Total colectomy Part 15

 Boy, this thread is sure hopping today!!! - To me, that's a good thing!!!

Phyllis - Thanks for your input - it means a lot!!  It seems that what your sugeon told you, that leaving any part of the colon in would more than likely, at some point and time, have to be removed, thus, facing another surgery!!  That is exactly what my surgeon said he'd have to do if I continue having problems. 

I still consider my TC a success even though I'm having some of the issues I had pre-op! 

Hopefully there's someone on here (who had some colon left in) that can give me a better explanation and shed some light as to why they keep a very little amount of colon in.  There must be someone who has the answer - especially since the small intestine has been attached to the rectum to take the place of the colon's function - if that make any sense.

I would like to mention that I DIDN'T have an NG tube after surgery.  The only nausea I experienced was from the anesthesia (which I've always had a problem with).  I was given a lot of anti-nausea shots - to the point that I couldn't have anymore.  After doing some deep breathing and refocusing the meds seemed to have kicked in and I was fine for the rest of the time. 

I'm no stranger to surgery either.  I've had so many abdominal surgeries due to female issues and never did have to have an NG tube.  I think that my recovery time, with the pain and tenderness that lasted up to 16 weeks post-op was due to the fact that I'm "empty" inside (from having a total hysterectomy thee years ago).  I think my insides were like....where do we set up house.  I'm sure my insides were swolen from all the activity of removing 5 1/2 feet of dead and loopy colon.

I do hope those who have questions find the answers here, as there are a lot of knowledgeable people here!!!

 

Robin

Regarding the stents, they'll be putting them in right before starting the colectomy. The urologist will come in the OR to put them in and then my surgeon will do his part. My surgery is scheduled for September 10th. As for the reason to leave a small part of the colon in, it's a two-fold reason. The main reason is because the part they leave in contains one of the major blood supplies. An added side-effect of doing it this way is that you won't have a lot of BM's (i.e., diarrhea) because even though it's a small amount that's left in, it's strong enough to be able to pull a lot of fluid from the stools.

AJ

Yes, that's the reason for the stents. Have you had open abdominal surgeries or just laparoscopic? I've had seven laparoscopic (tubal ligation, hysterectomy, gallbladder, colon resection, inguinal hernia, and two femoral hernias) and I've had five open. I had my ovaries removed, but the right one kept growing back (it's called ovarian remnant syndrome) and that resulted in the four additional open abdominal surgeries. Surgery is scheduled for September 10th. My doctor won't do it until he's totally available without interruption (vacations, seminars, etc.) so it has been moved once, and then I rescheduled it to the 10th because our town has a Fall Festival Labor Day weekend and I'm the treasurer. I figured that I've lived with it this long that a little longer won't hurt anything. I'm just not looking forward to the three-day prep. Yick! I've been wondering about the NG tube myself. I'm also wondering if there will be another drain. I think those are worse than the NG tubes. Then again, one in the gut is easier than four in the chest which I had after my mastectomy.

 

Amey,

I'm glad to hear that things went well with your doctor. You should be very

proud of yourself. 

I wish you luck on your test and please let me know what the results are.

To All:

As for removal of the entire large colon, my doctor told me he was removing

all of my colon and  reattached my small intestine to my retum.

I too had colonic interia my surgery was in Feb 07 and they did a total

colectomy. I had alot of problems after my surgery alot of pain and I ended

up with a NG tube too. Still having problems going to the bathroom and alot

of pain, anyway. I had asked my surgeon when would I need to have another

colonoscopy and he said I wouldn't because there is no colon left.

He said if I have any problems he would do a endoscopy.

I can't say I'm not unhappy with the outcome of my surgery, but I guess

my system is still healing............

I hope everyone is doing well and please have faith

Peace Apri

Resa- The specialist that I was sent too ordered all my test previous to even seeing me based on my Dr notes sent to him by my GI and my General Practitioner. He came in the room and told me that TC is my only option and then told me what to expect when I woke up, and he told me to expect an NG tube. Now, if I wake up without one I will be excited, however I would rather him put one in while I sleep than when I am awake. I don't know why he will put one in if I don't necessarily need one. Another good question to ask. Thanks.

April

Although you won't need a colonoscopy, you will need a proctoscopy to keep an eye out for rectal cancer. That's one cancer that you definitely don't want to get.

 Irish, Van, April - Thanks so much for the info on "leaving in a small portion of the colon" - I don't know why I did ask my surgeon that question, especially since I've had two colonoscopy's after the TC.  It really does make a lot of sense!!  Although the surgeon kept in a very, very small amount of colon, he says the operation was still a Total Colectomy - food for thought I guess.

Irish - Good luck with your upcoming surgery and please keep us posted!!  You really have a lot of knowledge and advise for so many here - Thank you!!!!

