HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

TOTAL COLECTOMY PART 25

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic locked
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 910 11
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/21/2009 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hodaya,

I have had tofu in the past but not since my surgery; I pretty much stick to the same foods except I might add some flavoring to them.  Right now my bowels have been off for a couple of weeks but I don't really know if it's the ice cream every day or I'm now eating a slice of pumpkin roll with cream cheese ( I'm kind of addicted to it; I gave up the peanut butter cups LOL) so it might be from that.  I'm not ready to give it up though to see it things return to normal so for now I'll go with the loose stools:) Oh the price we pay for the foods we want to eat:)

I'd try not eating the tofu & see how that works for you; everything is basically trial and error but you will eventually find a balance.

Love you,

Judy

Posted 9/21/2009 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! I only have a few minutes, so I wanted to go over some problems I am having. I am having every couple of days and only for an hour, sometimes less, at a time, this horrible pressure pain, like I am constipated and it is trying to come out between the rectum and vagina. It is almost paralyzing. It happened to me today in church and I was stuck in the bathroom for so long. Then when I got up to walk it was so difficult. Oh and also, when I did finally get something out it was only liquid and it burned me like when you throw up it burns your throat on the way out. I have not eaten anything spicy or even salted, no seasonings because of the swelling. The swelling has gone down a good bit, thank goodness. Another thing I noticed is that when I wiped it was like clear mucous. Has this ever happened to any of you?
Christy
Posted 9/21/2009 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
Marisa hon, don't be so gloomy :) it does sound like you're working hard, maybe you should take it more slow for a while, get some rest, resting is REALLY important for us right now!! i know it's hard for you to sit down and not do much lol, you're a very active person, but please try and make an effort to rest, o.k? my belly is making the FUNNIEST sounds lately too LOL!! i think the tofu is making me gassy :/ i'm gonna try stopping eating it for a while and see if it helps. maybe you're right and a soft diet will be enough to make you feel better? something i've noticed about myself is that when i eat things that are hard ot digest (i already have very formed stools, they're not loose at all) my belly is making these sounds, but when i stick to the low residue diet, i do better and also don't have these sounds. i believe these sounds are gass. hope things settle down for you soon and you feel better. oh and don't worry.. next year there will be another summer :)))) hopefully till then you'll (we'll) be much stronger and healthier to enjoy it, i honestly can't wait!! pitz, you've sure been through some hard times, poor thing, i wish you the best of luck with your reversal!! Judy, thanks so much!! i have a feeling the tofu IS to blame for my new simptoms. lol i love tofu, it's a great source of protein and calcium, but if it's not good for me then it's bye bye. i actually have formed stool, looks like i still tend to constipate easily. if i eat peanut butter, for example, i get really stopped up, it actually constipates me. oh well, i was hoping that after this surgery it'll just be the opposite and i'll NEED these blocking foods to thicken things a bit, but looks like i still need to stick with the softs. i just hope things don't stop too much for me in the long run. Christy, i actually had a similar feeling of what you're having right now, it was before the surgery and happened a few times, it felt as if a needle was shoot from the rectum towards the vagina and bladder, and it was felt only when i was straining for a bm, it was a paralizing pain. i don't know, since surgery it never came back yet, so i left it alone, but i still don't know either what that was. i think you should make an appt to your surgeon to see what it is. for me the pain didn't last, it was felt only when i strained, but if it lingers like it does with you, then you should really go to the dr, don't wait with it for too long. hope everyone's well, love ya'll!!
Posted 9/21/2009 9:15 AM (GMT 0)
Christy, just curious, i was wondering whether you had a surgery to fix a rectal prolapse or a rctocele? cause i did have the STARR 2 yrs ago to fix my rectal prolapse and rectocele, so i thought that maybe this pain i was having is from a stich that was coming out and was causing that pain...???? well i'm still not sure if that's the thing. anyway, i'm just curious, cause if you also had some kind of a rectal repair, then maybe there's a connection between this pain and the rectal procedures.
Posted 9/21/2009 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

Twice I have written long notes and both times I hit something on my new laptop and it disappeared. Last night I was so disgusted I went to bed!!

