25 days and counting...one last question...

Okay guys- 25 days till the big day! I just sat with my surgeon for a half hour and went through my list of questions for him. Lots of good info, and I feel so much better. Although I did find out I will have a nasogastric tube for at least 2 days. I had a test of my esophagus in October with a tube and I thought that was just a little slice of h-e-l-l! And that was only for 20 minutes! Please tell me how awful it is, or tell me I am freaking out about nothing! I guess I have bigger fish to fry, and I shouldn't freak about such a little thing, but this is the one thing that I am stressing about! Anyone have any experiences to share? Also, did anyone take Ativan or anything like that before your surgery? I am working myself into a lather and I find it hard to sleep, my mood swings are atrocious! I know in the end this is going to be so much better, and I will get my life back, but I am so anxious, and this is just not me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as always. Thank you all. you've been an invaluable resource for me.

I had an NG tube once for a stomach bleed. I was awake when they put it in....NOT FUN! Hopefully you will have it put in during surgery. If not, they recommend that you have a glass of water with a straw and suck that down while the tube is going in. Once it is in it should not be a problem. I did not find it a problem, however I did get a runny nose and a sore throat. Sometimes they will let you have cough drops, so ask if you can have these. It really helps the throat. I see my surgeon on the 13th to schedule a subtotal colectomy. So we will be recovering together hopefully!

Hope this helps!

The NG tube is your friend...trust me. The day after my surgery, the nurse removed my NG tube. However, all of the bile started to build up in my stomach rather than being sucked out in the tube. By the next day, I was vomitting green/blackish bile. The nurse said that she had to replace the NG tube. ACKK! So, I was awake when they pulled it out the first time, then I was awake when they had to force the thing up my nose again and down my throat, and then I was there when they pulled it back out a few days later. I would have rather them leave it alone after my surgery. However, I felt very rushed to get out of the hospital after my surgery. Now, I am grateful for the NG tube. It prevents me from getting sick after surgery and throwing up that nasty and thick bile....that was so awful.

Mine was in for three days. It was just okay. Yes compare notes! My home email is [email protected]. Email me anytime!

Amey- Ick!! I hate bile and I hate throwing up so that would just suck!