Taking care of your little patient!
Writer’s Choice: Get Well Night for Boyfriend after appendectomy!
Let’s just say I have had a hectic week. My boyfriend and I spent the weekend in Cape Cod visiting friends. After a fun Saturday night, he spent the majority of Sunday keeled over in the fetal position. Thinking it was just a hangover, he refused to admit there was a problem until I forced him to go to the Lawrence General ER at 10pm! A CT scan showed that it was appendicitis and he had hours until they expected it to burst. At about 12:30 am we took an ambulance to Lahey Clinic in Burlington. Arriving at around 1:30am, we sat in the ER until his procedure 7:30am procedure. After seeing him in the recovery room, I was driven back to Lawrence General to get my car which I had left overnight. Returning to Lahey after a quick shower at home, I stayed with him for the rest of the day and stayed the night with him. He was sent home the next day, and since then I have been taking care of him and let me just tell you one thing…men are the worst patients!
Apparel: loose, comfortable clothing. (The surgery leaves your stomach sore to the touch so the less pressure on the abdomen the better!)A long robe would also work (Emphasis on the long as we do not want to see any surprises!)
Beverage: water or cranberry juice It is important to keep up a steady flow of liquids because after surgery your body goes into a shock. The procedure involves blowing up your stomach so the surgeon can get a precise angle on the appendix.Cranberry juice is a good source of pushing out the gases that are filled up in your stomach. It is important to remember that post surgery narcotics have a side effect on constipation, which is another reason why liquids are so important!
Company: Just you and your patient If your boyfriend is anything like mine, the last thing he wants is company while he is moaning and groaning!
Decor: get your couch ready with blankets and plenty of pillows!
Entree: Chicken soup (the warmth feels good in your belly!), Cheerios (the more bland the better as your patient does not want to have any excess stomach pressure), brand muffin (the fiber helps fight the constipation!) [While these foods do not seem appetizing to the average reader, this is exactly what a post-appendectomy patient desires since he/she is still getting back his appetite]
Favors: New pair of XXL pajama bottoms, a couple dvds, a new book to read, and any other things that you know make your little patient smile!
Games: Nothing too exciting! Remember that your patient has the attention span and energy span of a dog at the moment. Instead of eat, sleep, and play, your patient wants to EAT, SLEEP, and WATCH TV. A couple suggestions:
The Taking of Pelham 123 [a thriller, good to take your mind off of pain]
The Ugly Truth [a comedy, good for winding down]
