HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Ok, so I'm back with more problems...

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/30/2009 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
I thought everything was going fine and life had returned to normal.  I even started a business and it's just getting off the ground.  Then I went in last Tuesday to have my anastamosis dilated and it turns out the Doctor couldn't even do it.  It seems there is a curve or kink in my intestine making it turn at a 90 degree angle and the opening there is very miniscule.  That explains all the blockages I've been having.  So now I have to go into the doctor this Tuesday to talk about surgery again.  I can't believe it!!  She said I would be in the hospital for three to four days max....you know what happened last time so I'm scared to death!!  I don't have a date yet but should have one on Tuesday.  She said it's not a matter of IF I have surgery, just WHEN.  She said it inevitable....

The only upside to all this is that I've been having extreme abdominal pain due to scarring in my upper abdomen and while the surgeon is in there she said she can probably remove some of that.  Although then there will just be more scarring....does it ever end??

We were planning to take a cruise this summer at the end of June and I was thinking that maybe I could wait until after the cruise to have the surgery sometime in July, but then my son pointed out why that's not a good idea.  He said what if I have a blockage while on the cruise and need emergency surgery while out in the middle of the ocean?? That really got me thinking......

Posted 5/30/2009 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
I fogot to mention the doctor said there is a 5% chance I would have a bag again but this time would be permanent. Is that a risk I should take or just wait until I HAVE to have the surgery, like in an emergency situation?
Posted 5/30/2009 6:25 PM (GMT 0)

Amanda-

So sorry you have to have another surgery.....Does your surgeon know what caused the kink? I wish you the best and know you will be ok. You have been through so much this time it has to go your way right. Five percent is pretty low, yet it would still be on the back of my mind. I will be praying for you......and praying for a sucessful, and uneventful surgery. Keep me posted as to when your having it. Love ya girlie.......glad you otherwise doing so well.....i want that someday.

Lizzie

Posted 5/30/2009 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
OH NO!!  I am so sorry to hear this Amanda!  You poor thing.  Just think though once they "unkink" the intestine, you should be good to go and there'll be no stopping you!! Hopefully this will be the last surgey for you.  In my prayers girl!...Cheryl
Posted 5/31/2009 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Amanda, I'm really sorry to hear this, especially since you've been doing so well. *hug*

I can relate to your situation, because I also had a 90 degree bend in my small intestine that was causing partial blockages.
Around 6 weeks ago, I almost died when it turned into a full blockage that caused my small intestine to perforate. I had to have
emergency surgery and luckily survived. If I were you, I would not mess around with this and get it fixed.
Posted 5/31/2009 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
I know you've been through so much scary stuff lately. I can totally see why you're not jumping for joy at another surgery (who would be). But like Cecilia said, don't wait for an emergency, b/c it would be much MUCH riskier.

Good Luck to you. You'll be in my prayers.

Look on the bright side (if there is one). Maybe you can have your cruise in the fall or winter. Cheaper rates, and you can come back tan while the rest of us will be pasty white. :)

Chassity
Posted 5/31/2009 7:05 AM (GMT 0)

i'm so sorry you're having troubles again, i'll bet it's frustrating and having more surgery is the last thing you want right now or EVER.

did your dr say what the chances for this procedure to be successful? what is supposed to be done in this surgery? are they simply going to remove the twisted part and join the new end to your rectum? i'm just curious.

i hope things go well, you're in my prayers, dear!

Posted 5/31/2009 10:10 AM (GMT 0)
Cecilia and Chassity, you are so right, and Cecilia I'm so sorry that happened to you! That must've been very scary and very painful!! Here it is 4am and I'm sitting here with a partial blockage and lots of pain. I can't sleep so I thought I'd put a heating pad on my stomach as I know this is what they always tell me to try first. I hope it works because right now I can tell it's a partial, but I'm afraid if it doesn't clear soon it will turn into a full blockage. Your story really scared me into thinking I want to get it done on MY time so I can determine the when and the where and the who (as far as what dr. does the surgery.) You really gave me something to think about!

Thanks Cher for your words of kindness and support, they mean so much to me!

NASCARon, I never thought of getting a second opinion and to be honest I probably won't. I trust my surgeon explicitly as she has so much experience and she's done all my previous surgeries. Honestly, even though I should probably get a second opinion, I probably won't. I'm too scared now and just want to get it done.... After seeing the pictures she gave me of how small it is and how it's kinked (at a 90 degree angle), I'm afraid to put anything in my mouth, I'm very scared to eat anything because now everything looks like a danger food. I'm so paranoid now I just want it fixed so I can resume my life. I have complete trust and confidence in my surgeon.

So Hodaya, Tuesday I will find out more about this when I go see her and ask her what the success rate is, but I know she'll tell me that with my case being so difficult it's a tough call. I guess though if she said there's a 5% chance it won't go right and I'll end up with a bag, that there's a 95% chance everything will be fine. What would you do??? You were right on with what they would do during surgery. I think they have to cut out that part and reconnect it. I'll know for sure on Tuesday.

Thanks to everyone for your support!
Posted 5/31/2009 10:39 AM (GMT 0)
Repeated partial blockages are a pretty good indication that there is something going on internally, IF, that is, you have done all of the experimenting with the food that goes into your mouth.  Me, well, I just wouldn't mess around with it any longer.  Choose your surgeon, time and you have control over your recovery a little better than if you were to wait for it to become an emergency.

My partials are adhesion related, topped off by foods that are quesitonable.  But nearly all of mine have happened after I go to bed 0 maybe lack of activity to "push" it on through.  So walk as much ad you can

Best of luck to you.

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply