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Total Colectomy part 6

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Posted 9/1/2005 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Ladies,

Time to start a new vein.  We got lock out of the other one.

Good luck Cathy.  My prayers are with you.  Emma's right. Light reading is the way to go.  Even picture books.  LOL  The meds they will give you don't do much for your concentration.

I went to my surgeon today.  He said all was fine and not to worry too much about the weight loss.  I am trying to eat more and drink Boost, so I'm just going to let it go and stop worrying.  He told me I could start running again - actually I could do anything i want as long as it doesn't hurt.

He also told me I had an allergic reaction to benzoin.  That's why I had the blistering and the redness that won't go away.  He told me to see a dermatologist and maybe a corticosteroid cream would help.  I wish he would have given it to me.  I really don't feel like going to any more doctors for awhile - no offense Cathy.

Cheers

Zoe

Posted 9/1/2005 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Zoe-- a low dose corticosteroid cream is sold over the counter in order to avoid the doctor. No offense taken- I don't like going to the doctors either.
My surgeon said to see the PCP for preops and the PCP said that the surgeon should take care of it??? Again, no one wanted to do the work. I'll just do it myself and pay out of pocket (well okay, out of clinic).

My mom just called, she asked how I was feeling, I said that I feel like crap. She just laughed.

I talked to my best friend from high school, her family still lives in New Orleans. Her folks made it out okay. They went into Texas. It sounds like most of the people in trouble there are the ones who decided not to leave. We lived on the west bank and the levees held there, so no major flooding there. But the rest of the city is in ruins.

I'm trying to finish up work to go home, talk to you all later,
Cathy
Posted 9/2/2005 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
EMMA - Don't use that color again, very hard on the eyes !!!!

I drove a forklift for the first time today since my release. It was a bone jarring and inside jumping ordeal. But, I got over my fear of possible pain. There wasn't any. Now this means I have to drive it more. I hate doing that.

Cathy - is your last initail W? How will mail get to you at the hospital.

I really don't have much to report tonight, I am soooooooo tired. I wake at 3.30 to walk on my treadmill. Tomorrow will be my first 2 mile walk since surgery. I won't be going at the same pace I was before, but will try to get close. I have a 4 day weekend and I can't go shopping because of the gas prices. I am going to clean my house instead. YIKES !!!

I will check back later..

Kelly
Posted 9/2/2005 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for asking Kelly. W stands for Walker.
How far away from shopping do you live? And what are you doing driving a forklift? My husband wants to know if I'll know how to drive a forklift after surgery too? He thinks he's funny. I don't like cleaning my house when I feel good let alone when I'm not 100%.

I am very lucky. I do the kids, and my husband does the dishes and the laundry.

I'm in a weird state, I have so much to do and very little time to do it. I want a great steak dinner. Ruth's Chris Steak House great. I have a feeling I won't being eating a heavy meal for a long time after surgery. I ate Chinese and Mexican recently, so I am okay there. I have found a new place that I crave all the time, but I have to force my husband to take me there, it's called Chipotle, it's a burrito place. I won't be eating that for a while. It's way not low residue. Tonight I have to google "low residue" diet.

I stopped at Walmart on my way home and bought a large pair of pajamas. I'm not much for letting it all hang out. I hope that the pants are real loose. I got my wipes, and butt cream and phosphosoda and few other things. I'm still trying to get my life in order before Thurs. I never give much thought to how complicated my life is until I have to try to explain how I do it to someone else. Does that make sense?

Time to feed the animals,
check back later,

Cathy
Posted 9/2/2005 4:06 AM (GMT 0)

Good luck Cathy and don't worry, you'll be eating all your favorite foods before you know it (except for spicy stuff -- ouch!).  I had steak 3 weeks after surgery and maybe even before -- I don't remember.  But I do know that I was on the residue diet for only 6 days and I think steak was on that list.  I'd wait at least a week for the mexican though.

Amira

Posted 9/2/2005 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
Cathy - I work in a shipping/recieving office. I coordinated the flow of traffic of in and outgoing shipments and product coming of the line to be loaded. There are times, like now, because we are on a severely reduced staff, that I have to assist on the dock and driving a lift is part of it. I did wake up to some right side pain. Not as bad as a few weeks ago. This pain is still there and reminds me of itself when I strectch, yawn or sneeze. I live 37 miles from the nearest J C Penney's. That may not be shopping to you, but that is where the mall is. Now for really big shopping, I am 75 miles away. That is the nearest Best Buy is and one of favorite places I need to stay away from. I take too much advantage of their "interest free" financing to get alot of gadgets.

