Hello everyone,
My Dad (76) is having a low anterior resection tomorrow (TEN) and I just wanted to hear from those who have been through this. Also curious if anyone has had surgery in my father's age group, of perhaps has known someone that has? He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma less than a year ago, and has had a lot to face. I am trying to support him however I can- trying to learn about aftercare.
He is slated for a temporary ileostomy and is quite nervous about this - the idea of changing the bags is difficult for him. (The surgeon says that a small amount of cases this is permanent, but the nurse dismissed this saying "They always say that.." His approach is conservative, given my Dad's age, he wants to give him time to heal. Also, if he goes back on his immunotherapy drugs for his myeloma, his white blood cell count drops. He will see the ostomy nurse several times during his 5-7 days in the hospital, where hopefully he will feel more comfortable with changing his bag. Home care seems questionable, and my Dad has neuropathy in both his hands. He has trouble getting lids off pills, etc. I have been searching for appliances for people with arthritis and information is vague. Does anyone know of a way to deal with these challenges? He also uses medical cannabis and the mind boggles thinking of the implications of long naps with a bag that needs emptied 6-8 times a day!
I have also been looking at the reversal which seems fraught with difficulty! So many threads, it is hard to isolate one that might help us in our situation, though all the info here is truly helpful, first hand experience. I really want to help him on this journey.
(On a side note, have most people requested an atavan (or similar) before surgery, for nerves? One nurse said it was no problem, another said they don't want their patients in an altered state before surgery..)
Thank you so much for any thoughts!