TOTAL COLECTOMY PART 18

Amey,

   Like you I was very active before the surgery. I have been an active run, bike, swim guy for years and accused of being a health nut by my co-workers. My condition started very slowly and when it finally came to a head and I needed surgery I was told by all the doctors that after 6 weeks you will be like "new". I guess they can say that because they are not going thru it.

     I did not expect the setbacks but I never expected it to be so tough. I feel like I am returning from the "Dead" and trying ever so slowly to regain my health and confidence. My wife, Lisa, has kept the family going and has been a great support.I have a daughter 9 and she has a hard time seeing Daddy so skinny and always lying and sitting. I have learned alot thru the ordeal especially the fact of how important our health is and how we take our family, friends, and job for granted. I have to remember to try to live in the day and to constantly fight the down times and appreciate the little improvements that we experience.We cannot do this alone and we must always reach out for help by having some faith in whatever we believe in.

   Well, enough of this- I am going for a walk and then maybe eat a small amount of ice cream!

  JB

As far a putting a timeframe on healing - there IS NOT timeframe in my book.  There are those who were up on there feet and going strong by week six, however, only a few in my opinion.  EVERYONE is different in the healing stage.  For me personally, it was a good 16 weeks before I felt "normal" and no longer feeling like I was ran over by a truck. 

Things will get better day by day - it's a slow process so keep that in mind.

HELEN - Welcome to you too!  Could it be possible that the pain you're experiencing could be "female" issues.  By the location you specified, could it be an ovary?  Just a thought on my part.  I had my TC 11-09-06 and six months post-op began slowing down in the bm department considerably.  After several tests to confirm nothing serious going on - I was put back on MiraLAX daily and Bentyl to help with cramping and discomfort.  During my last test - the "attachment" site showed some narrowing. If I can continue doing good with medication I will take that route because I'm NOT by far up to another big surgery.

AMEY - You're so WELCOME!!  You've been an inspiration to me and so many others here!!  God bless you!!

If I miss anyone I'm sorry - I hope everyone is doing well and continues on the uphill path!!!

Lizzie,

I know how you are feeling, this is the only place you can go to. Nobody understands what you are going through unless they have been there. This is my home where you all understand and dont judge you.

I hope everyone is doing well, I did not go to the doctors because my insurance wouldn't give me a refferal because we are on cobra and they did not get our payment in time, as far they are concerned we have no insurance.

In Jan. we have new insurance through my husbands new job. Still looking for a job, no luck.  I am concerned though because I really don't have a babysitter yet, and child care after school will cost $280.00 a month for both.

Well it's that time. If I dont get to reply I would like to wish my family here    very Happy Holiday and a healthy New Year!!!!!!!!

Peace, Love, Faith

I couldn't agree more with your statement that no one understands - they really don't and until they've walked in our shoes - they never will.  Everyone here is like extended family to me and I'm so thankful for each and everyone of them.  Unfortunately I didn't have the support of my family going into this surgery and this is the only place I found I could express my feelings and not be judged.

APRIL - I'm sorry to hear you didn't get in the see the doctor - COBRA - I've dealt with that before and God forbid your payment be an hour late.  They drop you like a hot potato!!!  At least January is right around the corner!!

You sound like you're in better spirits and that's nice to see!!  Things will get brighter for you - just have faith!!  I know at times it's hard to do but God will see you thru that valley you're going thru right now. 

From my family to yours - Happy Holiday's to you and yours!!

Nothing really new to report other than I'm now dealing with hemorrhoids! I've never had them before; not even while pregnant or after delivering a 9lb 8oz or an 11lb 9oz baby.

I noticed a 'lump' about two weeks ago while wiping. I thought that it was a 'pucker' or something from the surgery so I ignored it. Well a couple of days ago it got sore, so I thought that it was a hemorrhoid. I asked my boss (remember I work at a doctor's office) what I could put on it. He told me that if it was a thrombosed hemorrhoid that nothing would help other than having it cut open and drained. Okay, so how would I know if it was thrombosed? He said he'd have to look at it. Hmm? I realize that he's my PCP and is VERY professional, but there is something about having your boss look at your butt.

