Step 2 tomorrow - excited but a bit scared this time

So I am going in bright and early tomorrow for my step 2 surgery. Definitely excited about the progress, but worried more this time. I gained quite a bit if weight being on high doses of pred for two years before surgery, and my CR surgeon said there is a possibility she won't be able to pull a new stoma up, depending on how long my small intestine is. So I could wake up with no stoma but be stuck in the hospital with a drain for output until my new j pouch heals enough to use. Not the ideal way to get there. And honestly, I'm kind of used to Blossom now and am mentally prepared to have her around for a few more months (I know, weird feeling). So just a bit scared and uncertain this time.

I'll let you all know how things go ... wish me luck!

Good luck Alison!!!

We were actually having a convo on jpouch.org about combining steps 2 and 3, as your surgeon mentioned might be possible... The consensus seems to be that it works well for some. Ultimately you tend to spend the same total amount of time in the hospital (ie let's say step 2 is a 6 day stay and step 3 is a 4 day stay, you would end up in hospital for 10 days total), and there's the obvious benefit of having everything over and done with now instead of a couple months from now. There's an increased risk of anastomotic leak but a decreased risk of stricture, so it's really a judgment call on the part of your surgeon. I think I'd rather have the combined procedure and the drain tube than be stuck with a tricky stoma for 6+ weeks!

In any case, I'm sure your surgeon will do what is best and either way you are going to do great. Keep us updated!

Good Luck!!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

My thoughts will be with you tomorrow, Allison. Hope it's all good news and speedy recovery!

Good luck in surgery! Positive vibes...

Thanks everyone! Doc said things went great. Blossom is still with me, but of course, she's a loop this time. I have a JP drain, and they packed my butt with gauze, so it feels like I have a massive wedgie! I am definitely in a lot more pain than with step 1 -- feeling a bit like I was hit by a truck. Still am only being allowed ice chips. They are putting in a PICC line today, and my favorite WOCN is coming to teach me more about managing a loop ileo. Tired and rambling a bit, so I'm going to go. Thanks again for all the support - this board is truly a lifeline

Congrats, sounds like you're doing well. Hope your recovery continues to go smoothly.

Alison, I am so glad to hear it all went so well! Stoma is there, so you can go home soon!
Be glad for the wedgie, I just had blops and glops of gloop coming out of me.
The 2nd op is really a gigantic truck, most people feel that way and it takes a bit longer for the energy to come back. Get home, take it easy.
All the best!