Step 2 complete!!

And I HOME already! Woot!

My step 2 of 3 went smoothly on Friday. I went into this surgery so much healthier than I did my colectomy and ileosotmy, and - WOW - what a difference. I am of course extremely sore, I did have major surgery, but all in all, things went well. I was extra determined to get out of the hospital quickly. I took my first walk saturday morning, only cause they told me I couldn't Friday night. I continued walking as much as possible. I dragged my sore butt outta bed even when I didn't want to, and cruised those hallways. It apparently worked, as I am now home and about 5 weeks ahead of where I was the last time!

They did have to move my stoma to the left side. I now have to get used to dealing with the bag on that side. It isn't too bad. Just a little backwards. And my stomach is not pretty - all cut up and kinda horrow film looking. I was dreading dealing with the rod through the loop, but the ET nurse removed it during the first bag change at the hospital, so I never actuallt dealt with it at all. After the surgery, I had to spend HOURS in the recovery room, I had very low blood pressure. That has kinda lingered. My BP is now about 95/51, and seems to want to stay there. Oh, and when the Surgeon was checking all my organs, he noticed my pancreas was "hard" I have no idea what that potentially means, but he said he had a CT scan done right there on the operating table, and he's not concerned with what he saw. He wants my regular GI to follow up.

So, that's that. Step 2 done, and I can hardly wait for step 3 now. Some questions for those that have done this are:

1) My butt is just a little sore, really not bad at all - is that normal? I heard it can be painful, but maybe that's just something that will come a little later?

2) How long did it take for your old stoma site to heal? I haven't had my takedown yet, but I have an old stoma site because they moved mine. That incision is taking longer to heal up - they haven't even removed the staples yet.

Anyhow, I'd be happy to answer questions for anyone going into this! I'm so excited to be home just 5 days out!!!!! Thanks for all your well wishes - it means so much.

Glad to hear everyting went well

I go in for my reversal on 13th i'm scared and nervous   i will have to get up and walking as soon as, i think thats the secret

Jo - Congratulations! It sounds like you're doing wonderful. I'm so thrilled for you. As far as your butt hurting, I never really had that problem either. I kept waiting for it and it just never materialized. Of course, I did the 2-step instead of the 3-step, but still no problems with the "sit-down." As far as the stoma site healing, I had my TD on May 9th. No staples and one stitch which was removed 2 weeks later. Basically the wound was left open to heal. It looks kinda like a bullet hole. I just placed a gauze over it daily after my shower. It's almost completely healed now. In fact, I just have a bandaid covering it now and I probably don't even need it anymore - I'm just being overly cautious.  Also, remember how I was having so many problems in the beginning after the TD? Well it turns out I had a stricture and since he repaired it, things are starting to improve and work the way they're supposed to. It requires patience, but I feel certain it's worth it. I've even started eating some of those oh-so-scary veggies again - YEA!! Congrats again on your successful surgery. I've been thinking about you and was anxious to hear how it went. Now we need to hear a positive report from Richard (Indabag).  

Take care and keep up posted!    -Laura

Jo,
Glad to hear that another step is complete for you! The second step for me was more painful on the incision site than I had thought it would be. I had horrible rectal spasms after the first step due to the diseased rectum that was still not removed, so no real pain in the rectum after step 2. I had the 3rd step on April 14th and have much more energy than I had the past months before. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated as that seems to be a major problem at the second step. The third step of course was by far the easiest and the only pain was from the closure of the stoma (which you already know) now after 6-7 weeks, it's not as sensitive anymore. I've been able to gain some weight which was much needed and my hair is finally starting to thicken up and grow back in. I don't really count how many times I go to the bathroom and the only issue I have is the dreaded butt burn that usually occurs the same time every day no matter what I've eaten. I'm still adapting to my new "normal" as I call it and I'm sure that it will take time. If you have any questions that I can help with, just ask. Hope that all continues to heal quickly for you and the next step will be here before you know it!