these days and analgesia is pretty effective.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for some of the environments in which people are hospitalised /treated these days, many of which are quite frankly filthy. MRSA,Necrotising Fascitis, C difficile etc etc - sorry, IMHO bywords for poor nursing care and lack of cleanliness. If surgical intervention is the way forward VS075 (and you're still apprehensive) ask to see the local Trust's figures on infection rates for the above (it's in the public domain).Patients DO have choices these days- all you can do is exercise them. Carefully.
DL (AKA Nurse Ratched).

Originally posted by VS075
UPDATE

I've finished the course of antibiotics now, and to be honest it doesn't feel much different. I'm thinking of going back to the doctor in a few days, or should I give it another week or so?

Only thinking if I do need to have the op then I just want to get it done and out of the way.

Go back NOW (well Monday anyway). If you've been treated aggressively with antibiotics and the problem is still there, a week will be along time in terms of discomfort/ pain. This condition is common, particularly in young men (who tend to be more hirsute than women).
If the antibiotics have been ineffective the other alternative may be draining/ excision.Anaesthetics (both local and general) are exceedingly safe these days and analgesia is pretty effective.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for some of the environments in which people are hospitalised /treated these days, many of which are quite frankly filthy. MRSA,Necrotising Fascitis, C difficile etc etc - sorry, IMHO bywords for poor nursing care and lack of cleanliness. If surgical intervention is the way forward VS075 (and you're still apprehensive) ask to see the local Trust's figures on infection rates for the above (it's in the public domain).Patients DO have choices these days- all you can do is exercise them. Carefully.
DL (AKA Nurse Ratched).

Went back to the doctor's today and I'm now on a course of STRONGER antibiotics (and I don't like taking tablets of any shape or form), the name is co-oxiclav (last ones I was on were Flucloxacillin) and I have had a swab taken.

Once this course is finished (which should be a week) I have to leave it a week before visiting the doctor again (appointment already booked) and from then the swab results will be discussed and more than likely the surgical option being taken up (assuming the stronger antibiotics don't work).

Have to say I really think that these antibiotics I'm on now is a bit overkill (they are 625mg while the Flucloxacillin was about 500mg IIRC) but I don't have a medical degree to my name or use the title Dr Alexander Roberts PhD, so I'll trust the doctor on this one.

Went back to the doctor's today and I'm now on a course of STRONGER antibiotics (and I don't like taking tablets of any shape or form), the name is co-oxiclav (last ones I was on were Flucloxacillin) and I have had a swab taken.

Once this course is finished (which should be a week) I have to leave it a week before visiting the doctor again (appointment already booked) and from then the swab results will be discussed and more than likely the surgical option being taken up (assuming the stronger antibiotics don't work).

Have to say I really think that these antibiotics I'm on now is a bit overkill (they are 625mg while the Flucloxacillin was about 500mg IIRC) but I don't have a medical degree to my name or use the title Dr Alexander Roberts PhD, so I'll trust the doctor on this one.

[HighFlyer]

I'm not a Doctor either, but my limited understanding of pharmaceuticals is that Flucloxacillin is a generic penicillin based antibiotic for most bacterium, I've been prescribed it myself. If co-oxiclav is the same thing as co-amoxiclav, then that drug is from the same lactum antibiotic family as Flucloxacillin, but it contains amoxicillin trihydrate, which is resistant to gastric acid, and therefore more effective at your 'end' of things i assume.

Hang on in there, and DO keep taking the tablets! Hope everything works out okay for you, and if it does come to surgery, you'll be fine. [:)]
Thanks,
Sarah

[HighFlyer]

I'm not a Doctor either, but my limited understanding of pharmaceuticals is that Flucloxacillin is a generic penicillin based antibiotic for most bacterium, I've been prescribed it myself. If co-oxiclav is the same thing as co-amoxiclav, then that drug is from the same lactum antibiotic family as Flucloxacillin, but it contains amoxicillin trihydrate, which is resistant to gastric acid, and therefore more effective at your 'end' of things i assume.

Hang on in there, and DO keep taking the tablets! Hope everything works out okay for you, and if it does come to surgery, you'll be fine. [:)]
Thanks,
Sarah

Originally posted by HighFlyer
my limited understanding of pharmaceuticals Thanks,
Sarah

LIMITED??! [:0]

Regards

John

Originally posted by HighFlyer
my limited understanding of pharmaceuticals Thanks,
Sarah

LIMITED??! [:0]

Regards

John

I'm so happy to see that everyone is treating this topic with the seriousness it deserves, and not making poor Alex the butt of any ridiculous, sophomoric humour that may rear its head. Well done.

