Back from Surgery

Well I am back from my ileocecal resection, and I can say that it was quite the experience. I had my surgery on the 13th, and just got home this afternoon so I was in the hospital for a week. Needless to say when I got released I was sooo ready to go home! My surgery went really well, but instead of only one stricture and active area my surgeon found 3 areas that were strictured and had active disease. Therefore I had just over a foot of my terminal ileum removed as well as my ileocecal valve, appendix, and a bit of my colon. I woke up in A LOT of pain, but the docs got it under control thank the lord. I had an epidural for pain control and I would advise anyone who is having this surgery to have the epidural... it was amazing. For the first two days I had the epidural in which was awesome because I could not feel my stomach and a bit of my back, which was great for pain management. However when my docs tried to stop the epidural pain medication because it was making me so darn itchy I was only given oxycodone, and 1mg of dilaudid which is nothing for me and I ended up being in the most horrific pain ever, and cried for 1 hr 30 min while they got a doc to order me a med and the pharmacy to deliver it. I was given a pain pump of dilaudid, and once that was in I was much more comfortable, but at first it was tough because I was playing catch up with the pain management. Of course mid way through my stay I developed a urinary tract infection after my catheter was removed, and that was incredibly annoying and uncomfortable. I also of course (sorry guys) started my period so I was in and out of the bathroom for every reason in the book. My main issue that kept me in the hospital was that the docs couldn't find a combination of oral medications that kept my pain under control, and kept me comfortable. Finally they figured it out, and I am on 10-20mg oxycodone every 3 hours, 5mg of oxycontin every 12 hours, and tylenol every 6 hours. I am also taking benadryl because all narcotics make me itchy so this also relaxes me and makes me fall asleep. Overall it was a great success, and although there were many many painful moments I was able to get through it and I am so excited to be on the other side of surgery. Oh I have about a 5 inch scar and 24 staples holding my guts in.

I have a few questions for the other people that have had surgery:

1. How long were you in pain after surgery?

2. When you had your staples removed did that hurt a lot?

3. How do you care for your wound...lotion, soap, etc?

 

Oh fun fact: I have another scar from a previous surgery just below my sternum and it runs just above my belly button...my new scar starts where that one ends so now I have a 9 inch scar somewhat straight down my stomach...intense

My first resection was done the regular open way. I woke up in so much pain I didn't want to breathe. I was in the hospital for 10 days and 9 days of that I was on Demerol every 3 days, then the last day I started taking Percoset. I got infections in my incisions both times, so that made my pain and length in the hospital a little more. With the second resection I was smart and got the pain pump and that really helped. I was in pain for awhile. Like Randy said it is individual. But I was hurting enough for pain meds for about 5 weeks. My sister kept reminding me when I complained about when it was going to get better to remember they had gone in there and moved and shoved stuff and cut and it was going to take to time to recover.

Tip: Try to walk as much as possible. It really helps to get things moving again. And as Randy said just use mild soap and no lotions.

I hope you enjoy a long long remission.

Good to hear you're feeling  better.  So what did they do about the other strictures? 

I had my first resection this past July. I was in the hospital for 8 days total. As everyone else has said, I think pain is different for everyone. I was on dilaudid and vicodin in the hospital which was ok but not really the relief I was looking for. Demerol is what works for me, but my surgeon doesn't like to use it and I refused morophine because I don't like the way it makes me feel. When I came home I was only on the vicodin and when the script was gone I was done..so I think it lasted about 10 days. I like to think I have a pretty high tolerance for pain so I rarely take pain meds plus I have a 2 year old that I couldn't take care of while all drugged up. LOL!! As for cleaning your incision, just use regular soap and water. Make sure you get it completely dry after cleaning it and don't put anything else on it unless directed by your dr.

Take your time relaxing and recovering -- you will need to build your way back up to being "normal". I still have some achiness in my incision if I over do it and it's been 5 months since my surgery. Take care!

It has been almost 3 months for me. The staples for me were taken out 6 days after the surgery before I left the hospital. Honestly, it did not bother me but man the removal of the IV in my neck did not feel so hot. I was off the pain meds day after the surgery and have not taken any since. I guess I was in so much pain before the surgery that this was not as bad. In addition, I have always suffered from Crohns with C not with D so I was worried about the pain meds slowing down my bowels. Walking and more walking and just plain moving is your best meds. I have 4 children I have no choice but to move all the time LOL

I hope you heal well but remember to rest and to enjoy eating now.

Oh, I am back up to my old weight now - I was almost 100 pounds when I left the hospital and now 125 it is amazing how well you bowels work when you are not blocked.