Hodaya,
Glad you're doing well sweetie. Are you feeling empty when you go to the bathroom? I'm glad you're continuing to go!

Judy,

You continue to amaze me with your upbeat attitude after all you've been through and continue to go through. No wonder your Dr. remembered you! I can tell you're a very special person and I'm sure he remembered that too. I'm so glad that at least your pooping issue is resolved and hope that your kidney issue will be resolved one day soon too.

I'm hanging in there; still not having many bm's without prune juice and my special coffee drink. Right now my biggest fear is that Dunkin Donuts will close and then what will I do in the morning to get things moving?? I usually go once or twice in the am after my coolata and then not again until after dinner when I take prune juice. I rarely eat lunch, except for Activia Yogurt (which by the way isn't working yet, but I have another 4 days to go on the 2 week guarantee! LOL). The problem with the prune juice is that after I take it, I'm pretty much tied to the house for about 3-4 hours because everything is very liquid and it comes out NOW. I have no time to run very far.

I'm trying not to be so discouraged, but it's really getting to me. Friday was my 6 month mark and things are definitely not what I had hoped they'd be by now. I could handle the 20x a day like I had the first couple months better than the constipation again. It's different now than before surgery. I used to be able to go 4 or 5 days without a BM and while it got uncomfortable, I'd have a few good days until I cleaned myself out. Now if I don't go a little after each meal, I'm miserable with the rectal pain and discomfort. Every once in awhile I'll go after I eat enough to keep it from being uncomfortable, and I'll try that same menu the next day and I won't go at all. It makes no sense to me. So far the coffee drinks and prune juice keep things moving, but it's a hard way to live. We have cancelled 2 vacations so far (one cruise) because of this. I can have a great day (and be very hungry) as long as I don't eat, but as soon as I eat I know I have about 2 hours until I am miserable, unless by chance something comes out.

On a happier note, my little puppy is doing great. We started puppy kindergarten last week and she is by far the smallest puppy there. She's barely 4 pounds and there were 30 pound Rottweiler and Lab pups there. At one point, they tell you to let them loose and they all run around together. I'm so afraid she'll get trampled, but she runs into the mix of them. At first she seemed a little scared, but then she jumped in with the group. She is without a doubt the cutest pup there!! Do you think I'm a little partial?? haha

To those of you having surgery soon, don't let my problems discourage you. As I said before, it is better than having a colon, just discouraging because I had so hoped these problems would be gone. I have an appt. with the biofeedback therapist this Thursday and my surgeon next Thursday. I'm not having much luck with biofeedback, and I want to ask him for any suggestions...I haven't tried MOM or Miralax yet. I don't care at this point if I need to take either or both of them, I just want to be able to go! I take 2 stool softeners, but they don't seem to help much; in fact I wonder if they're hurting me. My poop is soft enough, I just can't get it out!!

Hugs to eveyone,

Janie
Posted 9/21/2009 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Janie, don't lose your hope yet. right now you're following your dr's orders doing the biofeedback, but i think when your surgeon does a defecogram and maybe some more tests, this way we'll know what's going on and what's the reason that obstracting you. i truly believe there will be something that can be done to improve things for you. as for your question, some times i feel like i emptied the rectum, sometimes not, but anyway, in ALL of the times that i feel i did emptied, after ten minutes i feel i need to go again. aslo there are many times that i feel it's really close, but not actually there enough and it can last like that for a whole day and that's very uncomfortable. i dont think i ever asked you this, but are you drinking enough water? hope today is a good day for you.
Posted 9/21/2009 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hodaya,

I am drinking quite a bit of water; not sure if I'm drinking a gallon, but I do drink a couple of bottles at work and then all night I have water beside me. Other than my coffee drink in the morning, water is all I drink.

