Father Hospitalised for Weeks Following Tonsillectomy Complications
A father-of-three has been hospitalised for more than three weeks after experiencing severe complications from a routine tonsil removal operation, requiring multiple emergency procedures and intensive care treatment.
Emergency Procedures and Intensive Care
Cardiff Dicdican, a 37-year-old warehouse operative from Dartford, underwent a tonsillectomy at Medway Maritime Hospital on January 10. Following the procedure, he began experiencing unexplained and repeated severe bleeding episodes, a rare complication that occurs in only two to five percent of cases.
His wife Jessica, a research nurse, explained that after being given steroid medication to treat post-surgical complications, Cardiff required an emergency procedure on January 16. However, on January 19, he began bleeding again, losing nearly two litres of blood before being rushed to Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough.
"Everything just got turned upside down," Jessica described. "He was given IV fluids, medications to control the bleeding, and also a blood transfusion."
Critical Condition and Treatment
Upon arrival at the hospital, Cardiff was taken to the resuscitation unit where he lost consciousness. Medical staff determined he urgently needed to return to surgery, but while waiting for the operation, he was transferred to the intensive care unit for specialised monitoring and care.
On January 22, Cardiff underwent another surgical procedure during which he was intubated and sedated. While surgeons managed to control the bleeding, they discovered significant swelling in his right tonsillar bed and administered Dexamethasone, a steroid medication used to treat inflammatory conditions.
Tragically, Cardiff then developed a severe reaction to the steroid treatment, requiring him to remain in the intensive care unit until February 7. He has since been moved to a medical ward but continues to require hospital care.
Family Impact and Recovery
The situation has placed tremendous strain on the family, particularly as Jessica recently gave birth and is caring for their three children: Francesca, aged 10, Mikki, aged eight, and eight-month-old Flynn.
"It's been totally distressing," Jessica explained. "They just took out the tube and they're slowly weaning down those medications. I can actually talk to him now, but he is still very weak and currently unable to eat solid food or stand on his own yet."
Despite the challenges, Cardiff has begun showing gradual signs of improvement. Medical staff have managed to sit him up in bed, though he becomes tired after a few hours. He remains unable to swallow properly and requires ongoing physiotherapy, but is now fully awake and communicating with his family.
Financial Strain and Fundraising
With Cardiff on sick pay that will only continue until February 10, the family faces significant financial uncertainty. Jessica has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support their household of five while her husband remains hospitalised.
"There's just a lot of uncertainty at the moment," Jessica said. "We're hoping to bring in a relative to help us with the baby, because at the moment, I have to find a friend or a family member that can look after him so I can go to the hospital."
The funds will be used to cover essential expenses including rent and other household needs during this difficult period. Jessica expressed profound gratitude for the support they've received, noting that the experience has been emotionally challenging for their children, particularly their eldest daughter who frequently becomes tearful while expressing how much she misses her father.
Looking Forward
While medical staff cannot provide a definitive discharge date, Jessica expects her husband will need to remain hospitalised for at least several more weeks as he continues his recovery. The family remains hopeful despite the ongoing challenges.
"I have so much gratitude for everyone who is helping," Jessica said. "I also hope that it serves as an inspiration for everybody not to give up, because even in the darkest moment, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel."
The Dicdican family, who have been married for nearly 16 years, continue to navigate this unexpected medical crisis while maintaining hope for Cardiff's full recovery and eventual return home to his wife and three children.
