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Total Colectomy Part 10

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Posted 4/3/2006 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,  I have been reading and reading for days now, and i do have a couple of questions.  What is an ileus? Is that something that can happen immediately after surgery or any time after having a colectomy?  Also, some of you mentioned that you had a 24 hour gastric emptying study test done... did most of you have to have this?  My rings went immediately into my large intestine. And one last question...How many of you had an NG tube after surgery? I didnt do very well with it the last time at all.  Thanks for any help!
Posted 4/3/2006 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cathy,

Thanks so much for the supply list.  I'm sure the toilet paper at the hospital is not good..... I am now down to 6 days , I go in next Monday.... I can't wait. Any other last minute information that can be helpful....??? I really appreciate all of you guys , I don't think I could have gotten any better advice or information.  Like you said , my husband just doesn't quite understand alot of this, he just knows that I am ill most of the time. 

Thanks

Posted 4/3/2006 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
Tweety- you need to take a positive attitude with you. Leave any and all negativity at home. Concentrate on the things that are improving each day and don't dwell on that that is not better yet, because it will come. Eat a soft, bland diet Saturday, Friday too for that matter. Sunday will be prep day- that's the hardest. Alot of us found that adding tang to the golytely or whatever prep they give you helped make it more palatable. Take one day at a time, plan for no complications but know that they can happen.

Mom- after any abdominal surgery you can get an ileus. The small intestines throws a fit and decides it doesn't want to work for a while. The NG tube doesn't happen to everyone, depends on the surgeon. ONe surgeon automatically put it in no matter what!?!?!?! It does help prevent nausea/vomiting/ileus. I ended up going home with a feeding tube down my nose to my small intestine, so pretty much the same thing, it made me gag alot, finally I make my husband pull it out (or I was going to do it myself.) I didn't have the gastric emptying test, so really I don't know much about it.

Cathy
Posted 4/3/2006 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Tweety and Mom23,- Make sure you take something to read, your tolietries, gum. Have you read the article about Ieus's? I wish I had chewed gum after my surgery. I don't know how much of the article is true. It says " If you chew gum, it usually wakes up the small intestine." I had an Ileus and so did so many of the others. Take your pj's, I was more comfortable with mine. I would also suggest taking some mints or other hard candy. Your mouth will be dry. The best way to have the NG tube is, have them put in it during surgery. The first time I had the NG tube, it was after my surgery. The second time, I asked my doctor to place the NG tube in during surgery. It still was a pain but It came out just two days later.

Mom23- What is the 24 hour emptying test? Are you talking about the Gastrographin Enema?

Blessings,
Sasha
Posted 4/3/2006 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
Cathy and Sasha,

Thanks for all the great replys, I will definately be taking a positive attitude with me , I'm ready!! Not looking forward to the prep day. They have me taking nulytely with a cherry flavoring in it. I will start packing my bag probably on Sunday. I have gotten most of my things together already. This last week seems like just a busy week trying to get everything in order.... I haven't asked about an NG tube should I ask the doctor before I go in .... He didn't mention it.... I really appreciate all of your support from this forum , it has been great!! Thanks for the tip on the chewing gum...



Tweety
Posted 4/3/2006 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Mom, if you read the previous posts, you probably read my story about the NG tube.  My surgeon said I would have one ONLY IF I NEEDED IT.  I did get an ileus after surgery, lots of vomiting, a couple of ATTEMPTED NG tubes-  I couldn't keep it in longer than 30 minutes.  I'm a very bad patient!  eyes

My surgeon recomended to me hard candy like lifesavers. I took all of the really cute pj's with me, but I tell ya, the hospital gown was way easier.  I did wear my own pj's the last 2 days in the hospital, once I could shower.  I also had my husband bring me some liquids that I liked to drink.  I'm not really big on Gatorade, and those sort of things.  Although I grew quite fond of grape juice during my stay. 

I also started my prep 3 days before surgery.  I didn't eat very much those days, and it really helped.  I had to drink Phospho-soda and take dulcolax for my surgery.  My surgeon isn't big on the Golytely- and frankly, neither was I.  I also had to drink a bottle of Mag Citrate on Sunday, started the big prep on Monday and surgery was on Tuesday.

Good luck with all of the upcoming surgeries!!

~Somer

Posted 4/3/2006 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Cathy,

Can you give me an idea of what are considered bland foods???