I'm not giving up hope yet, but I sure am tired of this. I had just so hoped that this would be over by now.

I'm glad you're doing well. As long as you keep pooping it will be great! How long ago was your surgery? How much longer will you stay home?
Posted 9/21/2009 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Janie, my surgery was on Aug 16, so it's been about a month since, and i'm planing to go back to work on Oct 1st. i feel great as far as the healing is concerned and strong enough to go back to work. i know what you mean about being tired of this, i feel a little disappointed too that if i just eat a little something like a small bite of peanut butter i get all constipated again. i never though that after this kind of surgery a small bite of PB would constipate me. it's not only PB, i get constipated very easily even at this stage post op. i'm in constant fear that things won't work out and i'll be back to squer 1 :(
Posted 9/21/2009 5:45 PM (GMT 0)

Hi ladies....

Just checking in....I was gone for the weekend up to the upper peninsula of Michigan to the island for a wedding. It was so nice to get away and for this time of year it was absolutely beautiful on the island. We were up there for a wedding....besides the stupid leaking bag 3 times a day all went well. I have been having such bad anxiety that I just eat and immediately feel sick. I have been throwing up daily once or twice a day.....horrible feeling. I am still having urges to go to the bathroom, but have had very little come out ( I think this is really nirmal, plus I have not been eating alot). I pre-registered for my surgery. I too, just have to do clear liquids for 36 hours prior to surgery d/t having an ileostomy. So happy the prep is not like last time. Should be ok...I feel the best when I do not eat anything. I will be on a very restricted diet post-op and forever....low residue for life. I get sick thinking of being back in the holding area for surgery....three times in less than two years....hopefully this will be the last.

I know a lot of you talk about having no energy....I still do not have much. I am not sure if its the cumulative surgeries or what.....I wish I felt energetic. I have my days, but I have never felt 100 % in terms of energy.

Janie and Hodaya- I pry for your continued pooping. I know its scary and frustrating thinking about the future and whatmay be....I pray for you and love you girls and hope this is the end....just adjusting to the new plumbing.

Judy- You are so sweet.....thanks for your kind words, prayers, and continued support. You are so kind. I hope school is going well....I bet you are an amazing teacher and those kids are lucky to have someone so dedicated to helping and caring and teaching!!!

Christy, Jen, Marisa, Comjaro, Mary J and everyone else....I hope you are doing well!!!! I pray that everything continues to go well and pray for the approaching surgeries.

Jen- 10 lbs in one month is not healthy....I would be calling your doctor. Its unsafe, and you are not going to be in a good state for surgery or healing without nutrition. I understand you cannot eat, but maybe you need to be on TPN/Lipids until the surgery....worried about you.....not a healthy weight for your height and facing surgery.

Lizzie

Posted 9/21/2009 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
hey Liz, missed you so much and worried about you, speaking of being too weak for surgery, you're vomiting isn't so good either. i hope you feel better soon for your up coming surgery. glad you enjoyed the wedding weekend, that must have helped you relax a bit. anyway, i think it'll be the same for me, sticking to a low residue diet for life, or else...... this is so unfair, i hope we're both wrong and will be surprised to find out we don't have to.
Posted 9/21/2009 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Lizzie I am so sorry you are still throwing up and feeling sick. I am glad that your surgery is soon but you need to gain strength also. Ipray that you will feel better after surgery. I am glad that you enjoyed your time at the wedding.

I am thinking about calling my GI doctor because I feel so tired and weak all the time. All I want to do is lay around and sleep. I have two children, and I have to work. Not to mention maintain the household. Yesterday was homecoming at church and there was tons of southern homecooked dishes,and all I managed was a couple of bites of mashed potatoes and a bite of chicken pie. Today I drank some coffee and did eat some asian noodles for lunch. I have been drinking some gatorade this afternoon. I also took all my laxatives last night so I really feel wiped out today. When I start eating its almost like clockwork that about 5 minutes into a meal I get abdominal cramps. I know I need to call the doctor but I am sooooooo tired of going to doctors!

Hodaya I am glad you are doing well. I hope things don't slow down anymore for you. I know you are really worried about that as I would be too.

To everyone else I hope that you are doing well and will continue to pray for everyone and those approaching surgery dates.

Jen
Posted 9/21/2009 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Jen, i felt exactly like you before i went to surgery, you're so reminding me of myself. i felt SO tired and weak. well first of all, it's from not eating, i couldn't eat much either cause within 10-30 minutes i'd get horrible cramps. it's aweful! so i almost stoped eating and was losing weight like you. another thing is that this poor dead colon of ours is really trying his best to still do something useful, the poor thing, but it's not working out for him and the more he tries, the more it takes our energy away. i feel much better now as far as the weakness goes.
Posted 9/22/2009 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all, feeling a bit better today. Ya, I dont know what to do about this energy thing, but something need to be done. I am so wiped out after work all I look foward to is just going to bed. And I am so naseated. I feel like a big old winer but what else can I do. crap!! Ok that sounded really funny because I am definetly doing plenty of that!! LOL

Christy, I had those exact same feelings. I dont know what it is. Seriously, are we ever going to feel good? I have to wonder.

Hodaya, thanx for the encouagement. We all need that every now and then. You sound like your doing pretty well. I wonder why you get constipated so easy. That is so bizarre. Are you taking anything to help go? I think we are all medical mysteries!!

Well, going to go read then crash. Love ya all!!
Posted 9/22/2009 5:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Hodaya. I'm hoping a reversal is possible for me, too. I have to try!

Anyone know if it's okay to post youtube links in here? I ran across a couple humorous son parodies tonight (Colorectal Surgeon, and Waking Up is Hard to Do). I'll post the links if it's okay. They're really quite humorous! (I did read the forum rules, but just wanted to double check in case.)
Posted 9/22/2009 7:56 AM (GMT 0)
Marisa, i guess it's just that my small intestine is unfortunately also slow, cause it's been acting almost like the large right from the begining after surgery. that's why i'm scared it'll slow down too much in the future. Pitz, i never saw anyone post a youtube link on here, i'd really like to see it. try to post this question as a new topic, this way the moderators will see it and answer you.
Posted 9/22/2009 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Girls,

I've been crazy busy at school every day but all is going well.  The kids are great and I love being there!  I don't really know what's going on with me yet; I called for my follow-up appt and said that things felt better so do I have to come in & the office called today to tell me that my dr will be calling me but that he wants a ct scan for 6 mos from now & an appt after that.  The original plan was to change the stent every 3 mos so I don't know what his thoughts are now; he's the one who said it can't stay in longer than 3 mos at a time.  Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait to hear from him. 

Lizzie & Hodaya- My dr has had me remain on the low residue diet and I most likely will always be on it.  It's not a bad diet and once you put it in your mind that it's best for your body not to have certain foods, you tend not to miss them.  I won't lie though, sometimes I'd really like some watermelon or a salad but those days are gone and I've found new foods that I love:)  And remember, I haven't had any problems so maybe this diet is for the best:)

Janie-I'm so sorry that you are still feeling bad.  I so want you and everyone else to have a good outcome from this surgery.  I won't say that everyday is perfect but overall it's 100% better than being constipated all the time.  I've used miralax a couple of times since my surgery as well as herbal teas that help with constipation, both have helped.  It might be worth a try for you.

Marisa & everyone else- This surgery takes the life out of you for a long, long time.  As most of you know I see a nutritionist/kinesiologist who has me taking several supplements.  Last winter was the first winter ever that I wasn't sick (not even a cold) and I built up my energy with the supplements.  Some of the things I take are:  3/4 tblsp. of SeaAloe (you can only buy it on line - it has 80 different vitamins & minerals), 1/2 packet of Emergen C, 1 Natural Multivitamin (not a store brand, most are synthetic), 1 Vitamin D tab, 1 Garlic tab, 1 probiotic -Probulaurdi (must be refridgerated), and I also eat 2 super yogurts a day.

I know it sounds like a lot of stuff and yes some of the supplements can be expensive but our health is so worth it! 

I am always praying for all of you and especially those of you that are having surgery soon.

Take care, love you,

Judy

Posted 9/23/2009 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi loves....

Just had to quick update....my hubby is getting frustrated with my pc use...but i really have no one else to talk to about my fears. I had softball tonight, felt fine, had a good game...THEN went to meet the team for a couple drinks just 5 mi down the road and BOOM panic attack from hell. My legs were shaking, hands shaking, heart rate 180, palpitations, couldnt swallow, and almost had to pull over. I have not kept a substantial meal down in 10 days...but have maintained my weight at 106. I am scared to hell....I am lost and do not know what to do. I have been crying all night......just need your help.

Lizzie

Posted 9/23/2009 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi - I would like to become part of this group, so I want to know if there is anyone out there who has been where I am. I had my bladder removed in Aug 2007, and had an Indiana Pouch placed in my right abdomen, they used my right colon and ileo-cecal valve to hold the urine and give me continence. I straight cath every 3 hrs to empty my pouch of urine. Since Nov 2007 I have been severely nauseated and constipated. The surgeon says that because the ile-cecal valve is gone and i have pseudo-obstruction with slow colonic motility, there is a back up into my small intestine that I sense as nausea. In Oct 2009 I will have what most of you have had- a total abdominal colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis, Do you think the nausea will end, what is it like to go from 40 years of constipation and laxative dependence to frequent bms. I just need a friend who has been there to help me thru. Thankyou, Shmuel
Posted 9/23/2009 9:05 AM (GMT 0)
gosh Lizzie, i'm getting so concerned about you. i assume all of this anxiety is related to your upcoming surgery, isn't it? call your dr, you must talk to him about everything that's been going on with this anxiety lately. i'm worried how you will go for surgery in this condition. love you and praying for you honey, hoping to hear you're better soon, keep us posted. dearest Judy! you're so kind, encouraging and helpful, i just love you! thanks, and you're right, cause when i eat something that doesn't agree with me, after i see how bad it makes me feel, it doesn't seem so appealing to me anymore. after quiting with the tofu for couple of days, seems things are better again YAY! so i definitely don't feel like putting that in my mouth again. thanks for sharing the info about the vits. i have a neighbour who's one of those unconventional healers, not sure what kind exactly, so anyway, she's also working with "sunrider", if you've heard of them - their products are amazing! so she's about to start working with me to fit me a combination of some of the goods she has to offer. BTW..... i havn't smoked yet since surgery and i honestly feel i can go on with it hope your kidney dr calls you soon and clarify things for you, keep us posted on that. love you so much too! really wish i could meet ya'll some day. hey Shmuel, welcome to our group   !  i'm glad you joined us. you've found the most wonderful, supportive and caring group of ppl here, and we're all here to try and help you through this difficult time. gosh i must say i'm so upset hearing your story, it's making me so upset to read about drs doing some kind of procedures and not thinking about the consequences! seriously didn't they think it may cause you a significant prob with your intestine's functioning?? as i understand, you never had any issues with nausea and constipation before that, right? i'm simply too amazed, it just seems SO irresponsible of them to do this, cause now it forses you to have a major surgery such as a total colectomy, something you never would have needed if it weren't for their mistake! i really feel for you and am so sorry you're forced to go through all of this you never mentioned why they removed your bladder? i don't know anything about bladder removal. this pouch procedure they did to you, it reminds me a bit of the k pouch they used to do yrs ago for intestines surgeries. do they always do this pouch like this on the inside of the body, or is it in some cases they do an outside bag? is it possible at all to do an outside bag for urine? just so curious, it's really interesting. look, i don't know anyone here who had a similar story as you. so to try and figure out whether the nausea and constipation will be gone for you, the question will be whether they usually keep the valve or do they remove it when doing the total colectomy. if the valve was removed for those of us who had the surgery, so i guess it means it'll be o.k for you too, but what if we still have it...? that would mean you'll still be different. what did your surgeon say about this? i'm seeing my surgeon today for a follow up, so i can also ask him about this. i'm really interested to hear what he thinks of this. i'll let you know what he sais. though it would have helped if i knew whether you're a male or a female. if you don't mind me asking.. your name sounds like an israeli male's name, i'm from israel, so i thought it'll be cool if you're too and as to your question...... well although i still have some issues (hoping they can be solved), yet it is TOTALLY ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, NO DOUBT about IT HEAVEN to just be able to poop LOL    !!!
Posted 9/23/2009 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
hi all, so i've been to the dr today and that's it. everything looks good as for the healing part and about the bms, i'll just have to watch for everything to keep flowing. i did tell him about feeling an incomplete evacuation and he said that even if so, we cant do any tests before it's at least 6 mons post op. so for now he released me.. kinda feels it's a little too early, but then again, it's only a matter of time to see if things are going right. he said if i have any problems i can always come. so that's it for now and only time will tell if the results are good or not. Shmuel, i'm glad to report you that i asked my sugreon about the valve and it seems they do remove it with every total colecomy, which means non of us have it any more!!so it won't be any different for you then it is for us. i guess after all the mess you were put through, at least this is good news.
Posted 9/23/2009 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, and welcome Shmuel!

