A Touchy Subject

Off Topic

I got that scary call we all dread from a family member that they are ill and need to go to the hospital E.R. My 87 year old Dad called with severe abdominal pain, later diagnosed as a hernia. This lead to emergency surgery and a hospital stay. The risk factor of surgery at his age was worrisome to say the least. But he also has a bad heart and is struggling through the difficult period of mourning the recent loss of his wife. In spite of everything, Dad pulled through the ordeal with flying colors.

This all started Wednesday night, he is home now, and the surgery sight is very small and without complications. However, I’m faced with a rather difficult situation that was not expected. Seems nobody at the hospital bothered to inform me of another problem I may encounter during the home care I volunteered for.  Actually two problems… after a hernia surgery the testicles swell up and are very uncomfortable. Now this is definitely new territory for me and one I haven’t quite figured out how to address. This is my Dad! Oh my.

Buried in the hospital release papers were instructions for home care. Oh yes, there it was, a solution to to ease the pain from swelling… there. An athletic supporter, ok, I’ve heard of that… but whatever that looks like I have no idea. Dad says he has one, good. I’m bringing his lunch in a little while, will he have located this item and be wearing it?

Dear God, I don’t ask for much… please say yes. 

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About tbnranch

amy elizabeth, writer poet, author. Lives in the northeastern reaches of the Sonoran Desert on a small hobby farm.
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18 Responses to A Touchy Subject

  1. Rita A. says:

    Oh my. You certainly have your challenges. I’m glad the surgery went well and he is home. The rest will pass in time. I love how they hide those papers.

  2. mamasheri says:

    Ahhh jeesh. Well, we do what we gotta do. Hope it gets better quick for both your sakes. ❤

  3. You can try it and see if it minimizes the pain but in my experience, my pts could barely withstand something touching them let alone being clamped inside of van elastic vise! Athletic supporters are best worn if they have the proper fit. The problem is, they are designed for normal sized scrotum’s not extra large tender swollen ones. If you buy an XXlarge, the waistband will be too big and never stay on. Seeing as how this your dad is, the ‘cup’ size will be smaller too, just what he doesn’t need. Some folks use an enzyme that helps but I do not recommend that for your Dad. It can and does have side effects that can be harmful for the elderly. Time, soft chill packs and support, that’s about all you can do, sorry.

  4. Ha! A delicate situation. Good news on the progress otherwise but the sooner he has relief from that pain, the better ;-)

  5. I’m so glad he came through it okay, I’m sorry it’s awkward and I hope he is wearing it.

  6. shadowlilies says:

    So sorry about the very awkward situation, but how wonderful that everything turned out well as far as his surgery. I would have loved to have known my dad as an older man. He died when I was 22. I loved him so much and still miss him.

    Thinking of the good things…you are blessed to have your dad still with you.

    Hope the swelling goes down quickly. Do ice packs help that??? ;0

  7. Ingrid says:

    My sister had to deal with a similar situation…..Sad to admit…I laughed at her pain. Sending well wishes to all :-)

  8. kford2007 says:

    LOL. I’m sorry to laugh at your misery. I hope he’s found his jock strap, too, for your sake. Seeing your dad’s ‘stuff’ is a little on the uncomfortable side.

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