Posted 1/25/2015 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,
It's finally almost time for the bowel incontinence and hopefully chronic constipation to end!! I am pretty excited, but a bit nervous too! The reality of the surgeries really sunk in a week or so ago, when I met with the anesthesiologist and my colorectal surgeon. It's going to be a very big and complex surgery. I have already had a bladder augment, which used part of the small intestine, the appendix, and a catheterizable stoma was created then too. So, my anatomy is a bit different from what they would normally see, but I have full confidence that the 3 surgeons will be ok. I am having a colostomy at the level of the sigmoid colon, rectum removed, complete hysterectomy, and bladder sling. Lots going on!!
I think my family is much more nervous than I am. I really feel ready for this, but I know the first time I see the ostomy bag and the stoma, it's going to be shocking and probably freak me out a bit. There's only so much preparing you can do for a surgery that will create a major life long change. I know the beginning will be tough, and it will take lots of time probably to adjust to this new anatomy, but I feel like I'm mentally and emotionally ok with it.
What was it like for all of you when you saw your ostomy/bag/stoma for the first time? Did it take time to process it in your mind and get to the point of accepting that it was a "forever thing"?
Had to do "bowel purges" Weds, Sat, and Sun (today), trying to get every last bit out. Tough to do when your colon just kinda works when it feels like it, and you have zero sensation (gets rather messy!). But, I have at least gotten past the point of being hungry, since my last solid food was Friday eve. (Now I just get clear liquids until I'm totally cut off Monday night). I'm really not meaning to complain--actually it's sort of like I'm having the worst purges ever this week, and feeling this bad is helping me to stay focused on why I want the surgery. (if this week was easy, i bet i'd have some doubts about going thru with the surgery!)
Ok, I'll stop my rambling…I certainly appreciate all that I have learned from everyone here over the past "too many" months, your kindness, knowledge, and support have been wonderful. Thank you. Of course, I'd like to ask for one more thing…maybe some positive thoughts, prayers, kind words, encouragement, whatever you want to share….
Oh, and I am going to ask UCWhat? (sorry, UCWhat? for not asking yet!!!) to maybe post a few little updates on the surgery until I can get back here and bug you with tons of new questions!
Thanks so much,
Sunny13.