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Total Colectomy Part 5

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Posted 8/27/2005 5:30 PM (GMT 0)

Cathy - I throroughly enjoyed your post (diarrhea of the mouth, LOL).  Good for you for finding a career that you enjoy.  I have thought about medical school myself as I have all of the prereqs except for the MCATs, but the closest medical school is a few hours away and it isnt real possible.  Funny thing is, if there was a medical school in the town I lived, I would probably be in it, but there is not.  I have instead decided to be a nurse practioner.  Although I am in an adult program, I am tailoring my clinicals to be similar to an acute care NP as my love in cardiology!

Navigating the insurance game is hard.  My GI referred me to a guy that insurance wouldnt cover.  I dont know if he just doesnt know about my surgeon (that I found all on my own) but when I see him this fall I will let him know.

How is this for an introduction...I teach nursing clinicals on the med-surg floor where my GI practices.  He is great with students... and I have not seen him since May.  He doesnt know that I had surgery, or anything.  So when I see him on the floor this is how the conversation will go "hey Emma, how was your summer... what happened with the issues... Well doc I had surgery in July LOL"  Just a thought!

Back to work,

Emma

Posted 8/27/2005 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Emma
My GI guy told me to go down to Suite --- and talk to Dr Gold----, and gave me a note. I go down there, he won't see me, he doesn't take my insurance and he won't call his "good friend" back!?!
I do send notes with people, but not like that. How stupid, does he not have a clue. Maybe it's because he's a he? I found a female surgeon that takes my insurance and am seeing her Monday. We'll see. I am still missing some important ( and disgusting ) tests though.
I'm slammed at work now, but will write again. I have lots of funny stories if anyone is interested.
Cathy
Posted 8/27/2005 9:44 PM (GMT 0)

Here we go again, another round of that darn pain in my right side.  I had a BM this morning it was not very much.  I have the pain in the right side again, between my navel and pubic(not public) area.  I really think it is getting hung up in there.  I hope to get an xray on Monday.

In the past six months I have been lucky in finding a good surgeon who listened and understood.  Also, I am VERY LUCKY that my insurance is accepted by about 99.9% of the doctors in my state and area.  So far my bills have totaled over $55,000.  My insurance has paid for all but $452.  They have done it without question.  Because if they study the past 15 years they will see all the other times they have paid or denied claims for the problem I had.   Two years ago I had the same insurance company, but a different plan.  That makes a difference.  Anyway, there was about $2000 worth of tests I had with the research doc that they did not cover.  I disputed the charges and tried to have them dropped.  All that did was give me a 9 month reprive on the payments. I have been paying the university off month by month.  Good thing they don't charge interest. 

Emma - I had SVT.  Lived with for 33 years till it was caught on a tape.  I had the radio frequency ablation done.  Again, I was awake for that.  Felt like a knife slicing thru your back when they did the burning.  

Here is a question for you nurses and docs.  If you have the stitches that dissolve inside, how come I can still see the scar that looks like a stich? hum...some of my popped out and I had to have them cut. 

Kelly

Posted 8/27/2005 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Kelly
Sorry to hear about your pain. Stitches, even the ones that dissolve, can work their way out. The tissue is grabbed underneath so you can still get the stitch pattern in the scar.
That radio frequency ablation doesn't sound like fun but it must be better than a shock- awake!

Emma- The worst part of getting into medical school was the MCATs. NP's, at least in AZ, can work independently, with a doctor to consult if needed. More and more doctors offices are adding NP's, and the ER fast tracks too. I was lucky in that a medical school opened where I lived, because I couldn't have moved either.

Take care everyone.
Cathy
Posted 8/28/2005 12:44 AM (GMT 0)

I'll have to check that FLYlady website out Emma, sounds like something I need!  Seems I can never get caught up with my laundry.  The office where I work is a large Family Practice office.  We have 8 doctors and 4 PA's.  We had one NP that basically did occupational stuff for companies around our office.  I believe here, in NC, NP's can practice independantly.  I've thought about the whole NP/PA road but I think I am happy with my RN and my job now.  I really love it. 

Amira, the bruises I had on my abdomen from the Lovenox injections probably lasted a good month or so before they started to fade.  I routinely check labs on myself at work, ya know just to make sure everything's ok! Emma, about 6 weeks after surgery I had a general check at my family doc, just to check my H/H and thyroid, cholesterol.  I also am usually anemic.  Thankfully, everything has stayed WNL. 

Somer

Posted 8/28/2005 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Emma,

My doctor restricted me lifting anything over 5 pounds for 6 weeks; he was quite clear on that.

 

Cathy, I'm so jealous!  I wanted to go to medical school all my life!  I, too, took all the MCAT prerequisites (5 Chem classes, 5 bio, 2 physics, and even taught calc 2 for a while).  When I got my BA, I unfortunately also got a divorce.  My ex had paid for my schooling as I went (I never worked); so after the divorce when I found out how much medical school would cost, I freaked and decided to major in finding another husband instead, which I did.  Also, I was 30 years old when I got my BA and at that time, 30 was considered too old to start medical school; something about not enough time to give back to the profession.  UCLA actually stated as much in their application!  I should have sued and gone to school for free.  Anyway, this hubby wanted to retire early and travel the world.  We dated for a little over 3 years before we got married.  During that time and for the first 2 years of our married life, he was kind enough to put me through school as long as it was a program that coincided with his anticipated retirement date.  So a traveling psychologist I now am, but my heart is in medicine.  With on-line universities on the rise, I recently thought of become a PA, but it has been so long since my science courses, I was required to repeat them.  The road just looked too long to me.  Since I love learning, I recently decided to get an MBA (on-line) through NYIT with a concentration in international studies.  Through our travels, I've learned that I'd love to find an occupation/business that would have me living half the year in the states and another in Egypt or the Middle East, since I love it there and speak the language.  I've also found myself in a position where investment opportunities are constently being offered, and thought an MBA would help me make wise and informed decisions.  Lastly, after my MBA, I'm thinking of law school (again on-line) because my husband went to law school himself years ago, but only practices law for 3 years (he hated it).  Anyway, I've seen how it has helped him in his other business ventures and hope it will do the same for me.

 

Emma, to answer your question, my courses are only 6 weeks long, by choice (they also offer them in 9 week blocks), and are offered every 3 weeks; such a schedule doesn't interfere much with our travels.  I have 12 more to go to get my MBA.  I'm starting my next class Sept. 12. 

 

I danced at the wedding today guys!  Now I need to go to bed for a week!  My husband is still at the wedding having a blast.

 

Later,

Amira

Posted 8/28/2005 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Somer, are you saying that your bruises are still a mystery?  Hate to sound stupid (it wouldn't be the first time), but is it that time of the month?  I find I bruise more easily then.  Glad your other numbers/levels are good.  You know  Somer, you were the first person I met on this site and I don't know if I've thanked you enough for your generosity and the wonderful gift you've given me.  Without you, I'd still be one scared person right now.

 

Wishing you well -- always,

Amira

 

Posted 8/28/2005 2:47 PM (GMT 0)

Things really go green when you don't drink enough.......

I was at an auction for 3 1/2 hours yesterday and I still can't remember to take a bottled water with me.  Not a habit I have formed yet.  After the auction I had to go to town for groceries.  So this morning things are green.  As for the auction - I got some bad stuff and good stuff.  I collect Lustro Ware.

Bruises - I have noticed alot more of them as well.  I got hit with an empty cardboard box and it left a very deep purple spot on the back of my calf.  I seem to bruise easy anyway I think.  Maybe I am thin skinned.  Does brusing have anything to do with blood pressure.  Mine runs 90/50.  In the hospital it dropped to 80/32. My first period after my surgery was the longest I have ever had, a full 7 days.  The last one I had was back to normal, about 3 days.  But, I am getting older so it is slowing down.

Busy day ahead, hope to check back soon !!!

Kelly

Posted 8/28/2005 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Quick check ... BF and I are leaving for vacation in 1 hour and I will be home on Tues night! :)  Hope everyone has a great time while I am gone! :)

Hugs,

Emma

 

Posted 8/28/2005 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so jelous, I want to be on vacation. We only get 1 1/2 days off each week so vacation sounds really nice. Next weekend however we'll get 2 1/2 days and we're excited. We close on holidays- yeah!

Amira- you're a school-holic. When I finished medical school, I swore that I never wanted to go to school again in my entire life. Mind you I did it with 4 children, and working fulltime. I thought I was going to die. We used to have lectures that described chronic fatigue, adrenal burnout, this disease or that, we all were convinced we had something wrong because we were so tired. Luckily, I paired up with a 57yr old nurse, I usually had to keep her motivated which kept me from loosing spirit. After finishing school, I forgot about continuing medical education-ugh! Now, I teach the classes on emergency medicine and I get my CME credit. I found a loophole.

The funniest thing is that whenever we had a big test, like finals or the boards, I would get diarrhea. It's the only thing that would clean me out. Oddly enough, I looked forward to the big tests, for the side effects.

I guess I haven't had enough stress in my life lately, because unlike most of you (jelousy again) I still can't go.
THe whole period thing I fixed last year with an endometrial ablation, haven't menstrated since. Hooray!

I decided that I have had enough stress lately, so that too just doesn't work anymore either.
My oldest just went off to college, 2 hours away. She's been gone for 1 1/2 weeks and has come home twice. Free food and for me to buy more stuff. This year I have 1 in elementary, 1 in middle school, 1 in high school and 1 in college. I am not very good at keeping things/people organized, so this year is going to be a challenge. Add in surgery and it sucks to be my family.

Somer- that's a large practice that you work in. We have a smaller practice and it's only us 2 docs so when I am out of work, my husband WILL go NUTS. That too makes it hard for vacation. Last time we were off, we had to bring in a cardiothoracic surgery with a trigger thumb to cover for us. It was terrible. Our patients were glad though to have us back.

I should run now, we're having a BBQ with my daughter's boyfriend's family, 1st time together. EEEK!
Of course it's here so we're cleaning house, which I hate. I was way not made for housework.

Hope all are well, enjoy what's left of the weekend.
Cathy
Posted 8/29/2005 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
Cathy, Somer and Kelly, could the bruising be a sign of dehydration?  I've had low blood pressure all my life and I wouldn't say that I bruise easily.  I do bruise easily when menstrating, but wouldn't that be the same as saying when I'm retaining water?  Maybe bruising comes with excessive water intake....  Just thinking out loud.

 

Cathy, I forgot to tell you how nice it is to hear that you and your husband take care of the uninsured.  I recently saw a similar clinic by our home and thought what a wonderful and needed pratice.  Congratulations to you and yours for your humanity.  Of course, I'd expect nothing less of a mother of FOUR!

 

Kelly, I started my period the night before being discharged from the hospital.  It too lasted 7 to 8 days.  And, like you, I'm typically done in 3 days.  I'm scared to even think about the next one.

 

Well, Ladies, with the birthday dinner on Friday night, the Wedding on Saturday. and spending all day Sunday on a lake in a boat followed my dinner out with Hubby's family, there was no sex for us on our anniversary.  I was in so much pain when coming home from dinner that I started taking my clothes off in the car!  My husband thought I lost my mind.  The problem was that my top seemed too tight.  When he protested I just said, "Hey, I have a bra on, leave me alone!"  The skirt followed by being unzipped and pushed down.  And I've worn no panties since the surgery.  Then, he got no sex -- poor guy.  I wonder how Emma is doing.  Well, she had her surgery 2 weeks before I did.  I think this Wednesday she'll be at the wonderful 6 week mark.  Emma, I hope you're having a great time and can't wait to hear from you when you get back!

