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Total colectomy Part 15

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Posted 7/25/2007 12:08 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Lori,

If you just look up your medicine on www.medlineplus.gov/ it should say in the description where it is absorbed....if not, you can always ask your pharmacist.

Posted 7/25/2007 10:47 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Phyllis,

Thanks for the great advice.  I was able to look up my meds and I can get them in liquid, lozenges, and chewable forms.  I hope that they will absorb in me a little better than pill or capsule form.  I am going to try to get my meds in these forms before I have surgery.  Only two more weeks from today!  I can make it.. All of you are my inspirations.. tongue

I read back thru the previous posts and was sorry to hear that you and others are having problems with hemorroids.  I haven't ever experienced them, but they have to be just one extra challenge during all of this.  I truly wish that they will get better for all of you.  From what I understand, they too can be very inflamed and painful.

I'm sure that I'll have more questions the closer that I get to August 8th.  I really appreciate all of you answering back.

Lori

 

 

 

 

Posted 7/26/2007 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!

I went for my pre testing yesterday and I'm all set for the surgery now. thanks for wishing me well.

Amey, I know this should be the least of my worries, but why do you think you gained weight after the surgery? That is such a big fear of mine. has anyone else gained weight from it? and do you know the reason? also, why did the saline rush into your body? was that an accident or is that normal?

flbutterfly- GOODLUCK with the sig, they wouldnt give me anything for the pain because they said it makes the results less accurate, it was pretty awful but once it's over you will bounce back quickly, and i'm sure they are doing it for good reasons.

ok so if anyone else can let me know about the weight gain i'd appreciate it. i know i shouldnt care as much as i do but i'm only 23 and i guess you can say self conscious of my body.

thanks :)
Posted 7/26/2007 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Rose,
I have had 3 major intestinal surgeries all conducted by different surgeons and I have always gained about 20 pounds from the saline. When you are in surgery, nurses are constantly flushing your internal organs with saline to keep your body sterile. After the surgery, it takes a while for your body to absorb the extra water and then you pee out the water. When I went into the hosptial I weighted 117 pounds (I am 5'6"). Now I weigh 124. My doctors expected me to gain some weight from the sugery because my body needed to gain some weight. I was 120 pounds by the time I came home from the hosptial. As a fitness instructor, I am very concerned about my weight because if I gain too much, my work-out clothes will not fit and I do not want to buy a wardrobe. Like you, this was a huge concern for me prior to my surgery. As long as you eat right after your surgery, you should be OK.

Amey
Posted 7/26/2007 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Amey,

I am freaking out! I called my doctor crying today, i feel like i am going to turn into an obese monstor with a big scar. it seems so weird to me because if you go from never going to the bathroom to going, why would you gain weight? i feel like if anything you should lose weight. it makes no sense! did you have colonic inertia? that is my diagnosis. i wont be having a bag or anything, they will reconnect my small to my rectum.
Posted 7/26/2007 9:32 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Rose,

Please don't work yourself up.  I was told after surgery it would have no effect on my weight and it didn't.  I think those who gained weight did so because all of a sudden they were no longer toxic and also knowing you could eat without pain of not going to bathroom.  I myself was overweight prior to surgery and joined weight watchers shortly afterwards and so far have lost 27 lbs....

Just try to focus on the positive.  You will no longer be toxic, bloated, in pain, taking all those laxatives.  You will be able to go to bathroom without straining or manipulations.  The 2 weeks or so of discomfort is worth a lifetime of improvement.

Phyllis

Posted 7/26/2007 9:59 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone..

Rose, I think that you're confused about me.  I'm not having a sig, just know now to ask for pain meds if possible before I ever have to have one.  My colectomy surgery is still on for August 8th.  You're in my prayers and I hope that we both turn out ok..

Phyllis, your med information was right on target.  I saw my doctor today and we're able to switch all of my prescriptions to forms that can hopefully be absorbed more easily.  The only catch is that I have to wait a few days to see if my insurance company is willing to pay for alternate prescriptions than pill form.

Kimber, how is everything going for you?  I'm glad that we'll both have our moms with us and that they're willing to help.  I'm ready to start packing and get on with this.  Are you feeling alright?  My cramping has slowed down, but comes on and off on my left side.  Earlier I didn't cramp, I was just bloaty, gassy, and full of toxic stuff.  I'm still blaty, gassy, and full of toxic stuff but now I cramp bad, too..