Thanks

Tweety
Posted 4/3/2006 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone,  Tweety I will be thinking about you and saying some extra prayers that all goes well.  Sasha, I dont know what the gastrographin enema is, but I dont think its the same thing.  The 24 hour study is the one where they put a tube through your nose into your stomach and measure your gastric emptying for 24 hours to see if you have any small intestine motility problem.  I cant remember who here had this, but it doesnt sound like very many of you.   I dont know why I have such a fear of an NG tube, you're usually pretty out of it the first two days anyways.  I guess its just thinking about it that makes it so bad.   
Posted 4/3/2006 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
mom,

Thanks, I am ready to get this done. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is the prep.....
Posted 4/3/2006 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Tweety- generally, I tell my patients that on a bland diet, if you like it- then you can't eat it. Try this link http://www.dietsite.com/dt/diets/gastrointestinaldisorders/blanddiet.asp
it will give you some ideas.

Cathy
Posted 4/5/2006 9:03 AM (GMT 0)

Hey all I am new to the post here and was wondering if i might be able to ask your advise since most of you have been through this so far.  I started out two years ago now with pain in my lower left side.  I came home from work one day and had a dull acking pain well I laid down for a nap and was awaken by the pain.  I went to the emergency room and they tried giving me some anabotices and saying it was diverticilouis.  I went home and took the meds but after two days of non stop hurting I went back in and they admitted me into the hospital.  I stayed in the hospital for a week going through every type of test you can think of from colonoscopy, to other test I can even begin to spell.  Well I moved from my base in the US after a year of working with my gastro at fairchild AFB and came over to japan where I am at now.  I have been through two gastro doctors and a surgeon.  I have taken two sitzmarker test now and both have came up with all 24 markers still being there.  I have also done the pelvic exam and everything else at this point.  I just got the knews that I will have to go through the coloectomy on may 5 2005 I have read your post and all and have gained a abundent of knowledge.  My question for all of you is would you suggest this surgery or not.  It is to the point where I am tired of hurting all the time I have tried everything from zelnorm, to mirilax, and all nothing works the only thing that even helps control the pain is percert and I don't want to get hooked on those so if you have any advice that might help it would really help.  On top of that I am in the military so I work on the flight line not around a bathroom that often if at all how will this affect me.  If you would please let me know. 

Thanks and god bless

Mark Chafin 

Posted 4/6/2006 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Mark - If you have tried every medications and you are still experiencing no relief of symptoms, then you should consider the surgery.  I am suprised that any doctor would place you on percocet for pain control, as this is a medication which is known to cause increased constipation in those people who take this medication.  I would definately pursue the surgical option and I would discuss with the surgeon the risks and benefits of this surgery. As you have read from many of the previous posts, this surgery is not without risks,  but then again neither is any surgery.  Going into the procedure armed with knowledge and with your eyes wide open is always a good idea.

Let us know if you have further questions!

Hugs,

Emma

Posted 4/6/2006 8:55 AM (GMT 0)
Emma,

Thanks I am going ahead with the surgery I have it scheduled for 5 May 2006. And I have spoken with my doctor about the risk and have enjoyed his advice but at the same time it is easier to talk to others who have been through it and can give you opions that aren't based on a medical stand point. But thanks for you advise it is greatly welcomed and I am thankful for it.
Posted 4/6/2006 12:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

I am only a few days away from my surgery date. I go in on Monday the 10th of April. Any last minute suggestions?

Cathy--Thanks for the website pulled off the information I needed.  It does help.

Tweety

Posted 4/6/2006 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,  I had my apt. with my GI dr. yesterday to discuss my transit study. He was honest and said that he didnt know what to do, but that surgery could be my only option.  He is sending me to see a new Dr.  next wed. who is apparently of of the best in the country for motility disorders. Then the next day I will meet with a surgeon to discuss a colectomy and everything that involves.  Thanks to all of you, I feel prepared and ready to talk with him about these options.   So I guess I still have no answers about what I am going to do. He did tell me that in the 20 years he has been practicing, he has only done 5 of these surgeries, and 3  were very successful, one person was killed in a car accident, so he had no follow up, and the last person, I forgot to ask about.  Tweety,  I dont have any advice to give you since I havent been through this, but I can offer you my thoughts and prayers for a successful outcome.  Keep your positive attitude, you inspire me.  Do you have someone to post for you after the surgery?

    Mark, good luck to you as well.  please post and let us know how it goes for you.  Thanks everyone.