 

Amira

Posted 8/29/2005 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning!
I have a question.... how can you get your BM's to form?
I still have grainy ones.... Isn't this a nice question for a
Monday morning?
Annie
Posted 8/29/2005 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Happy Monday everyone!

Amira- bruising generally is caused by a trauma to the blood vessel. Thicker skin (like in younger people) tends to protect or buffer the blow better than in thin skinned (i.e. older people). Problems occur when the slightest blow causes a leak and our capacity to clot is deminished. That means if our blood is too thin then we bleed more and take longer to stop bleeding. So, we need to rule out a few things: blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, steroids, bleeding disorders, low platelets, low vit. K, low vit. C. Some abdominal surgeries can lead to DIC which is too much clotting, and DIC can lead to no clotting, but we generally are aware of the DIC way before the no clotting phase. My recommendation is to make sure your vits are adequate i.e. K, C, & Protien, have an H/H drawn, and make sure you're not taking too much aspirin or ibuprofen, including what's in the pain medicine.

Thanks also for the kind words about our clinic. We help alot of people who could not afford help elsewhere. We will never be rich but we do go home and rest easy at night!

Annie- Form in your stool will come in time. Enough liquids, and fiber (increase gradually) will help. But remember that your small intestines has to learn a new job of absorbing water and B12. That takes time.

Emma- Wherever you are, please have fun for all of us! And feel good too.

Amira- I can't imagine being on a boat for any length of time, was there a bathroom? I can just imagine me with my butt hanging off the edge of the boat.

Time to start the day and patients already waiting.
Make it a great day
OH yea- I see the surgeon today.

Cathy
Posted 8/29/2005 7:18 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone,

I am slowly compiling the information everyone is sending me.  For those new to the site, please send me your e-mail and I will send you a list of everyone who wants to be included on the Total Colectomy Convention (TCC) list.  I really hope it happens, but if it doesn't we'll at least have addresses, emails and phone numbers for all.  My e-mail is [email protected].

I have a problem.  I keep losing weight.  I'm down to 90 lbs now.  I'm freaking out.  I go back to my doctor on Thursday for a check-up and believe me, I'm mentioning this.  I eat several times a day, but can only eat small amounts.  Yesterday I went for ice cream and got so sick.  Perhaps it was too rich.  I had very watery stool and terrible abdominal cramping.  The last time I had blood work done (about a month ago) everything was fine.  Go figure.  Maybe he'll do more blood work.  I don't feel bad, I just look like hell.

Cheers,

Zoe

Posted 8/29/2005 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
It cracks me up about how many of us have had career changes. I started as a speech therapist in the Cleveland Public Schools and ended up getting an MBA when I was 36.

Zoe
Posted 8/29/2005 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
HELP!!!

I saw the surgeon, she says that I am a perfect candidate. No more tests needed. She wants to do a total colectomy and I kinda had subtotal in mind. She said that I could still have trouble with constipation if she left the sigmoid. She said that if total was done, I would always have diarrhea or paste like stools (with Imodium with each meal and bedtime, and thickened liquids). Emma and Somer would know how qross that is. With a subtotal, I have a chance of formed stools, but I also have a chance at constipation and the need for further surgery.

I NEED ADVICE!!! and FAST-- Surgery date Sept 8th at 2:00pm

Thanks

Cathy
Posted 8/29/2005 11:43 PM (GMT 0)

Kathy, go with the total.  Everyone is different.  You might not always have diarrhea and need Imodium with every meal.  I'm about 2.5 months out and my stools are most of the time semi-formed (skinny, but somewhat formed).  I've had my problems, weight loss, trigger points, yada yada, but all in all I am sooooo glad I had this surgery.  I am 55 and have been constipated all my life, even as a child.