GJ

I'm so happy to see that everyone is treating this topic with the seriousness it deserves, and not making poor Alex the butt of any ridiculous, sophomoric humour that may rear its head. Well done.

GJ

UPDATE

Having finished the second course of antibiotics weeks ago, the sinus was getting no better and when I was at the doctor's today for an unrelated matter I brought the subject up and I have now been referred to the surgeon on Tuesday 22nd January 2008.

I really was hoping that it wouldn't come to this, but at least I don't have to worry too much about it until after Christmas and when the appointment with the surgeon approaches.

UPDATE

Having finished the second course of antibiotics weeks ago, the sinus was getting no better and when I was at the doctor's today for an unrelated matter I brought the subject up and I have now been referred to the surgeon on Tuesday 22nd January 2008.

I really was hoping that it wouldn't come to this, but at least I don't have to worry too much about it until after Christmas and when the appointment with the surgeon approaches.

I wish you all the best with your upcoming medical sojourn.

That said, the best thing you can do is make sure you have an advocate with you at all times pre- and post-surgery (family member if possible). There are things which would seem perfectly acceptable to you under the drugs you'll receive, and just in case they shouldn't be, the advocate can speak for you when you can not.

If you have allergies to latex, food items, or even things like iodine or formaldehyde, make a fuss! Write it on forms with red ink. Make sure everyone knows you are allergic. Be a pest: allergies are not just a nuisance when you are in a hospital. Your advocate can stop things as a last barrier of defense. Makre sure they have the list, in writing, and the consequences of the items (anaphylaxis, wheezing, hives, itching, etc.). Your nurses will bless you.

Read the consent forms very thoroughly. If you do not agree with something on them, this is the time to get either the charge nurse or your doctor to witness your refusal to sign whilst the problem items are still on the form. I shall illustrate: if the form specifies the doctor has the right to choose alternative treatment while you are in surgery without your previous consent, you have the right to know what those alternatives might be. If you cannot agree to all of them, then agree only to those you approve. Have at least one other member of the surgical team see your denial of some types of care. That way, if your surgeon decides to go ahead anyway, the others will take steps to see he/she can't.

Pay attention to the pre-surgical orders. Anything you've taken in the last 48 hours needs to be put on the admitting forms, no matter if it's a simple thing like an antacid. There are strange things which can cause post-surgical problems (Zantac plus general anesthesia comes to mind); if you took it, and it wasn't food or water, mention it!

Last, please realize that every day people all over this world undergo surgeries, and most of them go without a hitch. Please don't worry. Think of it this way: when you wake up, it will be fixed! In a short while longer the pain and the problems will be gone, and you will be glad you had this done.

Please let us know how things are coming along. [:X]

I wish you all the best with your upcoming medical sojourn.

That said, the best thing you can do is make sure you have an advocate with you at all times pre- and post-surgery (family member if possible). There are things which would seem perfectly acceptable to you under the drugs you'll receive, and just in case they shouldn't be, the advocate can speak for you when you can not.

If you have allergies to latex, food items, or even things like iodine or formaldehyde, make a fuss! Write it on forms with red ink. Make sure everyone knows you are allergic. Be a pest: allergies are not just a nuisance when you are in a hospital. Your advocate can stop things as a last barrier of defense. Makre sure they have the list, in writing, and the consequences of the items (anaphylaxis, wheezing, hives, itching, etc.). Your nurses will bless you.

Read the consent forms very thoroughly. If you do not agree with something on them, this is the time to get either the charge nurse or your doctor to witness your refusal to sign whilst the problem items are still on the form. I shall illustrate: if the form specifies the doctor has the right to choose alternative treatment while you are in surgery without your previous consent, you have the right to know what those alternatives might be. If you cannot agree to all of them, then agree only to those you approve. Have at least one other member of the surgical team see your denial of some types of care. That way, if your surgeon decides to go ahead anyway, the others will take steps to see he/she can't.

