Had colectomy..happy, but very difficult recovery

Had my colectomy on May 7th. I was very fortunate. Apparently, some of the drugs we had been using were working, but not enough to kick it all, so they only needed to remove my sigmoid, anus, and most of my rectum. They kept part of my rectum so there is a chance of reversal later. However, I like this so much, I'm not sure I'll ever reverse it! Can't wait to get the opaque bags..the clear one is kind of gross, but I know in time... My ostomy nurse is awesome.

I had a very very hard firsy 36 hours. My epidural failed. I was numb only to my belly button, and everything above my belly button to my ribcage was in extreme pain. They upeed the epi and then my entire lower body immediately felt numb, so they pulled it immediately. So, I've been dealing with extreme pain since. It has gotten under control since sometime yesterday, but i spent much of Thursday night and Friday screaming because it hurt so bad. I had an inconsiderate nurse who refused pain medicine because I looked drugged up....it was so bad the charge nurse got involved and she took care of me until the next shift and whenever they moved me to a private room.

I have had someone here non-stop with me since surgery...my husband just left for a couple hours, but will be back later and I have lots of company today. Hope to get my catheter out today and get a shower as well.

Oh, and my bag started working at 48 hours post surgery, so they said that was great news. I've been sipping a little soda to help push and start some gas and it has helped. I still have no appetite really... but just taking this little by little. I've been sleeping a LOT...

just wanted to update.

Kaycie
Oh, think it was a sigmoid-colectomy and it was about 12-18 inches removed.

Abdominal surgery makes for a painful recovery. I don't think people realize that we use our abs for almost every movement and when they've been cut on every movement hurts. Walk as much as is comfortable but don't push it and get plenty of rest. Before you know it you'll be feeling like new.

glad you are getting to feel better, it takes a while!
I hope you continue recovering smoothly!

Glad you are tough. Hope I can stand it all. Prayers being sent your way. Hang in.