Visiting in the hospital

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gunelle

Guest
My father is having surgery in a couple of days to have tumor removed from his colon. I plan to go visit him in the hospital, but people are starting to advise me against it- saying that there are many bacterias in hospitals and that I might catch something, and become ill.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you visit relatives/friends while ther're admitted?

Also, might I be a risk for the patients? I don't culture PA...

Thank you

G.
 
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Daverog75

New member
If you are worried you can always wear a mask and gloves, but I always went to the hospital to visit close relatives. My mother just passed in the middle of May she had cancer and was having complications from the Chemo treatments. When she first went in we thought she would be home in a few days but took a bad turn, and I am glad now that I was there.

Dave 37 w.cf
 
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Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
Being that DS is fairly young, we avoid taking him to the hospital. He did go with me last summer to pick up our elderly neighbor who was having a blood transfusion and we didn't come into contact with anyone, he didn't touch anything, I still used hand sanitizer, his shoes stayed outside and I wiped the bottoms off with a sanitizer wipe and sprayed them with antibacterial spray.

Years ago when we were on vacation, DH stopped to visit his uncle who had a hip replace and ended up with an infection, was very ill and they thought this would be the last time to see him. DH used hand sanitizer and took off his shoes outside and placed them in a bag, had other shoes, so didn't wear those the rest of the trip.
 
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Printer

Active member
Unless you are pretty sick yourself, I see no reason that you would not visit your Father in the hospital. If you are uncomfortable going to the hospital, send word that you will visit him when he gets home.

Bill
 
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JustDucky

New member
I don't think it would be bad to visit him, like another person said, you can wear gloves and gown up, and make sure you wash your hands above all else before and after you visit him. The only time I don't visit is if they were admitted for an infectious process , especially respiratory like pneumonia... Surgical patients, I have no problem visiting as long as they aren't growing any bugs like MRSA in their wounds. It is definitely up to you.
I hope all goes well for him,

Jenn 40 wCF
 
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imported_Momto2

New member
When my grandma was ill and in the hospital and then nursing home, I visited her every day for about 4 months. I wore a mask and gloves every time- no exceptions. The last week she was there, flu was going around and my mom begged me not to visit, which I heeded. Just be smart about it, and you should be fine. I always got in my car, wiped down all surfaces with one of these germ-killing wipes, then went home, showered, changed clothed and put them in a hot wash, did a nebulizer. If you're worried about shoes, leave them outside in the direct sunlight for a couple of hours, or wear shoe booties over them in the hospital. Maybe thats a bit much, but like you, I am very worried about picking stuff up!
 
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gunelle

Guest
Hi, thank you all for replying. I asked my CF doctor the same question, as I've asked you, and he advised me not to worry, that there shouldn't be any problems about visiting my dad. I anticipated that he would say that, as he doesn't want me to worry too much, and not to be too overcautious. And I agree to some extent... I will though take care while there, and wear a scarf around my mouth, and wash my hands after visiting and use germ-killing wipes, and try not to touch too much.

Other thing is that I've read somewhere that chemo thearpy patients are sensitive to the bacteria that we culture, do you know anyting relating to this?

Thanks
 
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Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
People on chemo can have immune issues which can make them more suseptible to pseudo and other bugs.
 
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LittleLab4CF

Super Moderator
The concept that a hospitals are bug incubator is a little old. Today nearly all hospitals are engineered from the wall paint to the plastic on the call button are antimicrobial. Air conditioning should be cleansing the incomming air in rooms where it is important. From your post concerning chemo therapy, if this and/or radiation is next for your father, then it would be prudent to suit up head to toe. This is common for all visitors. This simple precaution allows continued visits without worry. A nurse can provide instructions for each scenario. Printer as always hits the nail on the head. In considerably less words than I, he distills it to its essence. A colon tumor is frightening. Some visits from you will be greatfully received.
 
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