HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Total colectomy Part 16

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic locked
1 2 3 4 56 7 8
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/31/2007 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Resa,

Thanks for the info...I tried the website and it came up "forbidden"...what a shame because that was an excellent source of information.
The path report came back today from the flex sig and what the GI thought was a blind pouch of colon is actually small intestine. I am scheduled tuesday for an UGI and small bowewl series to see if I have a fistula.

Hope everyone is okay. Hubby and I are off to Mohegan Sun on Sunday overnight stay for our anniversary.

Take c are...
Phyllis
Posted 8/31/2007 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
ananym,

Sorry for not responding earlier.  I did not have a good experience at

Robert Wood. I was on Tower 9 and some of the nurses do not respond

to your call.  As for the surgery, my surgeon was Dr. Craig Rezac.  He was

great.  In the recovering room I was in so much pain and I felt like none

of the nurses cared.  The pain meds they were giving me did not work.

They would not let my husband in until I got transfer to my room which

took a good 8hrs.

Who is your surgeon?  After your surgery you will probabley be on Tower 9,

that were all the patients go after that surgery.

When is your surgery?  If you need something or help just keep calling the

nurses. Everyones experiences are different, just because mine was bad

does not mean yours will be.

April

Posted 8/31/2007 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi April,

Thanks so much for letting me know your experiences as the hospital. My surgeon is Dr. Rezac also. I have an appointment with him on the 20th, and I hope to schedule surgery then. I'm glad you liked him; he seems ok, I get a bit of the "God-complex" vibe from him, hard to read, and his nurses never return my phone calls, so I was unsure. My gastroenterologist, Dr. Hazar Michael, has been wonderful, and I get most of my tests scheduled and questions answered through her and her staff. I'll prep my parents to be poised to push the nurses at all times! How long were you in the hospital after the surgery? I also saw you had some complications recently; are you feeling better?
Posted 8/31/2007 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
I am counting down, just 5 more days to go!  This has been one of the worst days as far as abdominal pain and cramping goes. I was wondering and maybe someone can answer, does the cramping stop after surgery. I know it will cramp due to the surgery, but after healing starts do you cramp like you used too? Another question, when I do have to go to the bathroom I feel like a scene from riverdance is going on in my intestines, and it is the most intense pain....is there pain (cramping) involved before and while trying to go to the bathroom after the TC? Just minor stupid questions (and kind of personal), but inquisitive minds would like to know.

Posted 8/31/2007 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
ananym,

Dr. Micheals was also my gastro, she was great so sweet but a little hard to understand. When I first meet Dr. Rezac I knew he

was the right doctor, he had a sense of humor and caring that it made my dission easier.  If you don't feel confortable with him find another doctor or get a second opoin.  I just hated being so far from home, I live in Jackson, NJ by Great Adventage. It takes a hour and 1/2 to get there. Dr. Rezac had me go through two

more tests to make sure I didn't just have TC.  And yes his office never

returns calls.  Did you leave a message with his secretary Debbie?  She

could be a bit *****y at times.  If you don't get your calls returned just

call again. If you call when no one is in the office tell the service that he is your doctor and he is alwalys on call for his patients.  I see him again on Thurs Sept 6 for a follow up from my

hospital stay last week and for my surgery back in Feb 07.

I was in the hospital for 13 days because I ended up with ileitis, not

sure what it really is, but I ended up with a NG tube, which it goes

down your nose to your stomach and it sucks all the mucous out.  Not

a good experience.

If you should have any other questions please ask, if I cant help I'm

sure someone can.

Peace, April

 

Posted 9/1/2007 6:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi AJ2007, To help answer your question about the cramping/pain when going to the bathroom after the TC, I have to say that I have not had any pain or cramping at all since surgery.  I remember I was so afraid to go to the bathroom right after surgery for fear of pain, but to my surprise there was none.  I still find that there is a lot of noise (girgling) when things are moving through the small bowel but again no pain.  With the large colon gone and everything in more of a liquid state it all seems to just flow.  I am almost 8 weeks post surgery and the only problems I seem to have is trying to regulate what I eat so that I am not going too often as well as dealing with a rectal prolapse with bleeding.  You will be amazed at how wonderful it is to be able to go to the bathroom every day like a regular person and not feel bloated, sluggish and in pain!  I think I would take going 15 times in a day over never going at all.  I am happy I made the decision to have the surgery.