Does anyone out there feel like me?  Most people around me can't tell that I'm sick.  When they find out thru the office grapevine that I'm sick, they tell me how great I look and how well I'm doing.  I sometimes wish that others could know how I really feel..  I guess that I'm a great actress!!! yeah

Lori

Posted 7/26/2007 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Rose,

Your experience is going to be unique just as all of our individual experiences are to each of us. I am a very hard case and my results are not typical. In a couple weeks you are going to be typing on this forum telling all of us about your surgery, your hospital stay, and how your BMs are progressing. As for now, you need to have faith in your doctors. I do not think they would recommend this surgery if they did not think it would help. Please try to stay positive. This could be the best decision you ever make. Don't deny yourself the opprotunity to heal based on other people's experiences. Look at the statistics, over 80% of people who have had the surgery would do it again....that speaks volumes!

You are going to be great. Please don't cry, I know you are scared about the unknown results. Try to have faith and pray that God will be with you.

Take care,
Amey
Posted 7/27/2007 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Lori

Sorry I haven't been on in awhile my internet has not been working very well I can't seem to keep a signal.

How are you feeling? I seen the Surgeon on Tues and my surgery will be on the 9th. I am his first patient that he will be doing the surgery for colonic interia. I told him about this site and he wrote it down I hope he will pass it on to others.
we probably will be prepping at the same time. I start my prep on the 6th.
My mom will be here on the 8th and stay till the 20th I am so blessed to have her.
Posted 7/27/2007 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
:-)  Hello to everyone!!  I would like to encourage those of you who are getting ready to have your surgery and help calm some of your fears.  I will be upfront and honest with you and hope my post helps in some way.

First I would like to express that we are all unique and each of you WILL have your own way of healing, as well as, the time frame in which you begin to feel better.  It still amazes me that those of us who suffer (or suffered) with Colonic Inertia are basically in the same boat, yet we are all so different - if that makes any sense.

ROSE - I know the fear of the unknown you're facing -- if you didn't have these fears I don't think you would be human.  Please don't fret about weight gain.  The "majority" of us who've had this surgery "lost" weight post-op.  For me personaly, I lost 25/30 pounds within the first three weeks post-op.  You will notice that your diet will be very light and bland.  The small intestine has to get used to taking over the responsibility of the colon that was removed, so it will be a trial and error type of thing with your diet for several weeks.  Also keep in mind the weight of the colon they are removing from your body and all the toxins.  Eventually you will be able to incorporate more foods back in your diet over time.

To those with questions regarding post-op and what's facing you.  Like I stated above, there is no sugar coating what you will go thru.  This is a HUGE sugery and there is NOTHING easy about it or the recovery process.  However, I will tell you that if I had to make the decision to do it again - in a second - no questions asked.

Again, we are all different in the recovery process.  Some are up and functioning sooner than others, some have more pain than others, etc..  My experience was a pretty long recovery.  It was a good 12 weeks before I began to feel "normal" (no so weak and tender) and another four weeks before all the pain and tenderness went away.

I literally felt like someone ran me over and I couldn't get back up on my feet like I thought I should have in a shorter period of time (I've had several unrelated abdominal surgeries prior to this one and I always bounced back in no time).

Just remember to take your time - don't expect too much too soon after surgery - understand how HUGE this surgery is and how it WILL change your life for the BETTER.  Sometimes there are set backs but you will REGAIN a life that you lost due to Colonic Inertia!!!!

I wish each and everyone of you all the best and may God place and keep His hand over you and your situation.        

Posted 7/28/2007 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
Kimber, I just read your e-mail and had to smile.  Prepping at the same time. :-)   It's good to know that we'll be partners in the terrible experience of getting ready for surgery.  I don't know what my prep will be like, but I start mine of August 6 and have surgery on the August 8 at 7:30 in the morning.  It sounds like you're having an extra day of the prepping.  Sorry.  I will be glad when the prep is over, because I dread the nasty stuff that we may have to drink one more time.  With all of the money spent on healthcare nowadays, it amazes me how terrible these colon cleansing concoctions taste.

 

I'm really glad that you have a good relationship with your mom, too.  I will be praying for her to have good travel and for you to have good outcomes (with prepping and surgery)..  And it's great that you're up and running again on the net.  Even though we're in different states, it's good to know that others are thinking of you and can understand what we're going thru.

 

Stuck42long, your name makes me crack up.  I had to show my husband because he wouldn't believe me.  He smiled, too.  It feels good to be able to laugh about some of this.  He has been very patient with all of the warm water enemas that he's had to give me.  I was relieved when I read your e-mail.  You give me (the newbie) a sense of calm and what to expect.  It makes it all worth it when I hear you and others would go thru this all over again no matter how hard it is to get thru.  I'm also glad that you don't sugarcoat it as I would rather find out now than later what I might feel like going thru this and afterwards.  I've learned everything about this surgery from members like you.

 

Something really funny.  My co-worker is going thru this, too.  She also has colonic inertia.  She came up with the idea that someone should invent a colon pacemaker so we wouldn't have inertia ever again.  I wish that it would've worked that way.  Not as painful.

 

Smiles to all,

Lori

Posted 7/28/2007 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Lori

Its cool that you know the time of day you will have your surgery. I was told the hospital will call me on the 8th between 2-6 to let me know what time to be there. I like to plan ahead I hate not knowing what time it will be done. I hope early in the morning I am gonna be so cranky going without food for four days. They did give me nausea pills to take before I drink the ucky stuff. Last time I threw most of it up so hopefully the pills will be helpful. I will be praying for you and also thinking of you while I drink the ucky stuff lol..
Posted 7/28/2007 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
To All,
I have read several of your posts that say you would have the surgery over again that your happy with the surgery. I was wondering if their is anyone out there that regrets having the surgery?
Posted 7/28/2007 10:53 AM (GMT 0)

Kimber, I feel for you.  I can't stand the yuckyness of preps either.  The worst thing I've had to drink so far, is 2 bottles of castor oil on different occasions.  That is the worst! It sticks to the roof of your mouth and you can't get it off.  I even tried wiping out my mouth with a washcloth.  I tasted it for a day.  Good for you with nausea medicine.  I didn't know that they could give that.  I get cranky without my food, too.  I rarely miss a meal.  It sounds like we're going to real soon.  I get weak and shaky after doing these colon preps.  I think that it will be hard going into surgery like that, and being nervous about the surgery, too.  When I see the nurses for my pre-op, I am going to especially ask for them to give me something so that I can sleep the night before.  I think that we're going to really need our energy, and our moms! yeah

Lori

Posted 7/28/2007 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Lori

I don't know how you suffered through two bottles of castor I feel for you. I tried to drink it once and I mixed it in with Cola and oh my was it bad it all floated to the top. For this prep I have to take Reglan tablets, Fleet Phospho-Soda and Golytely. You mentioned meeting with nurses for your pre-op. Do you know what they will have you do for your pre-op. I was wondering because I had mine and all the doc did was listen to my heart. I thought they had to do blood work and stuff.
Posted 7/28/2007 5:04 PM (GMT 0)

LORI - It brings me joy to know I brought you some laughter with my name, especially during this "not so certain" time frame you're in!!  I must say that my name was appropriate when I selected it.  I go all the way back to the age of 15 months old and having problems with my colon.  Basically, my entire life (43 years) was lived "CONSTIPATED"!!!!

I feel for each of you facing the pre-op prep!!  We've sure had "more" than our share of these preps!!  The morning of my surgery, after having days of prepping, they gave me "several" enemas.  I was so full of poop, even after the prep, that the nurse ended up giving me eight enamas back to back.  She was like, wow, the most I've ever given to anyone was seven and you've beat that record.

My surgery was done lap and was to take three to four hours.  I was actually on the operating table for eight and a half hours with five and a half feet of colon removed.  The surgeon said my colon was so large and loopy and that was the reason it took so long.  He also mentioned that he had never had a lap surgery last that long - so I broke the record there as well.  Boy, I broke more records in one day than in my lifetime LOL!!

As far as diet goes - In the beginning and for the first several weeks I basically ate soft and bland.  My diet consisted of mashed potatoes, jello, pudding, soup or broth - things of that nature.  Red meat was a no no for awhile, as was dairy of any kind.  It's just a slow process of learning what your body will or will not tolerate!!!

