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Total Colectomy Part 11

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Posted 5/8/2006 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Mel- when was your last BM? Are headaches/nausea new for you? You really don't want to get dehydrated, so you at least want to drink, even if it's small frequent amounts.

Cathy
Posted 5/8/2006 7:05 PM (GMT 0)

i actually just called my doc because i have had a fever since fri. of 99-100. this is all new. my friend said to call since i have a fever. however, my doc said "oh you probably are coming down with a bug." i know i am having a tough time with being dehydrated. oh well, good days and bad days....

thanks!

Mel

Posted 5/8/2006 8:33 PM (GMT 0)

Hi

The smart water is also available in ShopRite

Posted 5/8/2006 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Cathy.  I usually don't try to force it, I really don't have to.  It just kind of does it on it's own.  Went and saw the C/R Doc today and he said everything looked fine.  Talked to him about the gas and he switched me from Metamucil to Cintrucil to help form the movements.  He said it creates alot less gas. 

As for the foods, again just trial and error.  He was more concerned with me being raw down there.  I told him my first concern was to stop the trotsky's, until then, there isn't alot I can do about the rawness with having to do all the wiping.  So far today I've attacked it with vigor and things seem to be calming down.  Also, I get to go back to work starting Wednesday.  I am sure that will make a difference.  Occupying the mind rather than staring at the walls.  Thanks again for the support. 

Phil

Posted 5/9/2006 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
Phil-
Congrats on getting to go back to work. Working gets your mind off of every little symptom that you feel. It will help focus your attention on other things. It helped me. I go stir crazy sitting around doing nothing.
Continue to feel better!
Cathy
Posted 5/10/2006 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
I think I have ripped a muscle or something.....I was feeling better last week and did a lot of housework and starting on Sun. I have a localized pain on my right side of the wound. If I bear down it sends a shooting pain in my head and that area of pain. Any ideas what this might be? I hurt worse than I did last week.
Mel
Posted 5/10/2006 6:26 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,  I'm new to this site, but my friend Mel38 told me about it.  Ironically, we used to work in the same office and are now going through the same thing.  My total is scheduled for Tuesday, and I am getting more and more anxious each day.  I go for pre-op testing tomorrow.  Does anyone know if I can ask to be given a Halcion or Valuum upon arrival to the hospital?  We have to be there at 6am and the operation isn't until 9:15.  By then, I will be a complete mess.  Any suggestions???  Also, anything you learned about what you would or would not take/do while in the hospital, would be appreciated.  I need to pack my bag soon.

Thanks!

Posted 5/11/2006 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Welcome and good luck. You will be fine! At your pre op tomorrow ask them if they can give you something to take the night before. They often give Valium or Xanax and both would be very helpful. Also once at the hospital, they will give you something right away. Trust me, if i can do this , anybody can!!!!!!
Posted 5/11/2006 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Emma, thank you for the suggestion about getting my anesthesia records - only thing is my last surgery was done 14 years ago. My surgeries have been 18, 21, 34, and 39 years ago. I think the last doctor is still in business. I will see if he can dig up my records.


Resa
Posted 5/11/2006 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Mom23,

Thanks for the advice.  I'm sitting up late tonight because I am already feeling anxious.  I have no doubt that life will be better...I think I am just SO unsure of what to expect.  I have no doubt that when I wake up from the procedure, I will be in pain, and that the pain meds can only help somewhat.  I also know that I don't want Morphine because for some reason, it does nothing for me.  I will ask for Demoral instead.  I am so glad to have joined this forum because. like so many others, I feel like the doctors talk fast, and don't take the time to put themselves in the patients shoes, and help them with a true picture of what post-op and the next 6 months will be like.  I don't even know when to tell my work I will be back.  Initially I said 6 weeks, but from what I've heard, that's pushing it.  I am currently a dental assistant in a very busy office, so I know that I will at least have to be able to sit during the procedures, without having to get up and run to the bathroom. nono

Sorry to ramble on.  It just feels nice to talk to someone who has been through it.

Oh yeah, one more thing.  I have a daughter that just turned 2 in April.  She weighs about 27 lbs, and I know I won't be able to pick her up for quite some time.  Any suggestions on how long that will be???  I know she won't remember this when she's older, but in the meantime, I don't want her to feel a lack of love because I can't do the things with her that I normally can...bathe her, put her to bed, highchair, etc.  My husband is absolutely wonderful, but I honestly just worry about how I'm going to handle the restrictions.

Again, sorry to ramble on.  Just needed to vent.

Thanks.

Posted 5/11/2006 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Larinshine,  You sound just like I did 2 1/2 weeks ago.  I honestly did not wake up in any pain because they give you an epidural for a few days and you are up and walking the next day!!!!    This has been the best thing I have ever done for myself.  I dont know about the 6 week thing, because I feel wonderful.  I have been out running errands already and going to target etc.   When my body tells me its time to rest, then I definately do.   But I could see how it would be hard to go back to work before then, because you might need to tell your patient to get out of the chair so you can lay down for a few minutes.!!  Dont worry about your 2 year old.  Thats the "mother guilt" thing that we all have!!!  Make her your "helper."  Hopefully more people will be on to help you. Remember the hardest part of this is right now.... the waiting.   Hang in there
Posted 5/11/2006 7:00 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks mom...I just got home from my pre-op admission, and they told me I could definitely have the anesthesiologist prescribe something to calm my nerves.  I didn't know about the epidural, so that is great info to have.  My daughter is definitely at that stage where she likes to help, so you're right, I'll just give her a few more things to help me with.  Thankfully, my husband is amazing and can put on his "Mr. Mom" hat and be great.  Because of all of my problems, I've had several trips into the hospital, so he is almost used to me being there.  Hopefully, after this procedure, I can stay away from the C & R doctor for a little while. 