Phyllis - Thanks for your advise on a few subjects.  Unfortunately the tater chips don't work for me !!  Also, the advise given that we are all different and we will all have a different outcome immediately post-op is so correct.  This is the most important thing for everyone to rember who are getting ready for surgery.  Like Phyllis, I didn't have an NG tube or didn't have to use protection (depends/pads) after surgery.  Everyone handles things in their own way, for example, some people can tolerate more pain than others, some people have more nausea than others, some people need more time than others to heal, the list goes on and on!!!! 

April - It was a good 16 weeks post-op before the tenderness went away for me.  I also experienced a lot of pain in the healing process.  I have a very, very high tolerance for pain and required a stronger medication for an extended period of time.  Of course my surgeon took measures to see that it wasn't something more serious like a blood supply issue where he connected the small intestine to the rectum.  Regarding the problems you're having going, is it a lot or minimal?  Hang in there!!!

Lori - You have the outlook needed pre-op!!  Yes, you will reclaim "LIFE" - Stay positive and know you're going to be fine!!

Kim - Same goes for you!!  This is a very trying time for sure - If it makes you feel any better, we've all been there (post-ops) with the fear of the unknown.  However, it won't take you long to realize it was worth everything you had to go thru to get to where you'll be!!

Just a note - No matter how bad you may feel immediately after surgery, sore, in pain, etc., get up and move as soon as you possibly can.  Even if it's to the bathroom and back.  This is essential to the road of recovery!!  It will shorten your hospital stay, encourage your first bm's, and give you the strength you will need in the immediate future!!  

Take care and keep your focus on the Lord - He will see you thru!! 

Robin

You're right in that it's still considered a total colectomy even with the little stump being left in. My surgeon had written a letter to my PCP explaining what the plan was, so when I went for my last appointment with my GI, I showed it to him. After he read it, I asked him if he agreed with everything and he said that my surgeon seems like the perfect guy for the job. My GI is in the area that I live in, but my surgeon is 90+ miles away in the Bay Area. My knowledge about different medical things comes from being a medical transcriptionist for ten years and from working in a doctor's office as well. The doctor I work for is wonderful and well liked by many patients. We even have patients that have moved out of state but still come to him for their yearly physicals. Some of our regular patients travel as far as 80 miles. If there is ever something that someone here is concerned about, I know that he'd be more than happy to assist.

April

A proctoscopy is done to look at your rectum. The good news is that you don't have to do a bowel prep for it. Just an enema and you're good to go! I just didn't want a lot of people thinking that they don't need to be checked after having a colectomy. It kind of goes along with women that don't think they need to have Paps after having a hysterectomy. They do! They still need to get them, but the Pap smear is done on the vagina instead of the cervix.

Good afternoon everybody... I'm getting so that I love to check my e-mails all of the time so that I can continue learning.. I'm sorry that I've been off for a day.. All of these last minute arrangements for my sons and more planning.

Phyllis, I am from Florida and my surgery is in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. My husband, mom, and I are flying there tomorrow as it's about a 10 hour drive. My surgery is on Wednesday at 7am in the morning, and my surgeon is Dr. Steven Wexner. I haven't seen him much, but know that he is in the top 1% of all surgeons in the United States, and is able to practice medicine in so many countries. If you do a google on him he pops up everywhere. Between him, God, and prayers I hope that I'll come thru this alright. Did you go to Cleveland Clinic? By the way, thanks for the gum advice. I bought some. I bought a meat grinder and a pill crusher, too.. Just in case.. My doctor doesn't usually use NG tubes after surgery, I checked..

Stuck42Long, I still smile at your name. You are the one that must stay in positive spirits with a name like that.. (Smile..) Yes, I think that I am finally ready to have this surgery, and whatever happens, I am willing to make the most of it. When these toxins in our body are so bad and start to bring us down, as my mom says, you don't have any direction to go but UP.. I am truly thankful that there is just a surgery that has a chance of helping us. I can't imagine living like this all of my life. It has been 3 1/2 weeks now and I haven't had a bowel movement, not even a little. I know that my body is taking a beating over this and am glad that help is soon on the way. I pray for all of you, too, wherever you are at, before surgery or somewhere between or after. We all need each other to stay strong..

Kimberly.. What can I say? We're getting closer and closer and the hours seem (instead of going slower) to be going faster and faster for me and there seems so much to do and pack for my husband and I. It took me 2 hours yesterday to get my kids and housesitter groceries and money for 2 weeks while we're gone.. By the way, I have 3 sons and they're all BIG eaters.. I almost didn't have room for all of the groceries, and keep thinking of stuff that I may need in the hospital or hotel. I have to stay in a hotel for 6 days after my surgery my surgeon says, until I am ready to travel. My surgeon seems to take alot of precautions.. I think that this is good with this surgery..