When I went in the hospital I packed like I was going on a vacation. Makeup, stretchy shorts, books to keep me busy. I did not crack one book, sponge bathed for 3 days, did not even open the bag of clothes I brought. I did have my husband get me some A&D ointment for my rear end, that realllly helped. I wore the hospital gown for a few days because it was real easy to just lay on the bed pad and let it flow. I did this for about 3 days. This was easiest for me because I had those things on my legs to prevent blood clots and that meant everytime I needed to go, the nurses had to come in and remove them and then put them back on. Then I discovered large adult diapers in a drawer and started wearing those. They were great. I just stopped in my tracks and went, even when I was out walking. Then I had the nurses get me some of those "scrub pants" at day 4. I wore them with a t-shirt. I also got some depends diapers for at home and I used them for about 4 days. I was afraid of accidents on the couch and stuff. Make sure to ask for lots of washcloths, I used alot of them to finish cleaning myself after I went.

Better get the day started, I will check back later.

Kelly
Posted 9/2/2005 1:17 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Ladies,

Sorry I have not posted for a while, been very busy.  I am glad to see that everyone is doing well.  Has anyone else had a rectocele repair done at the same time as the colectomy?

Posted 9/2/2005 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
Cathy - good to know your friends are ok.  The sad thing is some people didnt stay because they wanted to, but because they didnt have the means to leave.  So although some people were being dumb, other people had no choice.  When you order your own meds, make sure you also order some pre-op antibiotics to kill the normal flora (neo or erythromyocin). 

Kelly - good for you for exercising.  Dont overdo it! :)

I had egg rolls last night, and they did not agree with me at all.  I kept having these sever gas pains and the urge to go, but nothing would come. Not fun, and I dont think I will be repeating that for a long time.  I played tennis with a good friend on Wed and I sweated my butt off.  I thought I got off easy because I wasnt that sore yesterday, but today my right hand and arm are very sore!

I started my to do list before school starts (next Tues) and yesterday I had 30 things and I am down to 10 left today.. so happy I am!  I have some housework and errands to get done today, and then I am going to the mall with a friend later!

Have a great day everyone,
Emma

Posted 9/2/2005 2:12 PM (GMT 0)

Kelly, did you try the exercise I posted for you in Part 5, page 6?  Let me know if it helps confused

Emma, I can't believe you played tennis, I have problems walking a mile ever so slowly.  Does 2 weeks make that much of a difference?  Have fun shopping!

Amira

Posted 9/2/2005 2:41 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, it does, but so does forcing yourself to move too!  I was driving and runnning errands by week 3 and although I was tired and sore at times, it was good that I pushed myself!  I got better faster I think because I refuse to lay around!  Tennis actually did not hurt at all, except for the muscles in my arm.  Now I am thinking of some racquetball after school starts! :)

I look like a home goddess right now: I got dishes in the dishwashed going, laundry in the washer, more laundry in the dryer, LOL this is what I have to do on my days off! :)

Hugs,

Emma

Posted 9/2/2005 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Emma,

I started driving at week 3 as well, but limited my errands.  But the last week or so I've been more mentally active than physically.  I'm trying to get all my CE hours in before my class begins Sept 12.  It's funny that the focus of the 30 CE hours I'm working on now is crisis intervention.  The ACA (American Counseling Association) is looking for volunteers to go down to the Gulf for a minimum of 2 weeks.  I want to go: I feel so mentally ready and believe I can make a difference; but physically, I don't think I could do it.  When I asked my husband what he thought, he just laughed at me and told me to take a nap (which I did).  Anyway, we were able to contact the American Red Cross and make a donation.  I really wish I could have gone though.

 

Laundry day begins tomorrow for me and probably won't end until Sunday or Monday.

 

Later, Amira

Posted 9/2/2005 9:27 PM (GMT 0)

Amira - I know exactly how you feel about being more mentally then physically.  In the weeks following surgery I did some very light housework, but I completely re-organized and revamp my class that I teach, plus planned a whole extra nursing program.  When I look at everything I got done, I am amazed with it to tell you the truth!