I know and do understand all the concerns each one of you are having.  I also faced these very same fears.  I was looking for others who may have regreted going thru and having this surgery.  Yes, there are people that have regreted it - have had one problem after another, however, the majority are like me and would do it all again WITHOUT hesitation.  The road is long and hard and life throws us curves sometimes. 

I guess I looked at it like this......every surgery has risks, even the most minor of surgeries.  Nothing is ever 100% and we must accept that AND no two people are alike.  I HAD to accepted the risks because I had no other choice, especially if I wanted to live any type or quality of life. 

Trust in God with all your heart and know He has a purpose for each of you.  Don't lean on your own understanding, but trust the Lord!!! 

Posted 7/28/2007 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

Rose, Kimber, Lori - try not to be nerveous about your surgery. I know that is easier said than done. Being nerveous will raise your blood pressure and pulse rate. You want to try and keep it to normal. My HMO gave me a CD "Preparing for Successful Surgery." It had Imagery for Surgery, Affirmations, Imagery to Healing, and relaxation music. Perhaps your surgeon or the hospital might have something like it.

I also suffer from neasea when having anesthesia. I usually come out of surgery very ill. I explained this to the anesthesiologist and came out great. I don't know what meds she used during surgery but whatever I wasn't sick when waking up. Oh, I had a very minor case of neasea but they gave me shots and it went away very quickly.

As far as weight - I lost 30 lbs within the first two weeks after surgery. It has been a difficult mission but I have been able to get an additional 9 lbs off this past 4.5 months, which leaves me with 28 lbs to go. My surgeon explained the 30 lbs was most likely from the weight of the colon, excess body fluid, and stress to the body from the surgery. The additional 9 lbs has been hard work but well worth it. People at work keep saying how wonderful I look. I guess loosing your pregnant belly really helps. A Tummy Tuck would be nice right about now.

Lori - people didn't know I was sick either except when I had my excuriating tummy pains. Those are something I will never miss. They came anywhere from 1 day to 6 months apart and felt like my guts where in a meat grinder. They would last for a few hours to days. People knew I was in pain for some reason. Only now that I look good and feel good they know something diffintely was wrong with me.

There are good points to this surgery. Most important being able to poo on your own.

I am no fitness instructor or even fitness type person, but I was up walking the next morning. I felt good enough to return to work at 3 weeks but decided to stay home the entire 6 six weeks. I didn't want to push it. Just because I felt well my tummy was still healing. Once I returned to work I decided to walk the 2 miles to and from work. At first very slow then I started to put some speed into it. This is going to be put on hold because I now need foot surgery.

Another benefit I received from this surgery is a great gift. I do not know if it is exceptional and I am the only one to experience it or maybe other people have also. I was a glutton for sweets before surgery. The day after I could not tolerate anything sweet - not even Jello. The thought of eating this stuff turns my stomach now. I was a Sugar Addict. Sugar ruled my life. Now I am clean. My surgeon said it could be that my body was SOOOO toxic from not being able to have a BM that my body craved sugar and now that I can go my body no longer needs it. Whatever it is a blessing from God.

Like Robin stated this is a big surgery and we are all different and heal differently. I didn't feel like a truck hit me - I just felt sore except for the gas pain under the gallbladder - diffinite pain. Walking removed it.

All of you will be in my prayers for your surgeries. Keep positive.

I'll stop blabbing for now.
Posted 7/28/2007 6:59 PM (GMT 0)

resa

I hope I will kick the sugar cravings that would be a great bonus. I love sweets! Actually I love all food. yeah

I have a question for everyone that has had the surgery. Are you able to eat fast food like Mc D'd and Pizza? Another fault of mine is I crave fatty foods. nono

Posted 7/29/2007 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone.. I just got home and I was so excited that everyone has been posting.. Thank you.

Kimberly,  I live about 9 1/2 hours away from where I am having my surgery.  For part of my pre-op, here where I live, I had to have blood tests, a physical, an EKG, and chest x-rays.  I had to have these tests and send them all to my surgeon within this 30 days prior to surgery.  It is a JHACO rule that they have to follow.  On Monday, August 6th I have my actual pre-op at the hospital.  I have to see the colorectal nurse who will give me my prep instructions (I don't know what bad stuff that I'll have to drink yet).  Then, I have to see a stoma nurse who will mark me for a stoma just in case something goes wrong during the surgery.  When I was told about the stoma nurse it really scared me.  I felt like I was on overload and just really afraid.  Now I feel like I'm ready to get better whatever happens.  I'm still scared though.