Lori

Hi Lori,

I went to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and surgeon was Dr Geisler...phenomenal facility..I live in NY and we drove there because of my fear of flying...well worth it.  I am sure everyone is going to do well with the surgery.  Just be patient and listen to your body.  Don't expect to run marathons afterwards.  Do your best to get up and around after surgery.  They will not let you stay in bed.  Do your walking and do it in small increments if you have to.

Wishing everyone well and just be positive and just think how much better you will feel down the road with all the toxins out of your system....

Phyllis

Hello everyone!

I have been on vacation for the past three weeks and am just catching up on all the posts...lots of action that´s going on here!

Unfortunately, I am not feeling well at all. In fact, this is the reason I came back home earlier. I was supposed to be on vacation for 5 weeks but my colon is giving me a very hard time so I decided to come home earlier. It was my birthday the 27th of July and even on that day I was in terrible pain. The constipation seems to get worse and worse.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that I am back and hope that everyone is doing well.

Irish - Thank you so much for all your help!!  We are so lucky to have you with all your experience and dedication.  The doctor you work for seems like a very wonderful man.

Lori - It brings me joy that my "handle" can place a smile on your face!!  I sure didn't have any troubles picking my "handle" either LOL!!  I must say that you have an awesome outlook and that is very much needed at this point in the game.  Your mother's words are correct, "you don't have any direction to go but UP" - I look back and think "how did I live 43 years like this" - I'm also thankful that there is a surgery that can help people like us, if only I had known about it a lot sooner (but I know this wasn't an option until not so long ago, not to mention the experience and knowledge the surgeons have gained in this sort time).  I wish you all the best and know that God has His hand over your situation and He will see you thru!!!

Stephanie - I also wondered about the Alli (like xenacal) thing myself.  Maybe someone here will be able to shed some light for us.

Kimberly - You are more than welcome!!  There reallly are some wonderful people here.  This thread was a blessing for me as well and I guess this is why I still feel drawn here.  It's my blessing if I can help someone focus and feel encouraged by what we've all been thru pre and pos-op!!  I also wish you all the best.  God will cover you with His mighty hands and see you thru again and again!!

Dana - I'm so sorry you're feeling so bad.  My heart just breaks for you.  I do wish there were something, someone, or somewhere thank could bring you the hope and help you so desperately need!!  HUGS!!! 

Good afternoon everyone..

 

Well, I made it thru my pre-op yesterday.  I saw 3 nurses.  Two colorectal and 1 stoma nurse.  I was able to eat yesterday and could have breakfast this morning and a light lunch at noon.  I drink 2 fleets phospho sodas this afternoon (1 at 4pm and the other at 8pm).  I learned a lot from 1 of the nurses.  She will be helping my doctor during my colectomy surgery tomorrow.  She said that I'll be in surgery for 4-7 hours and in the hospital 5-7 days.  I need follow-up appointments at 2 weeks from surgery date and six weeks from surgery date for sure. 

 

I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 in the morning.  She said that they would be doing their job, but after surgery I needed to do my job.  She said that I need to use this little clear plastic thing to breathe in 10 times during an hour after surgery(don't do 10 times in a row or you'll pass out).  I have to drink ginger tea to get rid of gas.. I also had to buy sneakers.  I had brought slippers, but she said that I needed to walk lots and with sneakers.  She also said that I would be gradually introduced to food, one at a time to see how my body would respond.  She told me from now on, after I put a spoon or fork of food in my mouth, I need to put the spoon or fork down and chew, chew, chew, and chew some more.  She said that if I don't chew well enough that that is how I would end up with a bowel obstruction and need more surgery.. So, everyone chew, breathe, drink ginger tea, and walk..  Do all of this alot..

 

Yesterday, I had to be marked for a stoma, too in case that if something goes wrong the doctor knows where to put a temporary one.  I guess that if you're inflamed they often give you temporary stomas until you can heal.  I had to have 2 botox shots also, to hopefully get my sphincter working a little more correctly.  Do you know that each botox injection costs between $3000-$5000?  No wonder my insurance company was having fits..  Botox shots hurt like the dickens and I don't every want anymore.  I actually screamed.

 

Anyhow, my husband and mom and I saw butterfly world this morning.  I'm now packing and watching a movie.  I'm getting a little trembly thinking about tomorrow, but am also eager to get this on the road and past me..

 

Good luck to everyone, and Kimberly I'll say an extra special prayer for you on Thursday.. You're going to do great girl!!

 

Lori

Thanks, Pyllis.. Just an update.. I just finished my first bottle of the dreaded ginger lemon phosphosoda.  I don't like lemon and I don't like ginger.  I definitely don't like ginger lemon phosphosoda..  I have one more bottle to drink at 8pm.  Goodness, that stuff is gosh awful.  I'm eating hard candy now..  It tastes a whole lot better.  Will be glad to go to bed tonite and hopefully never ever have to drink awful tasting stuff again.. Ever........

Lori