Masks and Antibiotics

Morning Birdie. I had my op at the end of August. I had to wear my mask whilst I was waiting to go for surgery, but once I was on the ward I didn’t have to wear it. In my hospital it was optional. The ward I was on was divided into small rooms, there was only four beds in mine, well spaced out. All the staff wore masks.  I was only expected to be in for one night, altho I actually stayed for two. It felt very safe.  Hope that helps, but all hospitals have their own routines of course. ( I wasn’t offered antibiotics, just pain relief in the form of paracetamol and codeine.)

Hello,  that is helpful Thank you. I have no issues with masks but after an operation it's probably the last thing I would want digging into my face. Just have to see I suppose. The antibiotics apparently are given when I am in theatre...will need to ask as I would rather mother nature do her thing until I actually might need them.

I also wonder what pain relief they will offer as I am super sensitive to opioids....xx

Hi @Birdie22 

I guess you have told everyone concerned that you are sensitive to opioids.  After surgery I had very little pain.  I was only took  paracetamol although I was offered iboprufen. as well.   But on discharge I was given a pack of drugs and once I got home I was really surprised to find it included a bumper box of Tramadol as well as the milder analgesics, anti coagulants and laxative.  

However I have been surprised to read here of many people who woke up with a morphine pump to self administer "on demand" and you might want to make sure that you avoid that. 

I think a single dose of antibiotic given at the time of this surgery is generally recommended as a preventative measure to reduce the chance of infection.   I only knew I had had it when I  read my discharge letter.

Hello Anne, Thanks for the advice. I have my preop today on the phone so I will be making sure they know about that xx

Hi Birdie22 

I had a mask on when I arrived at the operation reception, stayed on whilst Surgeon, Anaesthetist chatted pre-op. Still on when I walked down to theatre and whilst I had canula and epidural administered then I remembered no more. Woke up in recovery then wheeled onto ward. My ward was also separated into 4 beds per bay with plenty of space between. All the nurses and doctors wore masks but we, the patients didn't.

I admit I don't recall being given antibiotics but I suppose it's insurance against infection. The anaesthetist offered me an epidural for pain relief, which I was adamant I didn't want but she explained all, allayed my fears and I was very glad I had it. By the time I was back on the ward I still had a canula in, but nothing attached to it so no morphine drip. Pain relief was morphine tablets, paracetamol and Ibuprofen. I can honestly say I was in no pain, just a slight twinge when I got in and out of bed. My main discomfort was trapped wind due to constipation so make sure you take whatever's offered there senna/movicol. 

Big hugs to you, Barb xx

Hi Birdie22. 're the masks and hospitals. When I was in recently we didn't wear them on the ward, a four bedded unit well spaced out beds but the doors leading to the corridor were constantly closed. However when I was taken to any other department via bed, wheelchair or walking we had to put on a mask before we left the ward and keep it on at all times until we were returned to our designated bay. This was for not only our protection but all the other staff, patients and people in transit in the corridors. As to the antibiotics when I had surgery 18 months ago we weren't offered them beforehand. I think it may be due to the covid flying around they don't want to take any additional risks because I noticed several other patients with slight problems being given them on rote and I was permanently hooked up to them for my three week stay but then I did have recurrent infections so maybe not. 

Hello everyone,  Thanks for the thoughts on masks...I checked with the nurse and she thinks on the small ward we won't have to have one on but will in communal areas. Preop tests tomorrow and to collect the Covid test too.

All seems so real now.

Up until now you know it's you but it feels like it's happening to someone else....it sounds silly but the closer it gets the more I want it over and done. It's the staging wait that will be the longest anxiety wait but hopefully recovery will see me through that before Xmas xxx

Hi Birdie

i had my surgery on 26th October. I only wore a mask entering the ward and when I left two days later. I didn’t have it on even when wheeled to theatre. They give antibiotics when you are in surgery asleep just in case and I was pleased - just in case! It made me feel it might be one less thing to worry about. Hope your surgery goes well. I am four weeks and don’t have pain which is good. 

Hi Birdie,

I know exactly what you mean. Now I’ve got my surgery date (16th Dec) pre-admission on Monday and yesterday I got a phone call telling me that  my Covid test appointment  was on Sunday 13th. It wasn’t until I got that call that it actually hit that this is happening and I’m going into hospital very soon, as you said it all seems very real, and like you  I cannot wait to have it all over and done with. Hope your pre -op went well, your surgery goes smoothly and you can get off this rollercoaster and enjoy Christmas. 

Take Care

Angie‍

Hello,

I'm sure it will all go very quickly for you now. Seems like it's full steam ahead once you have all the checks. I finish work tomorrow so I will have a few days to relax and get in some extra time to boost myself with good food and rest.

Preop was fine...I think. Nobody said anything but i was given the Covid test to do at home on Sunday morning and drop back in a letterbox at the hospital.

As for Xmas...Well...not even thought about gifts or anything...Best not do any online shopping when I am a bit worse for it...who knows what people will get! Hahaha.

I saw on your profile that you like to read. Me too but I am a non fiction lady....plenty of travel and history and I'm good with that. 

X