Cheers

Zoe

Posted 8/29/2005 11:55 PM (GMT 0)

Ok - I had the 2 month check.  I am not on any restrictions for work.  I found out that I don't have 12" of large intestine more like 6".  He left that in for a holding tank basically.  I described what you all have and he said I am very similar.  For him a total colectomy would include removal of the rectum.  The pathology report on my large intestine said it showed heavy laxative abuse, I can't remember the medical term for it.  He gave me a prescription for Bentyl when I get the pains in the side when I know things are not moving.  He also said that one could have problems with slow motility in the small bowel, but there is really nothing to do for it. ie...... can't take it out.  He thinks the Bentyl will help by relaxing it. I told him eating fiber really sucks !!! The stuff just does not move.  Same when I had my large bowel.  I also inquired about getting pregnant and it won't be a problem.  I am not planning on it, but one never knows what will happen.  I could meet Prince Charming.  I am living proof that your don't need a gallbladder, appendix or large intestine to live a good quality of life.

Cathy and Amira - I am getting older (40) and I have been taking aspirin for a blood thinner since '98 when I had a blood clot.  Maybe that is why I bruise easy.

Cathy - I took B12 before the surgery, should I continue?

Amira - My second period after surgery was normal.  I bet yours will be the same. At the time I had my first cycle I also had that terrible drain tube.  Fighting with that was not fun when it came time for a change.

Emma - I too, hope your having fun.  I spent all my vacation in my house re-couping from this surgery.

ZOE - Please find out why your loosing weight.  Maybe you need to try some "Boost".  It is a really good vitamin fortified drink.  I drank it when I was still loosing weight.  It's good and it put some weight on me.  Let us know how your doing.  What was your weight before your surgery? Maybe you can not tolerate the lactose in the milk yet, try some lactaid before eating ice cream.  Do you have problems with milk?   Thanks a bunch for all the work you are doing with the names, numbers and e-mail addresses.  I can't wait to have the completed list.

Annie- maybe you can get formed BMs' by making a fish face and squeezing your cheeks tongue Maybe it is formed, but in the water it does not look like it.  I have a toilet hat - it catch's the droppings(if you will) so I can examine them.  Here is a good one.  I was at work and saw something strange in the water.  We carry two way radios, so I used the antenna to swirl stuff around.  If I have to take it in the john I am going to use it.  I washed it off.

Ok, I better run, will check back later.

Ciao,

Kelly

Posted 8/30/2005 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Cathy - have them leave a "holding tank" area, about 4-6" like me. I have NOT had any runny diarrhea. I have always been able to hold it till I can get to a toilet. I held it today for 40 minutes while I was driving. Please don't hesitate to call if you want. I would more than happy to speak with you. My number is 319-835-5802. I am in the central time zone.

Kelly
Posted 8/30/2005 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Here it is - the medical term for my surgery

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with ileorectostomy.

Kelly
Posted 8/30/2005 2:01 AM (GMT 0)

Emma, I too am jealous also.. wish I were on vacation!  Have enough fun for all of us!

Amira, it wasn't that time of month when I noticed the bruises, still not really sure what's going on.  Haven't really thought that much about really.  My first period post-op was terrible also!  My surgeon told me it may be that way though b/c he found endometriosis during surgery.  I'm really glad that I could help "calm your nerves" so to speak Amira.  Seems like I have been posting on here forever! 

Annie, most of the time my BM's are semi-formed.  Very skinny also, and very short.  I just realized how gross this is, but hey, who cares!  Some things I eat really go straight through me, leaving me with almost liquid stool.  But that is only occasionally. 

Cathy, I would go with whatever your surgeon recommends. My surgeon also told me that I still may end with constipation from leaving the rectum, but so far everything has been ok.  If you do have the total will you end up with an ostomy? 