Hodaya, I'm surprised you have been released already too.. do you follow up at 6 months post-op? I do hope you continue to get better and better each day, I do think you are still early in recovery,, and the real results will be a few more months.

Lizzie (hugs) sorry you have been doing so poorly! You only have 5 more days - and then your surgery! I hope this is a fresh start to something new and fantastic! Have you talked with your doctor about your panic attacks? Is there medication or something to help you through it? I hope so.. I hope you are able to eat and get plenty of rest before your surgery.

Shmuel, I have heard of bladders being removed, and can't imagine! What was the reason yours was removed? Are you male or female?

Judy, as always - it's great to hear from you! Do follow up with your doctor regarding your stent change... I find that doctors OFTEN forget things and we need to remind them!

Time is flying by pretty fast for me, as I have been busy! Hard to believe that I go to the hospital in just 2 weeks for my pre-op testing, and then I leave for my cruise and then.. the big day will be upon me. I have been concerned about some stomach issues I have been having.. I am NOT have any nausea, but just below and slightly to the right, my abdominal is tender to touch, and hurts when I cough or strain... I also have the tenderness right above my belly button. It is not constant, but it is everyday and it comes and goes at different times and for the last 2 weeks I have been trying to figure it out but I can't link it to a reason (such as eating or having to poo). I actually thought of seeing my GI doctor, but decided I will just ask the surgery to make sure he looks in this area while he is in there! Otherwise, I am doing good. Still eating fine, and my MiraLax and fleet keeps me comfortable.

Hello to everyone else!
Posted 9/24/2009 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone and Welcome Shmuel!

Things are happening so fast for so many of you; Lizzie honey, hang in there, you only have a few more days and you will finally get the prize you've been waiting for!  We are all here for you and will be with you every step of the way. Our husbands are very supportive of us but deep down they truly don't know what we have or are going through and that's why we are here for each other.  If you need to talk, you can always contact my email and I will get back to you. I love you and am always thinking about you and praying for you.  You are one of the strongest people I know; you can and will get through this surgery.  You have been through much tougher things and have conquered each and every one of them.  Look at this as the last stretch of a long journey and you are approaching the finish line.  We are all here cheering for YOU!!!!!!