I am also really wishing to go to the south.  I would love to go and I have the appropriate qualifications ( just like you, although I would be providing medical care) but I just cant do it.  Physically maybe I could do it, but I have at least 16 students counting on me right now, not to mention the whole college.  Plus my classes, but it really does kill me because I would love to help and I am good under pressure/stress!

Went to the doctor this morning because I have had this rash for a long time..some before surgery, but it appears to be alot worse since surgery.  Saw the derm guy and he was just a jerk (I dont remember how much of this I told you guys about) so I tried his treatment for 1 1/2 weeks and it didnt help... so I saw my regular doctor again!  My hgb is 13.3 woo hoo... that is one of the highest I have ever had... which means I dont have to start taking iron again! So, I am going to try a different treatment for the rash... grr :(

Still waiting for my friend to wake up!  LOL most of my friends still work night shift, so I am used to waiting for them!

Hugs,

Emma

Posted 9/2/2005 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
ACK, just got off the phone with the results people at the hospital and my ESR (sed rate) is 39. SOMER - what the heck is going on!

Sorry just had to vent :(
Posted 9/3/2005 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
Emma, I don't know what those #s mean, but I'm guessing the first one was good and the second not so hot.  Hope it turns your way soon.  about the rash, I've mentioned this before, I've usually had to go to about 3 different dermotologists to get a rash taken care of.  I found one DO who got it right every single time.  My thing is, if I don't see a difference within a couple of days, I go elsewhere!  Anyway, I'm seeing my DO/neighbor/friend/dermotogist on Tuesday about the scar.  I hope to have good info to share then.

 

Amira

Posted 9/3/2005 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

Emma, could your elevated sed rate be due to post surgical inflammation? Even just inflam. of the surgical incision? Just an idea.

I had my preops today. I failed my EKG, my t waves are flipped. So I think that my electrolytes are out of wack. I redid it at my office and it was the same- darn! I'll know more Tues when I get my labs back. I had a normal EKG in July.

I'm trying to accomplish one thing at a time to get my life ready for this. It's not easy! I am nervous. Today I found Scarguard (for later). I ordered refills on my kids meds. Picked up what I needed at the store. Getting my notes ready to hand off on the CME's that I was supposed to teach on the 14th. Paying bills (home and office). Stocking up on supplies at the office. etc. etc.

I'm so plugged that I'm nauseated and vomiting. That's why I figure that my electrolytes are out of wack. I keep cramping, and I am very uncomfortable. Relief is on the way.

I'm calling it a night. Until tomorrow,
Cathy
Posted 9/3/2005 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

Emma, could your elevated sed rate be due to post surgical inflammation? Even just inflam. of the surgical incision? Just an idea.

I had my preops today. I failed my EKG, my t waves are flipped. So I think that my electrolytes are out of wack. I redid it at my office and it was the same- darn! I'll know more Tues when I get my labs back. I had a normal EKG in July.

I'm trying to accomplish one thing at a time to get my life ready for this. It's not easy! I am nervous. Today I found Scarguard (for later). I ordered refills on my kids meds. Picked up what I needed at the store. Getting my notes ready to hand off on the CME's that I was supposed to teach on the 14th. Paying bills (home and office). Stocking up on supplies at the office. etc. etc.

I'm so plugged that I'm nauseated and vomiting. That's why I figure that my electrolytes are out of wack. I keep cramping, and I am very uncomfortable. Relief is on the way.

I'm calling it a night. Until tomorrow,
Cathy
Posted 9/3/2005 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
Cathy - I am hoping that the elevated ESR is just post surgical inflammation, although I would think that since I am 6 weeks post op the inflammation should be gone.  I am trying not to stress about it, my esr is consistantly elevated around 21-24 for years because of the anemia, but I have never had one this high.  Im not happy!  But you are sure taking your EKG changes in stride.  I am sure it is nothing, although perhaps you shoudl get this checked out.  I am sure that you know that flipped T waves can be a sign of ischemia or impending MI (or it could be something as simple as out of whack lytes! Let me know what you come up with! :)

 

Posted 9/3/2005 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
Wish me luck - going to the Midwestern Old Threshers. It is a big to do about old tractors and such. Lots of walking around and my biggest worry ..... they only have port a potties. I hope to be able to get to real toilet even if it is in a gas station. I am planning on taking my own TP.

Kelly
Posted 9/3/2005 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Kelly- don't worry about the port a potty- it already stinks!
But hygenically- it's a sad day when we think that gas stations are the best way to GO. A plus for the port a potty- at least your the only one in there- haha :) OK, I know I'm not helping.

Emma- My t changes are in the inferior leads and aren't consistant with the changes normally seen with MI, however they are consistant with lo K+ levels. Until I have labs back Tues. I just have to wait and try not to throw up. I'll eat an extra banana too. I do find myself with mental fatigue, not remembering things that I should remember- like a friends name, or to do something routine that I do everyday. Maybe it's senile dementia, I've been feeling very OLD for the past year or so.
Tuesday I get a big dose of magnesium citrate so if it was that, I'll fix it too. Then there is the phosphosoda- it has sodium. That pretty much takes care of all the lytes. If I'm high in something, too bad. I'll try to call and see if the lab will give be results- haha.
I'm at work already and the waiting room is filling up. We only do a 1/2 day on Sat. but we do a whole days work in the 1/2 day, just faster.
Talk to ya'll later,
Cathy
Posted 9/3/2005 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Emma- is it recommended to do the antibiotics before surgery? No one here has said anything about doing it. If so, is Zithromycin okay (I have that one already and it's only 3 days)?
Thanks
Cathy
Posted 9/3/2005 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Cathy - actually zithromyocin is not recommended because it is not strong on the Gi flora.  Neomyocin is the best because it kills all normal flora which is the purpose of the antibiotics.  Actually I was on neo and erythromyocin both, starting the night before surgery, every 4 hours time 4 doses just to flush out the flora :)

Posted 9/4/2005 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
Made it thru the day ok. I did not have to go and I can hold my "water" pretty good if I have to. It was dirty, dusty, hot and too many people with strollers that were driving them on "unfriendly" stroller conditions. That being said, there a quite a few hot, craying babies and little kids as well.

See ya tomorrow !!

Kelly
Posted 9/4/2005 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
The strangest thing happened to me the other day.  I went for a walk and bent down to tie my shoelace and noticed that my whole right kneecap had turned bright red.  I don't recall falling or bumping it against anything and it was fine in the morning.  My husband was freaking out because it was worse this morning.  It doesn't hurt, or look like anything stung it.  He made me go to the emergency room (spent six hours there and felt like a darn fool).  He was afraid maybe it was a blood clot since I've developed all these bulging veins in my right hand and arm.  The doctor was baffled.  He took x-rays and did blood work and said he had never seen anything like it.  He actually said "I don't know what it is, but if it get worse or starts to hurt, come back to the emergency room".  Anyone ever have anything like this or have any ideas what it could be?  I sure hope it isn't related to my surgery in any way.

Cheers,

Zoe the red-kneed reindeer

Posted 9/5/2005 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
Zoe-- that's a little bit strange of a presentation. Red would indicate inflammation. Generally speaking there is pain with inflammation. Cellulitis, septic arthritis, spider bite, fluid on the knee, decreased clotting time are all options. What blood work did they do and what we the results? And NO pain? We'll just call you Rudolph.
Kelly-- glad you made it through the day. I have to admit that I was thinking about you all day.

Emma--thanks for the tip. I'll get on that. Still no blood results. We were too busy at the office yesterday for me to call. Now I can't remember the phone number. Tues. will be here before we know it.
The office has been busier lately, it makes me worry about my husband carrying the load alone. This too shall pass.

I spent the afternoon power-pointing my presentation that I can't do now because of surgery so that I could email it to someone to do for me. Oh well. I pretty much have spent the day not feeling well anyway. I am so looking forward to feeling good again.
4 more days.

talk to you guys later,
Cathy
Posted 9/5/2005 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Wishing you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery Cathy!

 

A word of warning to all:  Do not have an excessive about of onions at any one time -- cooked or otherwise!  Boy did I ever pay for that Saturday night.  I ate Ahi tuna, which was prepared with 3 types of onions -- some cooked (mashed), some fried and some grilled.  Within an hour, that horrible D word hit me and lasted 8 hours (9:00 PM to 5:00 AM)!  Never again!

 

Today, I'm trying corn -- but not much!

 

Amira

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