Surgery Tuesday-yikes

Good morning!
My name is Cyndi and I had past RNY gastric bypass (6 years ago) and incarcerated ventral hernia 5 yrs ago. I have developed severe colonic inertia (bordering on Ogilvie Syndrome) and pelvic dysfunction. I am scheduled for a total colectomy with ileostomy next Tuesday 7/31 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. I was just hoping to have someone who has had similar issues to talk to, ask questions to, etc. I also have major back issues (most likely the cause of the pelvic dysfunction), fibromyalgia, malnutrition and a bleeding disorder.
I am a nervous wreck about this surgery! Not sure what to expect. Anyone else with similar issues or can anyone offer some advice or words of encouragement?
Thanks and have a great day!
Cyndi

Hi Cyndi and welcome.

I had all but a very short portion of my colon removed in April due to crohns. Not the same reasons as you but in the end it's basically the same outcome.

My best advice to you right is to read and research. In the 3 weeks prior to my surgery I read everything I could get my hands on and read alot of different forum posts and many sites. It helped to prepare me for what was coming so I wasn't so shocked.

Are they doing it lapro or open incision? That will probably make a difference in your recovery time. Hopefully either way they will give you some type of nerve block, it makes the first days more bearable.
I'd tell you more of what my hospital stay was like, but it sounds like you've been there and done that!

Dealing with an ostomy can be trial and error. In the last 4 months I've used multiple different products trying to sort out what works best for me. Don't be afraid to contact the manufacturers and ask for samples. I can't remember if my ostomy nurse set this up or not. But you can contact them with issues or questions about new items. I still request samples.

Good luck, hope all goes well.

I had a total colectomy with end ileio eight years ago due to severe ulcerative proctitis. Although my issues are different than yours, all of us here had the end result of surgery. My surgeon told me I was not a candidate for j pouch. To tell you the truth, I was just so sick of being sick for twelve years prior to surgery, I didn't give a rat's behind. My stoma is on the left, but the reason is, I have situs inversus. All my organs are on the opposite side. After the operation, my surgeon (who was in practice for over thirty years) told me I was his first patient with situs inversus. It is pretty rare. He said it was no problem, he just stood on the opposite side of the operating table. LOL. I was going on 64 yrs of age when I had my operation. I am almost 72 now. It changed my life for the better!!! Going into surgery, I was extremely ill and had a poor quality of life. Now, I enjoy life to the fullest. Good luck and God bless. You will be fine. Just take one day at a time and don't push yourself.

Today is Wednesday, the day after your surgery. When you are able, please let us know how you are feeling. We care.