Posted 4/6/2006 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
mom23,

Thanks, good luck to you. I hope everything goes well for you. I'm glad they are finally getting things worked out for you. I can't wait to get my surgery out of the way so I can start healing. No , my husband doesn't work well with the computer , but I will post as soon as I can .


Thanks

Tweety
Posted 4/6/2006 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
confused  Hello I'm new to this forum and well I've been reading all of your posts.  I am scheduled for a Colectomy on the 18th.  I also have rectal Prolapse that comes out when I strain.

Now my doctor calls, 1 week before the surgery and wants a 3rd Sitz marker study?

The firt one I went through I had blood in my stool in the middle and had to have an emergency colonoscopy so everthing got flushed.  Then he had me do another study which I went all the way through but now he is calling for another one?  Has anyone else had to do this study more than once?

I'm a little nervous about the suregery but from reading all your posts and that you can have BM so regular now I can only dream of that.

Oh the blood was from Divaticuler (sp?) disease.  I am also having vaginal bleeding now that may seem normal but I haven't had a period in 12 years! so My GYN wants to do a Biopsy but I want to wait till after my surgery. By the way I am 52 and stopped my periods cold at 40.

Talking about this is very unpleasent with people who don't have this problem they look at me funny so I am glad I found this sight.

Any suggestions before the surgery would be much appreciated!!!!

Csway

 

Posted 4/6/2006 11:14 PM (GMT 0)

Csway - I would not wait to have the biopsy done untill after surgery, painless resumption of menstraul periods may be nothing, but it also could be something very serious. Not to scare you, but the reason I would definately have the biopsy prior to the colectomy is also because if they find anything that needs to be removed, then they can do it all at one time.  As for the second Sitz marker, it is not unheard of for people to have this test more than once (since your first test did not count) and I would just repeat it to unsure that this is your problem and it would make your surgeon feel more comfortable.

Good luck,

Emma

Posted 4/7/2006 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Csway, what were the results of the 2nd transit study?  Were all of the markers still in the colon?  What other testing have you had done besides the transit study?
Posted 4/7/2006 12:24 AM (GMT 0)

mom23

I have had a defromgraphy (sp?) the fake toilet scan. Boy what a Pain I hated that. This was to confirm my rectal prolapse about 1 inch protrudes out with any straining and rectolcele and endocele were observed. I have also had 3 colonscopys, tried zelnorm, all laxitives 2 endoscopies.  Found a peptic ulcer and hiatal hernia.  Nothing has worked. 

The 2nd transit I don't know the doctor just called and said they wanted a 3rd done.  I did see the last Xray and sway about 19 markers in the lower colon, after the second Xray they were all stuck on the right side. Although I can't read Xrays.

I am just tired of all of this and want some relief!

thanks

Csway

Posted 4/7/2006 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
hi all,

the weekend to go then surgery, prep day sunday, although i have had to be on clear fluids since wednesday... can't wait to get this over with and start the healing process..lots of things to do before monday....thanks again for all of your support and information you don't know how much it has meant to have people to understand all of this .....and good luck to all of the people who are about to go thru the surgery also.... yeah
thanks again

tweety
Posted 4/8/2006 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
eyes  Hi everyone,

Getting closer.  Just trying to wrap up last minute details.  Been pretty busy.  Prep day tomorrow  not looking forward to that nono . 

Tweety

Posted 4/8/2006 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tweety, Good luck to you!  Can I ask why you have been on clear liquids since Wednesday if your prep day is tomorrow? That seems  a bit drastic.  I dont know if I could do that.  Did your Dr. say how long you would be in the hospital?  Let me know how tomorrow goes!
Posted 4/9/2006 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Tweety,
I know you are excited and yet nervous. I will keep you in my prayers for everything to go well. I was in the hospital the first time for almost 2 weeks, but that was because of the ileus. 5-6 days is what you need to plan for. How is the prep going? That was the part I hated. Just think no more prep. How much of your colon are they removing? He removed 5 1/2 feet of mine. I will be praying for you,

Blessings,
Sasha :-)
Posted 4/9/2006 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
HI

Sasha--He will be removing about 5-5 1/2 feet , I can't wait for the no more prep. I have been doing this all day today...UGH~!!! Thank you for the thoughts. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. weird feeling...

mom23- I have been on clear liquids since wednesday because I don't go to the bathroom but once every 5 weeks, so they wanted to make sure this drink actually worked. The last time I took it, it took about 14-16 hours to even take any kind of effect. But today it is working !! My Dr. told me I would be in about 5 days.

Thanks


Tweety
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