My Ileostomy is Tomorrow.

We thought they had flushed the colin during the first surgery, but evidentially they didn't. He has been constipated for months. So there was a lot of back up. I'm just glad I didn't have to pick it up. :)

Dear Barbara:

I am so sorry David is experiencing all of this pain and discomfort. It seems to make sense that the "back-up" would  cause a lot of pain. Hopefully the explosion will give David some relief. I can really relate to how he feels. The only thing I can say is that I survived it and he can too! I'm praying really hard for the both of you.

Richard

Great tidings of Joy! Progress. Since the dam broke, things seem to be getting better. The good news first. His stoma is working great. His vitals are getting better. Temp down from 103 to 99, pulse rate is coming down, and blood pressure is getting better. They had to remove most of his stitches as it had become infected. So the drained it and are leaving it open to drain but packing it with healing stuff. The bloating in is stomach is not quite as bad either. Oh, yea, he as progressed to real food. He is still wired up like a computer with 100 gadgets, but we will count our blessings. I feel safe enough to not spend every night and day at the hospital and go back to work. Thank you all again. Having you here every night to correspond with has been a light line for me.

Wow, Barbara, that is great news! Let's pray that the worst is over, and it's smooth sailing from here on out!

Barbara,

What wonderful news! I'm so relieved for you and David that things are looking up. I'm praying that it continues to get better and better!!

I'm curious, was David on morphine when he was experiencing the paranoia and delusions? Both my boss and my mother-in-law went through the same thing and they were on morphine when it happened. Once their pain meds were changed to something else, it went away.

-Laura

I am almost afraid to say it. David may get to come home Thursday or Friday. :) He off the pain pump button. Just a few more lines with fluids. Out put is good and on solid foods. Will have to have nurses come to our home to dress his opened wound, but at least he will be home for Christmas. I was beginning to think he would not be. Happy days are here again! More later.

Dear Barbara:

That's great news! Keep in touch with the forum because I am sure you will continue to have questions. The past threads are very informative and were a big help to me. I am so happy for you both!

Richard

Good tidings of GREAT JOY. David is coming home tomorrow! He no longer looks like a Borg (Star Trek creature) with things come out of him every which way. He will still have to have a nurse come and change his bandage every day, but I don't care he will be home for Christmas and that is all I wanted. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your prayers and support. We could not have made it with you. Barbara

I'm so happy that David's doing better and will be home for Christmas. I'm praising God with you!

It has happened! HE IS OUT!!!! The first thing he wanted to do was eat some real food. The next was take a shower. Is energy is low, but that is to be expected. We are looking forward to the little things, not hospital sounds, or smells, laying next to each other. And just being alive. He has a long way to go, but this is hugh for him. More later, Barbara

Welcome Home David!!!   Such great news for the both of you.  Enjoy some quiet time since you don't get much of that in the hospital.   And some real home cooked food!  Curl up together and enjoy some movies and each other's company.  I'm so happy things are going so well.  Barbara, take care of yourself too, okay?  

I'm so happy for you both!! The world never looked so good after spending almost a month in the hospital. I know, because that's how long I was there after my ileostomy surgery. The trees looked so green, and food tasted delicious. It was wonderful to be home again and to cuddle up with my hubby in our big, comfortable bed.

Wishing you both a very merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy new year ahead for David!

Cecilia

David and Barbara,

I have been following your progress carefully and I am so grateful for your example. You both have set such a wonderful example of strength and support between a husband and a wife. You are very fortunate to have each other. David, I am so happy for you that you can be home and actually start working on your recovery. It is difficult to recover in the hospital because nothing about the hospital helps you to feel normal. Now that you are back in a comfortable enviornment, you can begin to heal. Take is slow. You have had a very hard month. Your body has been through a very, very challenging trauma. The internal healing is a slow process. I remember coming into the this forum when I was first post-op and saying how I honestly felt like I was beat up with a baseball bat or hit by a semi truck. And I had a "normal" surgery experience. Your surgical experience was more severe than most and therefore you will will take longer to recover. I am glad that Barbara posted on your behalf. She sounds like an amazing woman. I am sure she is going to take great care or you.

I am glad that you will be home Christmas morning. Please keep us posted on your progress. You are correct when you talk about dehydration. I was severely dehydrated and I was so dizzy. I was crawling on the floor just to get to the bathroom. Drink, drink, drink and try not to use much energy moving around so your cells can consentrate on storing water. Hopefully, you will feel better soon.

You are in my thoughts and prayers..