Posted 9/1/2007 8:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jacklyn,

I yoyally agree with you. I do go 15X a day and bless each pain free time. I had colectomy in 6/06 and don't regret making the decision...
Posted 9/1/2007 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

AJ2007 - Since my TC I no longer have pain. Like I mentioned before I used to get severe pain. It could last from 1 hour to a week. It hurt so much I would double over in pain and even breathing was difficult. Also when going to the bathroom my gut would hurt so much. Sometimes it felt like I was going into a convulsion, I would break out in a cold sweat and my heart would race. I always felt that doing something that was a natural function of the body should not cause someone so much pain to do it. But I am happy to report that after the TC I no longer have pain. I go between 5 to 20 times a day, but enjoy each and every one of them. I am six months post op and I do not regret having the surgery.

Phyllis - so you are also now forbidden to enter that website. It is a shame since it is full of excellent information.
Posted 9/1/2007 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the feedback. The cramping hasn't gotten any better today, I almost ended up in the ER last night because I couldn't stand up without extreme pain. This is just affirmation for me that this is definitely a needed surgery. Again, thanks so much for sharing your experiences with me. I know everyone is different, but not always entirely.
Posted 9/4/2007 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Amey:
I was wondering how you were feeling? I'm sure you are doing well. I'm hanging in there not great
but not bad, so so.
I see my surgeon on Thur. for follow up from hospital. Still having problems with going to the bathroom
and being in pain.
Hope all is well.

April
Posted 9/5/2007 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
April,

Are you still feeling constipated after your TC? I found that prune juice was very helpful. Have you tried it? I am feeling well after my surgery. I am still a little sore but for the most part, I feel pretty normal. I still do not have much of an appitite, but I am eating more than I was before the surgery. I cannot wait to get back to work and have some since of my life back.

Didn't you have surgery in Feb or am I mistaken?
Posted 9/5/2007 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Amey,

Yes I surgery in Feb. My problems is the otherway around. I go to the bathroom approx. 5-15x's
a day, with alot of cramping after and pain. It sucks.
I still have not been able to keep a job because I'm in the bathroom more then at my desk.
I didn't work for almost a year before my surgery and then after I didn't start looking until
May. When I go more then 8x's I'm bed bound, with a heating pad and reallly bad cramps.
My BM's are either water and floating.

What kind of food are you eating???? Maybe I'm not eating the right food, I don't eat much
but I eat alot to turkey and drink alot of water.

I'm so happy for you.

April
Posted 9/5/2007 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
April,

Have you ever heard of Celiac Disease? Many people who have problems like the one you are describing have a wheat/gluten (gluten is a protien found in wheat) allergy. Can I convience you to try not to eat any wheat or gluten for a week and see what happens? Both my sisters have Celiac and their stools are watery and oily when ever they eat anything with wheat...bread, pasta, crackers, chips, creamy soups or stews, prepackaged meals, cereal, stuffing, even some candies. However, you can buy wheat-free pasta and breads at the health store. People who have UC have simliar symptoms to Celiac and many of them cannot eat wheat either. I have been wheat/gluten free for 2 years and it helped me a lot with my bloating.

Here are some of the symptoms of Celiac....abdominal cramping, intestinal gas, distention and bloating
chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both), having fatty oily stools

Please read up on this at www.Celiac.org. Some Dr's test for the disease by doing a simple blood test; however, the only way to truly know if you have it or not is through an intestinal biopsy study. The best way to know if you have it is to simply avoid wheat and see how you feel. If you feel better, great...if not, then go back to eating wheat.
Posted 9/5/2007 1:42 AM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone!  Well I went for my 6 week post surgery checkup and the Doc has put me off work for another 2 months.  He is booking me into the OR to do a scope to determine the cause of the rectal bleeding and possible a rectal prolaps repair.  I am going to see the hospital dietician to help me with some nutricianal guidence because I have been so limited to the foods I can eat.  (ie) no raw or cooked veggies, most fruits and minimal milk/dairy  cuz they run right through me.  I am hoping in time I will be able to add most of these back into my diet but until then I need to make sure my diet is balanced. I went out and purchased a good quality multi vitamin today so that will help. Now that I am off work for 2 more months I should have enough time to work out the diet do's yeah and don'ts. nono

Amey, I have a co-worker that has Celiac also and she said it could take 6 months or longer to see the difference of being on the celiac diet.  I guess you just have to be patient to see if it works.

Posted 9/5/2007 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
My dr checks me every year for celiac --- so I know what you are talking about.  So far, it has been negative.  Just my really short digestive tract, I guess.