I decided that I'd sneak out of work and see how it panned out. Well he caught me on the way out and told me to get my chart and get in a room. So there I am in a room waiting for the inevitable. He walks in and asks why I'm not changed. I told him I'd just drop my pants and let him have a look. He laughed and said, 'Uh no, you need to be up on the table laying on your left side'. So I do just that and hop up on the table. He calls one of my coworkers in (okay, now this is getting embarassing) and tells her to 'hold this up' meaning my butt cheek. He takes one look and says that it needs to be drained because it's huge. Keep in mind that I had taken four Senokot earlier in the day and they could be working any minute. So I see them getting the needle ready and he says the usual, 'you're going to feel a little pinch'. Little pinch my butt, it burnt like the dickens. I told him to be nice or my Senokot might start working. LOL  Good thing he has a good sense of humor. So he cut it open and pulled out a lot of blood clots. He also said that because of it's size that it might have to be done again. Oh boy!

And how was YOUR week?

Hello everyone...haven't been on a while.  Hope everyone is doing well

Terri your story put a smile on my face...I couldn't imagine...it's good you have a sense of humor.  So why are you taking Senekot?  Are you constipated still?

Well, I have picked out a different surgeon. He is looking over all my test results (which by the way, my small bowel transit was good...so that is comforting...so was the barium enema).  I wants to make absolutely sure that I don't have Hirschbrung's by doing a biopsy of my rectum.

In the meanwhile, I am trying to increase my fiber intake to see one more time if that may help.  Fiber is a tricky thing though, too much and you can get constipated...like I need that.  Well, I ordered this stuff called fruit-eze...anyone heard of it?  It is basically prunes, dates, and raisins pureed in prune juice.  Your supposed to have 2 tbsp. a day...supposedly it has helped many people, especially laxative dependent and the elderly move their bowels. 

I am just worried about the bloating.  I read too much fiber too quick can cause major bloating and gas....which I am experiencing.  The surgeon gave me a list of foods that produce stool, thicken stool, increase gas, and increase the odor of gas.  Too bad a lot of the fibrous foods produce gas...

I will let everyone know what the surgeon says as soon as he calls me back.

  Bless your heart.  I wish you the best during THE next "VIEW" - It's not funny by any means but I think you have a better sense of humor than the doctor!  I loved your threat with the Senokot.  Please keep us posted on today's events. 

MOM - Happy to hear you've settled with a surgeon - that's great news, as well as, the other tests you've had!!  What is Hirschbrung's if you don't mind me asking?  Please keep us posted when you hear back from the surgeon!!

LIZZIE - Hang in there!!  Are you still having pain in the lower right side?  Is it possible to call the surgeon and ask what it could be?  Hopefully the vacation to Mexico will relaxing and enjoyable for you and give you the needed rest so richly deserve before the BIG day!!

I can totally relate to you when it comes to everyone being tired of your story and complaints - I've been there and without the support or understanding of my husband and almost 15 year old daughter.  I was told two and a half weeks post-op that I needed to quit wallowing in my "surgery"!!  The icing on the cake is that anything they did do for me is constantly being thrown up in my face and they aren't doing this or that this year (Christmas shopping and wrapping) those kind of things.  My surgery was 11-09-06.  In NO WAY was I able to do it last year.  This kind of behavior towards me is something I've had a hard time dealing with or understanding.

RESA - It's nice to hear from you and that you're still doing so well.  You've been an inspiration to us here. 

I do hope others are doing well and hope to see some posts telling us how you're doing!!! 

To All,

      After a total TC how long does it take for the "New Plumbing" to start to settle in. I am experiencing itching and sensitivity on the outside of my abdomen and after a meal I become fatigued and need at times to "take a break". When does the general "uncomfortability" begin to subside?

JB

This is a HUGE surgery as you well know.  I've been told it takes a good year before our bodies get accustomed to its new way of transit (thing begin to line out).  This has held very true to my own personal experience.  Don't be too hard on yourself and take your healing process as it comes - this way you won't get too discouraged.

IRISH - How did things go for you during your last "visit"?  I'm sure you'll have plenty to talk about and show us your wonderful sense of humor!!

FROM ME - Within the past few days I've been experiencing these shooting pains in my lower abdomen (the "female organ" area) however, I don't have female organs anymore.  As each day passes they are becoming more and more frequent and more intense.  I'm very "tender" too.  Has anyone else ever had this happen?