Surgery positioning

What kind of surgery are you getting? You're in your hospital gear when the anesthesia kicks in and you're in it when you wake up.

It was strange to me to lay on a metal table instead of a bed. I felt like a specimen. I kind of wondered if I was going to be bored, but it felt like I woke up somewhat quickly. I think I was out for about 5 hours.

I had an ileostomy as well - 6 weeks ago. I had a colectomy so I have no large intestine. It was a laparoscopic surgery, so I had 4 small incisions plus one that was a bit longer - like a c-section (since the intestine was too inflamed to pull out through one of the small incisions).

Recovery has been going well. I was never really in much pain. The doctor cleared me to work out yesterday. Unfortunately, I started bleeding from the rectum a few days ago about once or twice a day. At least I can control it. The doctor prescribed suppositories, so hopefully that solves the problem. He says that the ulcerative colitis is still in the rectum.

It was great to eat whatever I wanted for a while. I imagine I'll get there again. I'm limiting my diet now to be on the safe side.

I spent lots of time researching free samples of stoma gear - supplies and clothes for working out/swimming. Also blogs. I'm well adjusted to the stoma and have no problems. Nice to have a life .

Thanks! You too Ben!

There is a wonderful little drug called Versed that they can give you prior to wheeling you into the OR. It had me smiling from ear to ear. I was awake for less than 5 minutes when they got me into the OR. It can look a little overwhelming with all the people, equipment etc. Laying on the table they began to give me oxygen and then the sleepy drugs (which burn going in) but after that I was asleep in a few seconds. The room may feel pretty cold as well.

blksteeda said...
There is a wonderful little drug called Versed that they can give you prior to wheeling you into the OR. It had me smiling from ear to ear. I was awake for less than 5 minutes when they got me into the OR. It can look a little overwhelming with all the people, equipment etc. Laying on the table they began to give me oxygen and then the sleepy drugs (which burn going in) but after that I was asleep in a few seconds. The room may feel pretty cold as well.

Good ol'drugs

hah, i always wondered this too. I had lapro and I was nude under the gown. I'd imagine it was all hanging out, but I always think I am the big "thing of the day" and that's probably exciting to the people doing the procedure. So, maybe you can think of it that way. They shaved me, but I doubt it was an exciting shaving, though I could imagine some crazy scenarios, I am sure it was all clinical. My surgeon is a busy guy, who is very well respected, I doubt he has time to wait for people to give fun haircuts. That would have been interesting if I woke up with a heart or something cute. They should have waxed it, perfect opportunity to give a nice wax, while I wouldn't feel anything. Yes, they do give you the fun drugs while they wheel you. That's always the fun part for me, before anything happens... everything after waking gives me nausea. The ride to the OR is fun. The first time I was knocked out so no fun. After that, I was awake, but whacky until I got to the OR, and got to have drunken chitchat. You will do great.

notsosicklygirl said...
They shaved me, but I doubt it was an exciting shaving, though I could imagine some crazy scenarios, I am sure it was all clinical. My surgeon is a busy guy, who is very well respected, I doubt he has time to wait for people to give fun haircuts. That would have been interesting if I woke up with a heart or something cute. They should have waxed it, perfect opportunity to give a nice wax, while I wouldn't feel anything. Yes, they do give you the fun drugs while they wheel you.

I learned this when gave me instructions for my hip surgery (leg area). Do not shave 7 days in advance; it can lead to irritations or cuts (microscopic) in the shaved area. They use special razors to shave you. They say that it increases possible infections.

I didn't not get any instructions about that for my j-pouch surgeries. The hospital that I had my hip surgery at takes this stuff very seriously, they have the lowest infection rate of any major hospital in the country; so they said.

Well I'm back home after 3 days (step 1 ileostomy), everthing went perfectly other than some trapped air in my shoulder which is causing abit of pain.

Everyone is suprised I'm out so quick but I did my research, I knew the ins and outs of what was going to happen and it's nothing. Have adjusted to it with although it has been 3 threes I'm very comfortable and confident at looking after and changing my bag.

Just going to take it easy now and give everything plenty of time to heal



Thank you everyone

Yes, definitely request a new ostomate sample kit from all the major manufacturers if your ostomy nurse hasn't already done so. Most send strips and wipes with the appliance to try.

Brava barrier strips are also my favorite!!

Congrats on your surgery!

imBen said...
I left with plenty of supplies and the nurse will pop round next week to check on me and sort out the monthly package. Have only coughed so far, not looking to forward to a sneeze

I do feel better, for sure. Mentally and physically. Travelling has always been bad for me but the car ride home was a breeze other than a few potholes. I'm glad I went through with it 100%

Looking forward to when things settle into place and the bruising/swelling goes down

if you have to cough or sneeze, place a pillow over your abdomen to help brace yourself, sneezing sucked lol

blksteeda said...

imBen said...
I left with plenty of supplies and the nurse will pop round next week to check on me and sort out the monthly package. Have only coughed so far, not looking to forward to a sneeze

I do feel better, for sure. Mentally and physically. Travelling has always been bad for me but the car ride home was a breeze other than a few potholes. I'm glad I went through with it 100%

Looking forward to when things settle into place and the bruising/swelling goes down

if you have to cough or sneeze, place a pillow over your abdomen to help brace yourself, sneezing sucked lol

Ill certainly try that when and if the time comes. Luckily I have only coughed once so far but it wasn't one of those deep coughs that comes from the stomach

notsosicklygirl said...
Great news. I can't believe how well you've adjusted already. I was in for 5 days after the first step. I stayed a little longer than I needed to, but i have pets and I knew they would jump all over me. I got used to the pouch quickly, but not as fast as you. I don't think I could even change mine alone until after I met my home health nurse 2x. I guess I would have learned faster if I didn't have her because I would have had to do it myself. Once I did it myself, I learned. After that, I was fine. It was nice to have someone train me though on the other hand. I don't think I sneezed the whole time I was healing, at least not immediately after where it was a problem.

Fortunately I only have a cat and he is not interested in anyone, dogs are so much better


One thing I have noticed is I still have air trapped in my shoulder, it's going down slowly. I was wondering if any of you experienced the same thing? The surgeon said it's normal and generally passes within 48 hours. Was wondering if there is anything else I could try? They had me drinking peppermint tea while in hospital but I didn't find that helped much


Thanks
Ben