Hodaya-It's so good that you got your release from your dr; but remember that the healing takes months.  I remember when my surgeon released me , it felt great on one level but scary on another because I felt like "was this really it"; am I cured?  But then again my GI follows up with me every 3 mos so I'm not left hanging in the dark.  Just stick with the low residue diet, don't do too much, get plenty of rest and listen to your body. Love you girlfriend:)

Jenise-Don't worry about me following up with my dr, I'm the queen of that; they know that if they don't follow up or don't do what they are supposed to that I'll seek someone who will.  I called today and he's out of town til Friday so I'll talk with him then. I'll let you know what he says then.  Try to enjoy your vacation and know that we are all here for you and that I'm praying for you.  It WILL be ok:)

Love and hugs to all,

Judy

Posted 9/24/2009 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi to Judy, Jenise, Sarah- I am a female, my laptop name is Shmuel. Thank you all for being so supportive. I need your support right now. My Total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomsis is scheduled for Oct 14. Very soon. Ok, this is what  happened- I got Interstitial Cystitis and suffered with a burning bladder and urethra for 2.5yrs, nothing worked. Went to UCLA and Dr. Raz removed the bladder and urethra and used my right colon to make a pouch and used the ileocecal valve to make a stoma. So I have a stoma on my abdomen that I  catheterize every 3 hrs to empty my urine. that is how I have been living for 2 yrs.- I can handle it. But the nausea which started 2months, after the Indiana POuch and constipation that worsened - that is what is hard to live with. Someone named -peltzier- on the message board stated that maybe since the valve is gone, stool in the colon builds bacteria and gases which backup into the small intestine and that is what causes the nausea. I pray that this it, so that after a few weeks post-op I don't have nausea anymore. I will be a patient at the Medical College of Virginia, I really like my surgeon, I trust him. I am Jewish and I  have 8 israeli-american nieces and nephews, my puppy is Shmuel- I love his name. He is going to help me recover. I am an RN with 24 yrs of experience, and working has been so hard when I get nauseated, but I keep pushing myself. I am so glad to meet you all, and hope to have a happy story like many of you do. this will be my 4th abdominal surgery, and my last.  i had suggested to my surgeon and ileo-anal anastomosis or ileostomy, but he said all i need is the ileo-rectal anast. Thanks, shmuel
Posted 9/24/2009 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
hey everyone, questions to all of you who had surgery.... i'm 5 and 1/2 weeks post op, is it safe for me to do cleaning around the house, like dusting, cleaning windows, vacuming and washing the floor? which of those can i already do? another question, how much weight am i aloud to lift now?when can i lift heavy weight? i'm really not sure about any of this, so i need your help. thanks for your reply.
Posted 9/24/2009 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hodaya, gosh... hard to believe 5-1/2 weeks have passed! I haven't had surgery yet as you know, but my last surgery had very strict guidelines, similar to what I was reading about colectomies. I think is is fine to dust, and do light cleaning - but I would skip the vacuuming for another 2 weeks, and don't lift more then 10 lbs for a while longer. Just baby yourself more then you feel... the housework will unfortunately be still there and waiting for you in a couple more weeks! I think it is a great sign that you feel like cleaning, just try and put the brakes on a wee bit!

Shmuel, wow.. you've been through a bit already! It sounds like you're in good hands and being a nurse must help in ways - and other ways be hard! I sure hope that your surgery on the 14th will be a success and cures you of nausea! I'm glad you're here and found this forum.. I'd be lost without these wonderful ladies here! I'm scheduled for a colectomy on the 21st of October. I just had a hysterectomy and prolapse repairs, but they missed a prolapsed sigmoid colon which is causing a partial obstruction. That and a slow colon...and a rectum that is prolapsed... hopefully will all be corrected! They will be removing my sigmoid and left descending colon, and attaching the rest to the rectum. This will be my 5th abdominal surgery - and they are planning to attempt it via Laparscopic!

Post Edited (tinkerbell2) : 9/24/2009 1:12:07 PM (GMT-6)

✚ New Topic locked
1234567891011