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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 3/16/2011 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hey all-
So tomorrow's the big day for surgery. At this point I'm going in for what looks like a double resection. I'm a bag of mixed emotions right now but really looking to get better and feel better. I have to keep my eye on the prize so to speak. Looks like I'll be at the hospital for a spell and am bringing my mp3 player, books, phone with Netflix tongue. I can't really think of anything else that I could bring to keep distracted. If I could hook up my Xbox I'd be set. Yes I'm a middle aged man with video games...

Anyone have any suggestions on what else I could bring?

Btw, first time I've ever done the Osmoprep and I tell you it's another world. That GoLytle stuff is HORRRRIBLE and I wish I had been able to do the Osmoprep all along. For anyone that is having to flush the system, at this point, I recommend the Osmoprep. I'm still have 8 more pills to go on the first round but so far so good. Ooohhh be right back..... yeah I'm giving that toilet hell.... TMI?

Lastly, I'm asking for prayers on this surgery. I'm a bit fragile right nowsmhair. I need any and all support that you all can give.

Thank you!!!

JAB (John)
Posted 3/16/2011 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hoping all goes well and you have a speedy recovery. The only thing I would add is make sure you have comfy pjs and slippers so you can walk the halls. Oh and an extra pillow if you have one you like, I should have thought of this one myself. The hosp. pillow was too flat for me.
Posted 3/16/2011 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Sending best wishes and positive thoughts.  Sounds like you have thought of everything to make your stay a little more pleasant.  Take care.

 

Posted 3/16/2011 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Aww John, big prayers going up for a successfull surgery. I hope this will lead to a long long remission. Lamb61 beat me to it, and that is bring a pillow. The hospital ones are really flat and suck! And some loose fitting pj pants are a good idea. Although whenever I have had surgery I have always borrowed some of the men's pj pants to wear from the hospital supply:)

Also, its good to bring your mp3 player, it will help to block some of the hospital noises when trying to sleep. Remember to hold a pillow on your tummy when getting out of bed, it will help some with the surgical pain. And do expect some explosive d at first. This will be until your bowels adjust to the changes. Also, try to walk as much as possible, a little bit everyday. This helps your bowels to wake up. If having open surgery its gonna smart for a bit, but the walking really does help your recovery. And most importantly, get back on some type of maintenance med afterwards, so you don't have to have a repeat.

Do come on here when you get a chance and let us know how you are doing. Good luck and hugs!
Posted 3/16/2011 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Best of luck to you hopefully it will go smoothly and you will have many years of remission afterwards
Posted 3/16/2011 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Best wishes for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. You will be in my prayers.
Posted 3/16/2011 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck!--hope you have a speedy recovery and an easy time of it. Will be thinking about you tomorrow.
Posted 3/16/2011 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the best wishes and the prayers. That's the best thing I think I can bring tomorrow. I do like the suggestion of the pillow and slippers. You would think that at the incredible rates they charge you per day a decent pillow or two would be expected. : )

Thanks for the suggestions on getting in and out of bed with the pillow. I don't want to wait for the nurse for support so it's pillow and pain killers to the rescue.

I'm adding the pillow to the list. I'm just looking forward to the healing aspect of it all. I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions but will try to do my best to do a little digging before I start a spawn of new threads. Besides what you all have been thru I'm sure I'll find the answers I'm looking for. Another reason why this site is such a oasis in times of need.

John
Posted 3/16/2011 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Having just been there, I would suggest some really soft toilet paper, and maybe some moist wipes as well. Hospital issue is really not what you want if you are going quite often. I brought a few changes of pillow cases too, so that I had the smell of home, not just my pillow. Its amazing what a fresh pillow case will do for the spirit.
Posted 3/16/2011 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
I was going to say your pillow, but Zanne already did, so all I can say is best of luck. We'll all be thinking
of you. (((hugs)))
Posted 3/17/2011 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Best of luck. If you have a laptop, definitely bring that. And I'd bring the Xbox, worst case scenario you can't use it and it needs to go home with a family member.
Posted 3/17/2011 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Good Luck! You'll do great:) Don't forget to Walk, Walk, Walk!
Posted 3/17/2011 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
hey all the best for tomorrow and here's hoping to a speedy recovery , definately agree with taking some baby wipes, they come in handy!!! best wishes xx
Posted 3/17/2011 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Sending you best wishes for a great surgery, recovery and relief!!!!
Posted 3/17/2011 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
Best wishes for speedy recovery!

