Discharged From Hospital With Cannula In Arm?

[Barquentine]

Father-in-law had a cannula inserted on Christmas Eve and stayed in overnight on a drip. He was discharged on Christmas Day. They had given him some hospital pyjamas and he had his jumper on then put his coat on so we didn't notice it. We took him home and have been to see him every day since - that's now 5 days since they inserted the cannula. Today when we went to his house we noticed it was still in. He has been sleeping with it in his arm too. Is this normal? My view is that it's a major blunder. I've found two news articles online which suggest hospitals are supposed to check for bits and pieces of medical stuff attached to a patient and remove them. I'm telling the wife that we should pull it out straightaway, but she trusts the hospital to know what they're doing. He has to go back tomorrow to start some radiotherapy, but the bits I have found indicate cannulae can cause problems if left in. If we pull it out will it bleed or can we stick a plaster on?

[TonyV]

Should have been assigned a community nurse ring hospital administrator or ward manager to get something arranged.

[tinkerbell23]

Unfortunately it does happen. Ideally it should be changed after 3 days to avoid infection!

Its been known to be documented it can be left longer if no signs of phlebitis or pain particularly if patient has poor access!

Id be inclined to leave it to be removed when he is at hospital but its easy to remove at home too!

It shouldnt have happened, but it does! I wouldnt call it a major blunder but it has been an oversight sadly xx

[Peter Pedant]

easy
no he should not have one in
tie him down and pull it out - it will slip out easily
and there will be one small puncture point bleeding
small piece of paper hankie press on the bleeding point for three minutes but the clock and then have a look

look this is not a big deal

I would come over now and do it but I charge

[Mamyalynne]

Hopefully the Hospital staff removed it yesterday.

[Peter Pedant]

what and today it grew back ?

if he whimpers, give him a good crack across the mush like in that scene in Airplane

[Mamyalynne]

This thread was posted on Sunday and the patient was due to attend the hospital on Monday.

[DTCwordfan]

a case of cannula it be or cannula it not be??

I'll go and get the coat and take the Tube.

[ummmm]

I had a cannular in for 5 days and it got infected.

[Peter Pedant]

// I had a cannula in for 5 days and it got infected.//
yeh I was dripped and sucked for a few days post op
and they did this oh we must change it craap
and I said do you have any idea how many goes it took to get one up?

you can pull these things out but dont pull him out of the chair and onto the floor whilst you are doing it

[Peter Pedant]

does it hurt ?
well not as much as being dragged around the roo,m by your hair...
so not much really

[Barquentine]

Thanks everybody and some great answers here. We took him back on the Monday and the doctor's face was a hoot. He removed it pretty pronto and admitted it shouldn't have been left in. My F-I-L is 84 and doesn't speak up for himself - or question anything which is why he didn't tell us. On Monday's visit they had to put another cannula in (he wasn't eating or drinking much so his fluids were low). The doctor told us to wait in the streaming room while he went to find out where the hospital could carry out an enema to assist FIL's constipation. After half an hour another doctor said she needed to use the room so we moved out into a corridor. FIL and wife got the two chairs -I sat on the floor (I know my place!). Another half hour later I went in search of the doctor (he was very young but extremely good). He was an oncology doctor (he'd come to A&E to see FIL) but was covering two other wards as well. I cannot complain when they are having to work like mental. I told my wife to keep quiet about the cannula to see if they remembered this time. FIL eventually got treated and was back on his feet and happy - they perform real miracles in the NHS. They discharged him (gave the wife discharge sheet and some prescription for yet more drugs). Can anyone guess if they remembered to remove his cannula?! I felt bad testing them like this because it's partly because they are overwhelmed and partly because of the calibre of the communication skills tolerated in the 21st Century. We have learned that it's up to us to help them. Collectively they (NHS staff) have ineffably impressive skills and knowledge and are so helpful, but patients must keep careful records and stay on top of what is going on (for long courses of treatment I mean) - thankfully my wife is an organisational star. My head is spinning with all the various drugs FIL is on (at different times of day, some before food, some with food). How an old person with no one to help them would cope I have no idea. Thanks again for everyone's helpful advice. A forgotten cannula is no biggy - but yes, after 72 hours or so to can get infected so as several have said, pull it out, or get them to if next appointment is imminent. FIL has finished his first 5 radiation treatments today and has more energy than ever. They warned it would leave him in some pain and tired. He appears as fit as a fiddle. We've had him staying with us but he wants to go back to be with his wife now at their place. We just hope he'll remember what pills to take and when.

[Mamyalynne]

So glad things got sorted and FIL seems to be reacting well overall - try to get an organised meds plan set up and he'll cope I'm sure.x

[TonyV]

Good hear he is getting better, can you get a dosage box so tablets can be put out weekly and then taken daily at the prescribed time?

[Bazile]

//Can anyone guess if they remembered to remove his cannula?//

Well yes , we can guess - but tell us

[anneasquith]

Excellent update from the O P,.

[Patsy33]

Glad all is sorted. Things are forgotten, unfortunately. Like you said, it's up to us to speak up respectively. Hope he manages with all his medication. Best wishes.