I think Amey has a good point.  A lot of folks have Celiac.. read up on it, and maybe just alter your diet for a couple of weeks and see what happens.  Eating gluten and wheat free is a pain, but it would be worth it, wouldn't it?  Just read your labels closely.  You'd be surprised.

Let us know what you decide.

 

Posted 9/6/2007 5:03 PM (GMT 0)

Two years ago I had my large intestine removed.

Things just have never been the same for me but

I figure that this is going to be the way it is.

I suffer from a lot of abdominal pain and have found

that taking a Prilosec daily helps somewhat for that

and also makes the BM a little thicker 'sludge' rather than all watery.  My question is, does anyone have

a problem with eating salads?  I'm trying to narrow

down some foods that could cause the bad pain

and haven't found it yet.  Any help would be

appreciated.  Prior to having this surgery and post-op I found this site to be really helpful!!

Thanks, and have a good day cool    Linda

Posted 9/6/2007 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Linda,

Did you have a colectomy? When I had my colectomy 7 years ago, I could not eat salads, wheat products, heavy meats, raw fruits, raw veggies, and mushrooms. It was tough living like that. However, my rectum also did not function property and that was a factor which affected my diet. Now that I have had my bag for 3 weeks, I have not had any trouble with any of the foods I have eaten so far. It has been a huge change in my life.

Sorry I could not be more helpful.
Posted 9/7/2007 1:02 AM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone.  Sorry I've been off the board for awhile.  I had open TC surgery on August 8th, and it just now seems like I'm waking up from all of the pain.  I've had a difficult time.  I'm having quite a few bowel movements each day, and miss getting to the bathroom on time alot.  I wear diapers sometimes, but they chap me terribly even with cream on me.

My scar is having problems healing.  I have big open gaps that I have to put gauze on and change 3 times daily.  I will be glad when I never have to pull paper tape off of my belly again.  I'm starting to get stronger each day and am eating lots better.  My energy is zapped by 8pm every evening though.

To all of you with bad veins, I had my IV thru my neck, too.  It is very painful and now a month after surgery I still look like I have a hicky.

I have a follow-up appt with my surgeon on Monday.  My boss and personnel office are ready for me to come back to work, but me and my body are thinking about another 2-3 weeks at home.  I want to be able to get to the bathroom and my scar healed before returning.  Right now, lifting the 4 pound dishwasher detergent feels too heavy for me.  I'm still not wearing anything with a waist either and have to wear dresses and hose to work.  I'm thinking that it might not work for awhile.  Adjustments might be in order..

To you all that are going thru recovery and popped up problems, I'll keep you in all of my prayers every night.  I know how scary it all was for me.  I don't ever want to see a hospital again if I can help it.  To all of you that are getting ready to have surgery, it doesn't feel well at first.  I felt like someone actually beat me up.  Now I am starting to heal and am really glad that I had surgery.  I'm not bloated anymore and don't look pregnant.  When I go poo I have to look and smile.  I know that sounds funny but I couldn't have a movement in a month before my surgery.  If you're getting ready for surgery, go in with a positive attitude and be proud of your decision.  Trust your doctors and listen to them.  When I was in the hospital, I saw my doctors three times a day and they were always encouraging.

Thank you all.. I've read thru all of this board tonite and see the love that you all give to each other.  You're all great!!

Lori

 

 

 

 

 

Posted 9/7/2007 3:32 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Lori

You may want to take bran either from food or pills.,  This may help with the number of  movements and may firm things up.  It does take time to recuperate.  Would your boss consider you returning part time?  This will halp build your stamina and strength.

Take care

Phyllis

Posted 9/7/2007 2:38 PM (GMT 0)

Annie

When you eat salads, what kind of lettuce are you eating. If you're eating iceberg, that's the most difficult to digest. You might want to try one of the leafy lettuces like butter, red leaf, etc.

Flbutterfly

It's great hearing from you. I've been wondering how you're doing. Well my time under the knife is coming soon. It's Monday! I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems and hope that everything gets better for you soon. I work at a doctor's office and always worry about work piling up while I'm gone. Throughout all of my surgeries, they've always told me to come back when I'm ready instead of coming back too soon and having to go back out again. Phyllis had a great idea about going back part time at first. That's what I'm thinking of doing.

Posted 9/7/2007 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, everyone!!

about the my question on eating salads.  Yes,

I do eat the iceberg salads that come out of a

bag.  I'm going to lay off eating salads for a week

and see if that helps.