And ditto on the toilet paper. I just had my resection a few weeks ago and the hospital TP irritated my tush. ;-)

I will pray for your surgery and recovery. Let us know how it goes when you're up to it.
Posted 3/17/2011 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck. I hope they don't have to remove much, and you have a smooth recovery, and a very very long remission.

PV
Posted 3/17/2011 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Looks like someone's going to have to go on a baby wipes run lol. I didn't think about that and recently when i was admitted for the abscess my rear end was a bit chaffed to put it lightly after being there for 5 days.

I really do appreciate the thoughts...it gives me strength. I'm looking forward to a healthy and speedy recovery as well.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Pillow with pillow cases: check. Slippers: check. MP3 Player: Check. No laptop but I do have a smart phone so, although small it's pretty awesome.

Baby wipes....on the list.

Thanks again.

I should be able to post once I feel up to it and will keep you all posted.

John
Posted 3/17/2011 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
John, many thoughts and prayers with you tomorrow. I had a resection in Nov and it went just fine. I'd recommend having someone with you for the first few days after they release you from the hospital. Someone close to you who can help you with personal things like cooking, cleaning, bathing and getting to the toilet if you need help. You'll feel like yourself again in no time. Remember to take it easy and don't push to do too much. They will get you up and walking pretty soon after the surgery though and that is important.
Posted 3/17/2011 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
My lips were soo dry after surgery so I would add chapstick!  My own personal experience would be to inform someone to bring cherry flavor jello O from home with no fruit etc added!  I was unable to eat, and solid food & the broth & jello at hosp was terrible. 

 Will say a prayer for you, for fast smooth recovery and that you have a calmness all around, before, during and after.  Will also request that your dr's & nurses are the best!

Posted 3/17/2011 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
Also if you tend to get chilly have a fuzzy blanket that you can take as well, I have one in my hospital bag already packed so that when I have to go in my husband can just grab the bag put in my toiletries and bring it to me.

I find hospitals drafty and chilly and the pillows flat, so along with the other posters a pillow from home with clean cases and a blanket to wrap up in if drafty...and chapsick is great when you are NPO after surgery to help keep the lips moist...and lotion...

Best of luck to you for a speedy recovery!!! :-)

Posted 3/17/2011 7:26 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck! Let us know how it goes... I'm up for mine in this summer. I was gonna say chapstick and lotion! Hospital brands suck! Also I always make sure my PJs are xray friendly so they have no reason to stick me in a nasty gown :) ...oh and don't count on your books in the beginning I find it hard to read when I'm highly drugged...the words start to swirl...
Posted 3/17/2011 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Prayers going up!! Here's to a speedy recovery and long lasting remission :) *Hugs*
Posted 3/17/2011 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
good luck, healing thoughts sent your way!!
Posted 3/17/2011 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
I think I can only reiterate to bring your own comfy pillow. The hospital pillows are flat but they are perfect for supporting your stomach when sleeping on your side after the surgery. A blanket from home also helps, as do comfy pajamas, even if just because having as many things from home as possible is comforting.
Another thing if this is going to be an open surgery is to find out how they plan to close the incision. For my second surgery they used staples and that scar is twice as wide and ugly as the first surgery where they used steri-strips. I'd push for the steri-strips if it's possible because even apart from the appearance, with staples the wound got infected and they hurt a ton getting taken out. The steri-strips fall out on their own, it's wonderful.
Good luck and you'll be in my thoughts!
Posted 3/18/2011 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all, just taking a quick moment to check in with a status update. Six hour surgery with about a foot and a half of small intestine removed in all. Got some pain going on but with the iv it's manageable so far. Not looking forward to any moving about but I'm looking forward to feeling better each day forward. I'll check in again later.

Thank you all for the best thoughts and prayers. It is such a great feeling to have the support that's been expressed here.

John
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