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Resection / recovery woes.

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Posted 10/22/2017 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys, I've been gone a long time because there really wasn't much to say until recently when failing treatments pretty much said resection.

My resection was on Oct 11th, and apparently we made the right call, because they found an abcess that had never been seen before, apparently it had ruptured and the the absess sealed the perforation. They gave me a picture of that... I'm lucky.

All told I lost 52cm small, and my ascending colon, TI, etc.

I was in the hospital 9 days.I never realized just how much this would hurt, or how difficult it would be.

The goal right now is to to move so that pain goes away. It isn't easy, I'm pretty much only comfortable in a recliner can't lay on my bed yet. Walk when I can, sit when I can. Diet is pretty easy stuff, soups, jello.

Any tips would be appreciated. But deep down I know I just have to move.
Posted 10/23/2017 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
52 cm is a lot of intestine to lose, so you are going to need to be patient with your recovery. Do you have pain medications? I hope you are able to have a significant time off of work so you have time to heal. It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Getting up and dressed (even it it's sweatpants) every day even if you aren't going anywhere might help your mental health. Hang in there and I hope you feel better soon.
Posted 10/24/2017 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
It helps to be retired. All I cared about when I got a resection was getting out of the hospital. I drained the drainage bottle the tube hooked into after 4 days in the hospital just before the doctor arrived. That did it I went home the same day. They took out 24 inches of small intestine and the valve. I never really felt any pain and never took any pain medication. I was playing snooker and pinball machines when I got back home.
Posted 10/25/2017 10:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Ishiman0627, I think you are doing the right things - be patient with your recovery and move. When I had my subtotalcolectomy in 2001 every move I made I could feel the pain due to the incision down the middle of my belly. But one plan that worked for me is to walk a little more each day. You may only be able to walk from room to room to start, but over time, start walking 100 feet outside, then 200 feet, then around the block etc. Also, when I would get up from a lying down position, I would try NOT to tense up in the midsection area where the incision is - it is normal to do this reaction, however, for me I was in less pain when I tried to relax more. Best of luck with your recovery.

63 year old Crohns patient diagnosed in 1991 with colon resection in 2001 due to dysplasia, but sigmoid spared, It's called a subtotalcolectomy operation. Currently on zero scripts, but on many vitamins and suppliments plus immodium for diarrhea control.
Posted 10/25/2017 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
Ditto taking it easy and give yourself time to heal, you've been through a major surgery. After my last surgery, I started off with just walking the perimeter of my yard and built up from there. If your are tired don't feel bad about taking a nap, your body is telling you to rest.

Do things slowing and as you can, you'll be back to yourself before you know it!
Posted 10/29/2017 6:05 AM (GMT 0)
I started walking the perimeter of the inside of my house LoL. Getting downstairs took a while. I suggest what lamb61 recommends, rest a lot. Don't exert too much energy at first, save it for when you will need it. You will know when you are getting stronger and can move more and do more. Going too fast will only set you back? Also if you are young, you will most likely get stronger and back on your feet sooner, if older, and not in good physical shape because of previous IBD draining you, it will take longer, but one day at a time, Whatever the case, don't be too hard on yourself and take good care of yourself.
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