Kelly, isn't it funny how now we examine our stool?  I remember before, when I couldn't go, I was just elated when it actually came out, I didn't care what it looked like.  But now, I am much more in tune b/c I want to make sure everything is coming out ok and to make sure there is no blood, etc.  I think 2 way radio would be a good swizzle stick if need be! tongue

Somer

Posted 8/30/2005 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the insight, ladies.

Zoe- me too, constipated for as long as I can rememberl

Kelly-- the B12 isn't going to get better on it's own. If you needed it before surgery then you'll need it more after. B12 is absorbed in the beginning of the large intestines. Once it is gone, the small intestines may pick up that job too.

My surgeon wants to do an ileorectostomy. No bag- Somer. Connect the ileum to the rectum. She said she hand sews the anastimosis, is there anyother way? I never heard of a colon sewing machine.

She just freaked me out with the chronic Imodium and liquid thickener. She said I'd be trading out one sack of wo (Sp?) for another.

She also said that a coca cola enema high up should break up the blockage that I still have. Have any of you guys ever done that?

My mom says she'll come help me for a week or so, she doesn't understand what or why I'm doing but supportive none the less.

I almost had a heart attack, they said my insurance only covers the hospital that I use to run the ER at, but the surgeon was able to get another hospital approved. The hospital I used to work at is Paradise Valley but we used to call it Death Valley.

THanks for all the help, you all jumped into action quick and I totally appreciate the help/advice.
Until tomorrow

Cathy
Posted 8/30/2005 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
Cathy, thanks for the bruising info; it makes a lot of sense.  Now I know why I bruised so easily in the hospital with all those anti-clotting shots!  about being on the lake all day, no, there were no restrooms on board.  It's just a pontoon boat, but it's also a small lake (200 home) and our neighbors (friends) are spread out perfectly.  If I really had to go, I'd know how to get into most of their homes.  Fortunately, my surgery left me exactly how I wanted to be: I go one to three times a day, and rarely ever do I feel like I can't hold it.  But that image of a rear hanging off the boat wasn't just funny, but also had crossed my mind may times during those horrible laxative days.

 

Cathy, I thought a total was removal of the rectum as well as the entire (including sigmoid) large intestine.  With the subtotal, the rectum is attached directly to the small intestine -- no sigmoid present.  I had a subtotal, but my sigmoid was removed 3 years earlier and my bowels are formed.  Also, my surgeon warned me about both continued constipation or 7 BMs a day.  I'm happy to say he was overly cautious on both counts.  Hope that helps.

 

OK Kelly, may I say that you're getting a little obsessive with the radio antenna thing?  And what in the world is that poop catcher you keep referring to?  Yes, I look, OK, I even exam, but you're getting dangerously close to touching and I haven't done that since the anal stage, some 40 years ago!  You sound really cute though, so obsess away -- you go girl!

 

Welcome home Emma!  We want to hear every detail so we can live vicariously through you since it appears we all need a vacation!

 

Amira

Posted 8/30/2005 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
Cathy, what is the difference between ileorectostomy and ileorectal anastamosis?  Perhaps they are the same thing just with 2 names?  Pardon me if this is a stupid question.

I've never heard of coca cola enema, but wouldn't that burn to high heaven?! 

~Somer

 

Posted 8/30/2005 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have a question for Zoe and Somer and whomever else had an open surgery.  The right side of my incision/tummy is still slightly proturded (it will be 4 weeks tomorrow).  I'm assuming it's internal bruising.  Am I correct or is it the new location of my small intestine?  The left side of my body/tummy/incision is flat as a board; never before has my tummy been so flat.  I just love it.  The right side, on the other hand, looks like my tummy did after I'd taken tons of laxatives and emptied out, so it's not horrible, but quite noticable by comparison.  Any words of wisdom?

 

Zoe, I checked our colectomy list to see who had open surgery and noticed that the area code for my cell phone number is incorrect.  The correct area code is 248, same as my home phone.  Thanks

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