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Total Colectomy PART 3

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Posted 7/22/2005 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Cheryl,

If you have a surgeon then that's who I'd call to schedule the surgery; if not, call the GI doctor. I think we all were and are (me and you) a little scared about the surgery. But the fact that 93% of people who have had this surgery would do it again (including those with complications) says a lot! Also knowing that constipation gets worse with age is another big incentive. When I first found out that I was a candidate for the surgery, it was a no brainer -- of course I was going to get it, the sooner the better. It was only after I started reading about it that I got a little apprehensive. But I'm over that now (specially since I'm soooooo bloated and in soooooooo much pain right now) and ready to go for it. Like I've said before -- I'm counting down the days -- 12 to go!

Amira
Posted 7/23/2005 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
Amira,

I didn't have much swelling in my abdomen after surgery.  My scar is a vertical scar going right under my belly button down about 5-6 inches.  It is still red and kind of puffy.  My surgeon told me that it should flatten out some sooner or later.  I had the open surgery, not a lap. 

Cheryl,

I'm glad things are looking up for you.  Hopefully everything will be scheduled soon and you too can be bragging about how fantastic you feel!

Posted 7/23/2005 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Somer, that's encouraging!
Posted 7/26/2005 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone,

I just started working 1/2 days again yesterday. I am starting to feel better. I am not going to the bathroom as much but I do still like to stay close to the bathroom. I saw my doctor last Friday and he said everything is going great. I have to go back in to his office in September to check back in unless I have any problems before then. I have been really busy. The weekend after I got out of the hospital we were moving and things have just been crazy. Ofcoarse I couldn't lift anything or do much so my husband had a lot more to do than me but I tried to help out as much as possible. I hope everyone is doing well!!

Melissa
Posted 7/27/2005 1:26 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Melissa,

Glad you are feeling good and are well on your way to normalcy.  How long has it been since your surgery?  Mine is schedule for a week from tomorrow.  I think my nerves are shot, I wish it was today already.

We should be hearing from Emma real soon.  I hope she is doing well.  Also, has anyone heard from Sara lately?

Amira

Posted 7/27/2005 12:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Amira,

I have been out from surgery for almost 3 weeks. I am doing pretty good. I still get really tired. I am only working half days this week and when I get home all I want to do is sleep. I am supose to start working full days next week but I am worried that I may still get too tired. I guess we will see how things go. I hope everything goes well with your surgery.

Melissa
Posted 7/27/2005 12:57 PM (GMT 0)

Wow Melissa, three weeks and back to work.  I'm going back next week, but it will be almost six weeks out for me.  I did have open and my scar is about 8" long so maybe that has something to do with it.  I'm still tender, but the swelling is going down.  I just don't know what to do about that redness from the steri-srip reaction.  It's gross.

Zoe

Posted 7/27/2005 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Zoe,

I had my surgery laproscopic, I have 5 small scars. Three of them are really small and then I have 2 that are bigger. They don't hurt too much anymore, I haven't even taken any pain medication for the surgery since the day before I left the hospital. The only medicine I have been taking is one pill before bed every night to control the dirreha. I'm sure that it is totally different trying to heal from open surgery and laproscopic. It's hard being back at work but I am the one who supports my family and money is running really short with me being out for even the two weeks I was. I don't really have much of a choice but to go back to work.

Melissa
Posted 7/27/2005 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Melissa, I'm forcing myself not to take naps this week so I'll be used to it next week when I go back. LOL.
Maybe I should just take the darn things - they would probably help my recovery.

Just hang in there and do as much as you can. Remember, your health is the most important thing. Hopefully you have a job where people are understanding.

You're in my prayers.
Zoe
Posted 7/27/2005 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
about how long did it take any of you to get a surgery date.  I called on last Friday and was told they may have an opening on Aug. 12th, but I have not heard back from them yet.
Posted 7/27/2005 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cheryl, I waited for two months. Every hospital is different. I'd give em a call and find out what's going on.

Zoe
Posted 7/27/2005 4:20 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Everyone,

Melissa, I'm so impressed and happy you are doing so well so fast.  I have 2 more questions for you if you don't mind: 1) Are you still on a restricted diet; and 2) Have you lost any weight?

Zoe and Everyone, I saw a plastic surgeon yesterday, he gave me Scargaurd that can be applied 2 weeks after surgery up to about 1 year.  There are 2 different types depending on what you need.  Scargaurd will help thin out the scar, and Scargaurd Lighter deals with discoloration.  You don't need a prescription for either and can look them up online for more information and purchase.  As far as the redness goes, it usually results from an overgrowth of blood vessels and can be gotten rid of by laser treatment.

Cheryl, I waited 6 weeks for my surgery and the hospital call back took about a week.

Emma, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care all,

Amira

Posted 7/27/2005 6:55 PM (GMT 0)

I went for my last consultation with my surgeon and was able to schedule surgery 2 weeks after that if I wanted that soon.  I opted to wait for 1 month to get my courage up and all of that, you know have time to really get ready for it. 

MMA,  glad everything is going well for you.  I still got even 1 month after my surgery.  I think it's just from being in the hospital and not having to do much.  I really didn't realize the effort it took to do simple things at home. 

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