Pay attention to the pre-surgical orders. Anything you've taken in the last 48 hours needs to be put on the admitting forms, no matter if it's a simple thing like an antacid. There are strange things which can cause post-surgical problems (Zantac plus general anesthesia comes to mind); if you took it, and it wasn't food or water, mention it!

Last, please realize that every day people all over this world undergo surgeries, and most of them go without a hitch. Please don't worry. Think of it this way: when you wake up, it will be fixed! In a short while longer the pain and the problems will be gone, and you will be glad you had this done.

Please let us know how things are coming along. [:X]

UPDATE

Visited the hospital yesterday for the appointment and, as expected, I will have to go in for surgery now as it's the only way to effectively get rid of it once and for all.

I don't know of the date yet when I'm going in, but when we was talking about it the specialist revealed that the method that will be used to get rid of the sinus is full-excision which removes the sinus and some of the skin around it and ensure that the chances of re-occurrence are virtually zero. This will take about 2 to 3 months to heal and when I mentioned the flights in May to Spain I have booked he didn't particularly like the sound of, which to me suggested that the flights have to be cancelled (won't get the money back from the airlines so if it comes to that I'm guessing travel insurance will cover this?).

The more I think about it the more I wish I was referred for surgery last November (after I had finished the second round of antibiotics) which I was in favour with all along, and although it would've possibly meant an uncomfortable Christmas had the operation fallen before/during/after the festive period, it certainly wouldn't have put any plans I had in advance at risk.

I will keep you all updated on when this will be, and the events leading up to it and the aftermath.

For those who may want to know more I've found this site to be a useful source of information.

UPDATE

Visited the hospital yesterday for the appointment and, as expected, I will have to go in for surgery now as it's the only way to effectively get rid of it once and for all.

I don't know of the date yet when I'm going in, but when we was talking about it the specialist revealed that the method that will be used to get rid of the sinus is full-excision which removes the sinus and some of the skin around it and ensure that the chances of re-occurrence are virtually zero. This will take about 2 to 3 months to heal and when I mentioned the flights in May to Spain I have booked he didn't particularly like the sound of, which to me suggested that the flights have to be cancelled (won't get the money back from the airlines so if it comes to that I'm guessing travel insurance will cover this?).

The more I think about it the more I wish I was referred for surgery last November (after I had finished the second round of antibiotics) which I was in favour with all along, and although it would've possibly meant an uncomfortable Christmas had the operation fallen before/during/after the festive period, it certainly wouldn't have put any plans I had in advance at risk.

I will keep you all updated on when this will be, and the events leading up to it and the aftermath.

For those who may want to know more I've found this site to be a useful source of information.

Hi Alex

I wish you well with your forthcoming surgery.

I know exactly how you are feeling as I am due to have an operation on the 22nd of February. I have been lucky in that my surgeon has been available for me to call him with lots of silly questions about the operation which has put my mind at rest. I've also tried to arm myself with as much knowledge about my condition and the surgical procedure itself. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions of your doctor/surgeon and as VSIAG has said make sure you have a family member with you before and after surgery if possible.

Please don't worry about it, you will be fine[:)]

Hi Alex

I wish you well with your forthcoming surgery.

I know exactly how you are feeling as I am due to have an operation on the 22nd of February. I have been lucky in that my surgeon has been available for me to call him with lots of silly questions about the operation which has put my mind at rest. I've also tried to arm myself with as much knowledge about my condition and the surgical procedure itself. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions of your doctor/surgeon and as VSIAG has said make sure you have a family member with you before and after surgery if possible.

Please don't worry about it, you will be fine[:)]

Well I got a letter through today for a pre-operative assessment at Leigh Infirmary on Thursday 7th February. Am I right in thinking that this is to make sure that I am in good health and go through the operation in hand?

Well I got a letter through today for a pre-operative assessment at Leigh Infirmary on Thursday 7th February. Am I right in thinking that this is to make sure that I am in good health and go through the operation in hand?

[HighFlyer]

Originally posted by VS075
Am I right in thinking that this is to make sure that I am in good health and go through the operation in hand?

Yup, pretty much. A chance for the doctor/surgeon to asses you, perform any tests needed and make plans for the impending surgery, and the opportunity for you to ask questions. Its nothing to worry about at all, although there is paperwork behind the scenes that the surgeon will complete, rating the grade and status of the surgery so that there is a good record in your file.

Best wishes for the surgery, I am sure it will all go smoothly. [:)]

Thanks,
Sarah