Lori, I was off work for 3 months after I had my

colectomy.  The second week I was home I dropped down to 100 lbs and was nearly comatose when I went back to the ER.  I was

severely dehydrated and all my chemical levels

were off the charts.  My weight before the surgery was 130 and it was all in the abdomen.

I looked like I was pregnant.  Now my weight

runs 113-115 so I'm really thin.  But everything

just runs through me.  Lori, unless you're feeling really good, I would take as much time off as you can and 'get your feet wet' by doing things like going shopping, etc.  It's been 2 yrs since my

surgery and I poop out (tired) quickly (pardon

the pun :-) ).

I'm interested in how others are doing after having surgery.

Linda

 

Posted 9/7/2007 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Linda,

I had my TC 6/06 and go anywhere between 15- 20X/day...Yes it can be tiring but I am so grateful I am no longer constipated....

I was easily fatigued until they dx me with proctitis and superficial ulcers..the GI put me on flagyl and a medicated suspension enema that I use nightly.  Well, all of a sudden I am going only about 8X a day and I have so much energy as I am getting at least 4 straight hours of deep sleep. 

Also, green salads give me a hard time too.  It eat my veggies even though they come out almost the same way they went in...

Take care everyone

Phyllis

Posted 9/7/2007 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Lori,

I am sorry that your recovery has been challenging. I am glag that you do not regret the decision. In time, you will heal and feel healthy again. I am elated that the surgery has worked for you (for the most part). You can have a BM with out laxatives or anything. That is AWESOME! Everytime my bag feels a little heavy, I feel overwelmed with JOY! I look a client out to dinner last night and for the first time in 7 years I was able to ENJOY eatting a meal. I had salmon and a sweet potato...it was yummy.

Please do not feel pressured by your boss to return to work. IT CAN AFFECT YOUR RECOVERY!! If your body is not feeling close to normal, I would not go back. I am taking 6 weeks off work. I have felt great since my second week, but I am still going to take an additional 4 weeks off to heal. When I had my last colectomy surgery in June 2006, it took me 4 months to feel normal. It hurt every time I coughed which told me that my insides were not healed.

Listen to your body...not your BOSS! Can you get your Dr to write you a note for some extended leave for work?

Keep me posted on your progress.

I think of you and Kim a lot.


Irish Mom,
I will be out of town on Monday so I would like to wish you well on your surgery in advance. I am sure you will do wonderful...even if your recovery is a little sluggish....you will be wonderful eventually.

Take care,
Amey
Posted 9/8/2007 10:06 AM (GMT 0)
LORI - I know all too well what a "slow" healing process is like.  Just keep in mind it will continue to get better each passing week.  For me personally it was 16 weeks before I felt "normal" - Like I've stated many times here - everyone is different and healing is a "personal" experience.  My surgery was done lap and it still took all that time before all the tenderness was gone from my body.  I wish you all the best during your healing process and hope your incision heals quickly!! 

Regarding work - DO NOT let them intimidate you into coming back too soon.  Put yourself first - this is the best gift you can give yourself - SERIOUSLY!!  I would have my surgeon FAX personell a letter stating how huge this surgery was and how lengthly recovery time can be.  It's not as though you had a wisdom tooth cut out and removed!!!! 

I'm with you when it comes to having bm's - I'm thankful for each and every one of them!!!

AMEY - I'm sooooo impressed with you!!  I took a look at your pics - you look amazing girl!!  You've sure been thru a lot in a very short period of time - you're a true inspiration - God bless you!

IRISH - I wish you the best for Monday.  May God be with you and direct your surgeon's hands!  You've sure waited a long time to get the ball rolling and thank the Lord your surgeon will be available during and well after your surgery.  Please keep us posted "when" you're able to get up and about!!!

You've been such a blessing for so many here and I hope we can return the favor to you!

Posted 9/8/2007 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Phyllis,
You sound like me... everything does run through as quickly you put it in!! I'm on several meds and I even notice that sometimes they go through whole so I'm breaking them in half but sometimes they go through, too. That tells me that I'm not getting the value of my nutritions, etc. That's probably why I'm so tired all the time even though it's been 2 yrs since I've had my TC. I have asthma, too, and take meds for that and they have been going through, sometimes, too. Maybe that's another reason I'm tired. I just had some blood work done to see what my levels are on my thyroid, theophylline (asthma med) and iron. Hopefully that will show something.
Have a good weekend, all of you.
Linda
✚ New Topic locked
12345678