Resa, I am going to call my surgeon's office and ask about one of the relaxation tapes.  On the internet I saw that Cleveland Clinic has a hospital channel that's on 24 hours a day with only guided imagery and relaxation excercises as they believe that it makes the patient feel better, use less pain medication, and get well faster.  I suffer from depression so this whole thing has really been a battle for me, and is why I really need my medications to be absorbed now.  I've been seeing a counselor thru all of this and he has really worked hard with me with breathing, relaxation, and imagery exercises.  It has really kept me positive and helped to prepare me for this surgery. 

Stuck42long, you still make me smile!  I do feel really bad that you've had to suffer since you were just a baby.  I've only suffered for a year.  I didn't have any constipation problems until last September 2006.  In August 2006 I had rectocele repair surgery and they said that I experienced trauma do to having the surgery.  Ever since the surgery I cannot have bowel movements on my own and not at all unless I have alot of warm water enemas.  I've had 4 impactions since New Year's Eve, and all my tests I failed and have colonic inertia and sphincter dysfunction.  I feel so thankful that I am being helped.  I don't know how you stood your constipation so long.  I only have had 1 year of my life that's been unbearable, and feel like I can hardly make it to August 8.  I only have 4 more days left at work.  Yeah!!  Oh, my surgeon says that my colon is very loopy, too.  I hope that my surgery isn't so long.  Were you really weak after being in surgery that long?

Best wishes and prayers to all,

Lori

Posted 7/29/2007 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All, I'm so sorry i haven't posted for quite a while but I have been so seriously ill.  Most of you nkow I had been back in the hospital due to a partial small bowel obstruction.  Well, I actually spent 20 of the past 30 days in the hospital for all the same thing.  Everytime I try to go back to full liquids with maybe a few crackers or watery baby cereal I have the severe pain and nausea and from my small intestine getting hugely dilated and distended.  I actually have no blockages, just pseudo-obstruction.  I am still on TPN with dilaudid and phenergan for when the pain /nausea kick in.  For the most part (except for sips of water and an occasional popsicle) I hav enothing by mouth still.  I have gone thru my anniv. and my b-day in the past week.....no food or cake!!!!   My gI doc finally got me in and he is saying that besides the lupus and mS I have a neuro muscular disease of some sort.  I have a low number of nerve fibers in my intestine so the muscle doesn't contract to push the food thru.  He is working on trying to get my insur. to cover a gastric stimulator but it is a long process, IF they will cover it.  I still have diarrhea and sometimes lots of it.  I hate having to wear pads every single day.  I have lost more weight but expect once I am able to eat again I will gain some back.   The GI doc said I didn't make the wrong descision in having the colectomy, the tests showed I needed it and all this other may have just started due to the stress on my body and the fact that i am pre-disposed to auto immune disease.   I'll try to keep you all posted, I have a bone marrow biopsy (without sedative) in the morning due to my low white and red counts.  The nurse told me I didn't need anything becasue it isn't any worst than a shot in the hip......I don't think she's had one!!!    I am taking a klonopin before I go.  Take care.  Have a blessed day.
Posted 7/29/2007 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
michelle

It breaks my heart to hear what you are going through. No one should have to go through what you have. I hope you keep your faith and spirits up. My mother always tells me he doesnt give us anymore than we can handle. You must be a very strong woman. Pretty soon you will be over this bump in the road and on to a happy healthy life.

your in my prayers
Posted 7/29/2007 8:33 PM (GMT 0)

Shelly

I'm so sorry to hear that you've been having so many problems and hope that you soon get the relief you deserve. If it makes you feel any better, I've had a bone marrow biopsy before and it really wasn't bad at all. My liver biopsy (without anything but a local on the skin) was way worse.

Posted 7/29/2007 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
sad  MICHELLE - My heart just breaks for you sweetie!!  You sure have been thru more than your fair share.  I do hope that insurance will authorize whatever it takes in order for you to have a productive life.

It appears that you have several serious conditions and they're all playing a roll and taking a toll on your body.  Was any of this foreseen prior to the colectomy?  I'm sure the trauma of the colectomy kicked everything else into motion AND all at the same time.