I'm glad to hear you are doing so well.  Thank you for posting and helping me during this time.  It really means a lot.

Posted 5/11/2006 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
My doc did not do the epideral....I wish he would have! He also would not give me anything to calm my nerves!@#@!

I am 4 weeks out now and still get very tired after doing much. My doc said that part of it is from the rectocele repairs too. Being 38 and having 4 kids probably has something to do with it too. :^) Larinshine, I am glad your doc is giving you what you need!

Mel38

Posted 5/12/2006 1:00 AM (GMT 0)

Mel38, Since your doctor didn't do the epidural, maybe I should specifically ask for one of those too.  However, when I had my daughter, it took 3 tries before one actually kicked in. sad

Can anyone tell me about the tubes involved during the procedure?  I keep reading about an NV tube, but don't know what that is.  My doctor has mentioned several, but I just wanted to hear it from someone else.  Also, how many do they place before they put you under?  If I have to have some sort of rectal tube, I'd rather be out.  Same with a central line in my neck.  I have very terrible veins, and think they plan to do that so they don't have to change the IV every couple of days.

Thanks for any info.

Posted 5/12/2006 1:23 AM (GMT 0)

Larinshine - you are usually out prior to them putting in any tubes except for your IV line.  If they are planning on doing a central line you would either have to be awake to have an IV placed first or be awake for the central line insertion.  I dont know why they would do a central line on you though...do you have bad veins... because there are some risks to this procedure and I would recommend it unless there was some reason that you couldnt just have an IV.

I also did not have an epidural and I did not need one.  The pain was not that bad... they may do a PCA pump which just goes into the IV which also helps the pain... but I didnt use that after the first day after the surgery.  I had a catheter also, but that was placed in the OR and was removed on the 2nd day after surgery.

Hugs,

Emma

Posted 5/12/2006 4:11 AM (GMT 0)

larinshine,

i had a central line because they could not get an iv in and i have bad veins. he gave me a shot that knocked me out and then put in a central line and sewed it in place. i had a cathater but asked for it to be removed by the 2nd day. the ng (nasal gastric tube) is put in after you are asleep. i hated mine and begged for it to be removed the next morning.

try to relax....easier said than done,

mel

Posted 5/12/2006 2:16 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Mom23

I think it is remarkable that you are recovering so wonderfully...Question:  Did you have bloating and pressure pain when you stood up prior to surgery and if so are all your symptoms gone?

For me, each day the zelnorm and miralax seem to work less and less...I can't wait until the surgery is over...

Posted 5/12/2006 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Phyllis,  Yes I did have soooo  much bloating.  Probably a lot of that was  from the MASSIVE amounts of laxatives I had to take each day.  I just felt terrible.  But now, my stomach is flat and I feel wonderful.... I pray each day that it continues and view it as a gift to continue on with my life. 

    Larin shine, If you read back in the posts, i was the one who was mortified of the NG tube, but i have to say it really didnt bother me at all, I was so out of it while it was in.  Take a deep breath!!!!

Posted 5/12/2006 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
I am 4.5 weeks out and still so swollen. How long did it take for you to not look bloated? I still cannot waer button up pants without pain.
Impatient,
Mel
Posted 5/12/2006 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mel, I dont know about the bloating. I actually never had any. Are you walking alot ? I have heard that helps. Maybe you should give your Doc a call? Hang in there!!
Posted 5/13/2006 12:44 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone,

Only a couple more days until the operation.  It couldn't get here any sooner.  I feel so sick today...you know, like you have to go to the bathroom but you just can't???  I am so tired of all of this.  Can you believe I'm actually looking forward to the "clean out" the day before surgery??  The process is disgusting, but at least it works and makes you feel better. 

I hope everyone is taking care of themselves, and Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. 

~Larinshine

Posted 5/16/2006 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Larinshine,

How are you doing?  How soon is your surgery?

How is everyone else?  Haven't seen any recent posts...hope all is okay...

Posted 5/16/2006 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Phyllis,  Im here!!  havent seen anyone else though.  I think today was the day for Larinshine's surgery.  But I'm not positive on that.  How are you doing?  I'm doing well, just a little tired.  If it would ever stop RAINING here, I think we all would feel better!!!!!
Posted 5/17/2006 1:10 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Mom,

I live in the Hudson Valley in NY and it has been raining for days....I am water logged....I am doing okay but wish my surgery was sooner...

I retired April 1st and so far little enjoyment because of my colon...I love gardening and puttering but if I bend over I get this horrible pain as if something has gone oiut of place or I get short of breath..no fun.  So I can't wait until surgery and then heal and start enjoying...

As you know I am having surgery at Cleveland Clinic which is about 8 hours away from home by car.  Went out in 2 days...from your experience how soon after surgery do you think I could sit in car for 2-3 hours...even if it took us 3 or 4 days to come home....Surgery on 6/19 and my husband thinks we should make it home before July 4th..Is this reasonable?

Take care and I am sure the tiredness will begin to ease....

Posted 5/17/2006 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Phyllis,  I think after I was released from the hopital, I could have traveled several (3-4 ) hours by car on that day.  You're just sitting there, and they have you walking the hospital halls anyways.  Just pack some bed pillows in your car so you'll be really comfy.  I honestly did not have much pain after surgery.  I think I just had a really good surgeon, and at the Cleveland Clinic, i'm sure you will get only the best care there too.  You will be up and puttering around in your garden in no time at all.  It just doesnt seem possible when you think about it, but I havent felt this good in my whole life.  My biggest problem now, is just "waiting for the bomb to drop" because I cant believe this will actually last.  Its just negative thinking from trying so many different things my whole life I guess.  I'm excited for you, this will be the start of a brand new life for you!!!!   :-)
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