You hang in there sweetie!!  I'm sure you're extremely tired of hearing this - it's easier for somone to say it than to live it.  Keep us posted when you're able to.  BIG hugs to you!! 

LORI - To answer you question about being weak after surgery - EXTREMELY!!!  I'm one of those people who can tolerate a lot of pain and discomfort, however, the pain and tenderness I experienced lasted a good 12 weeks.  It was around the 16 week time frame when I began to start feeling "normal/human" again.  I've always bounced back way sooner than the doctors expected after previous surgeries, so this was a very trying time physically and mentally.  I suffer with depression as is it and this really caused me to get down and out.  I was also unable to sleep for more than two hours here and there for a few months.  Eventually my psychiatrist gave me something to help the process.  She did mention that being under sedation for as long as I was could have very well played a roll in all of this.

I will tell you that I was TOTALLY ecstatic when I was able to FINALLY have bowel movements!!  This was a whole new lease on life for me - something I never knew existed!!  I'm sure August 8th can't get here fast enough for you.  Does your surgeon think your sphincter dysfunction will play a negative roll after surgery?

Oh, I do have another piece of advise.  Get up and walk as soon as you can!!!  You may not feel like it - you'll be sore and weak - but this is the key to healing.  I was up walking six hours after surgery and walked the halls about every two hours (seeing I couldn't sleep).  I went home on my 4th day post-op AND walking will also get things moving too.  I think it was on my second day post-op that I had my first BM.

 

Posted 7/31/2007 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't posted in a while. I had my colectomy on May 4th, 2007 and I'm thrilled with it. I had the surgery in a hospital 6 hours away. My hubby was able to stay with me for 7 days in the hospital on a cot. I can't imagine doing it without him as he was right there always to help me get out of bed. I had it open. They left 8". I got to the point after surgery that I wasn't going even once a day, but I still was way better. I knew from a previous patient who my surgeon did that she also got to a point she wasn't going as much as she wanted and so she was given Reglan. I too asked for it and love it. I take it 3X a day before I eat...sometimes I forget and take it after and it kicks my colon into gear. I also had a part of my incision open up and it took like 4 weeks to close. Don't be afraid of it...just keep it covered and rinse it out. I feel totally normal now although I still feel my adhsions pull when I cough and sneeze. I just have to live with that though. Worst part of surgery for me was I had a gas bubble somewhere in my colon and for like 10 days after surgery it hurt. It got less and less as I passed gas. Be careful to those who haven't had surgery as gas might be more than just gas when your trying to pass it...but now I can pretty much tell. I do have hemmoroids and keep tucks in the bathroom. Seems spicy foods hurt when coming out a bit. I have learned in the three months after surgery what foods seem to do what and I feel comfortable going out in public. Stil a bit worried about using public bathrooms. It stinks a lot when you go to the bathroom these days too or pass gas. So you have to get used to that. If I have any kind of nut, I have bloated stomach pain...also pork rinds do that to me. I gained a bunch of weight after surgery even though they said my colon weighed 15 pounds. It was the water in the hospital. I lost it all and then about 8 pounds a couple weeks after surgery, but now I'm back at my presurgery weight. I'm going to work on losing weight again one of these days since now I can move and not hurt.

Just wanted to update....congrats to all those who are getting this surgery...best thing I ever did. I'd say I"m 75% better. I don't think I'll ever be 100%...but I'm soooo happy to be where I am.

stephanie

Posted 7/31/2007 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I am new to this site and I went to the Dr. yesterday and am scheduled for total colectomy in September. I cannot even begin to explain how nervous I am. I do not have Crohn's or any kind of bowel disease. The Dr. said for some reason my large intestine has just shut down and has quit working all together. I am no stranger to the knife, but this surgery has me a little apprehensive. I cannot come to terms that this is going to effect the rest of my life and if I have made the wrong decision I can't just undo it. I know this sounds stupid, but I am not sure which is worse, chronic constipation or the chronic diahrrea I was told I would have after surgery. I would love if someone could spread a little light on this for me. The Dr. said this is my only fix since meds have ceased to work. I appreciate every and all comments good or bad about surgery, I just don't want to be blindsided by any of this. Thanks!
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