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TOTAL COLECTOMY PART 25

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Posted 8/18/2009 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thread #24 is locked, so I started #25.

Lizzie, I hope that the sleeping medication worked for you last night. Lack of sleep can really take a toll on you! I am sooooo happy to hear that the bio feedback is going so well! You really seem to be passing all the tests you need to pass, and I hope once the reversal is done – you’ll be doing great! My tests were so long ago.. I hardly remember them, but remember it was embarrassing.. and glad I had a female tech!

I will definitely stay on the low residue diet. I am really afraid of post op ileus. I had that after my surgery 5 months ago.. it was awful. My bowels just wouldn’t wake up and I couldn’t eat anything for 10 days. I would have thought I’d lose weight, but I only lose a few pounds, which I quickly gained back as soon as I could eat. DO you have any idea when your next surgery will be?

Tracy, it’s good to hear from you! I thought you might be busy back to work. So the Botox did nothing at all? What will be your next option? I will definitely find out more about the risk of surgery, however, I want to clarify that it is not to correct a rectocele (which is a prolapse of the rectum) but to correct the position of the rectum itself. Before my sacral colpopexy, my rectum was coming out of my body (out of the anus itself – sorry TMI). I had that, along with a rectocele (budge in the vagina). I can live with the budge.. no problem, but I can’t live with the other. It was actually that reason I sought medical help for my prolapse and constipation. My understanding is that it will progress more once I reach menopause.. and I am 48 yrs old so it won’t be long! I am able to schedule surgery anytime in October (they won’t operate till I am 6 months post op from the other surgery). I have a vacation planned in the middle of October, so I will schedule it late October – first part of Nov. I’ll know the date next week after my post op appointment.

Judy, it would be awesome to meet and I defiantly will connect with you if and when we go! We are from the Glens Falls/Lake George area, how close are you? Judy, give me a day of what your meals are, I am so curious! VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION.. can you eat Chocolate!!! LOL I really just adore chocolate!
Posted 8/18/2009 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

I sure hope Hodaya is doing well.  Hopefully we'll hear something in a couple days from her.

Lizzie,

I'm glad to  hear that biofeedback is working for you.  I only go once a week, because it's over an hour away (1.5 hours in traffic hours) and I just can't keep taking so much time off from work.  I've only had one treatment and my numbers are off the charts as well.  Actually my resting numbers are down some from before my surgery, but still not as low as they'd like.  I can squeeze very well and hold it (you know how the line stays constant across the top) but I use my abdominal muscles when I squeeze.  They aren't too concerned with that, but when I try to push, my numbers go sky high.  WAY WAY off the charts, so basically when I bear down, I'm squeezing.  I guess that's what we'll work on Friday.  I just can't figure out how to bear down correctly.  Maybe that's why I can't dance; I have two left feet and can't figure out which does which!!!

Did your pt go over your diet at all?  I have a different pt than I did before surgery, but this pt spend over 2 hours talking about my diet and how I'm not eating enough fiber.  I'm trying things her way, for the most part, but I just can't handle the amount of fiber she thinks I need.  It blocks me up. 

Judy,

I hope you have a great great time with your daughter.  I only have  one son and 3 stepsons, but time with them is so wonderful now that they're all grown up!!  Especially time with the grandkids!  You have that to look forward to, although I KNOW you're not in a big hurry:)

Jenise,

I'll answer you about chocolate, at least for me.  I eat it, I can't live without it!  My pt for biofeedback says it is constipating, and that may be true.  What I've found (thanks to someone here on the board) is the sugar free thin mints are great, and also stimulate my bowels.  I've never gotten diarrhea from chocolate though (after the first 3 months, before that, lots of things made me go and go!)

Good luck figuring out what you're going to do.  It can be overwhelming, can't it??

 

Posted 8/18/2009 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
hi i'm in the hosp, surgery ent o.k iwas in alot of pain and nauseu. a few minutes ago i threw up lots of green and had bloody diarreah. also my abd isn't even, on the right side it's swolen and protruding and the left not at all. has this happen to any of you?
Posted 8/18/2009 6:08 PM (GMT 0)

Hodaya-I can't believe it's you girl!!!!!!!  I've been praying and praying for you.  Do you not have an NG tube?  That would take the bile from your stomach.  The swelling is normal, your dr may have done more work on that side, just make sure you let the nurse see it so they are aware of it.  Have you been up and walking yet?  I am praying for the Angels to surround you to keep you close and to heal your body.

I will talk with you soon, REST, LOVE YOU,

Judy 

Posted 8/18/2009 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hodaya,
Hi Sweetie! I didn't think we'd hear from you so soon. Did you have an NG tube and they took it out already? The NG tube will keep you from feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up bile.
As far as the stomach looking different goes, I wouldn't worry about that at this point. Judy's right; could just be how the Dr. operated.

Also, Judy's right about walking. I KNOW the last thing you want to do is walk, but it is so good for you, and will help get things moving. When will you get some liquids? I had my NG tube for 5 days, so I didn't get any until it was gone. Hopefully the naseau will go away and you'll be able to get started on some liquids soon.

Don't rush to do anything and don't worry about anything now; your body just needs time to heal. You'll be feeling better before you know it....just get out there and walk as much as you can.

Lots of hugs,
Janie
Posted 8/18/2009 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hodaya (((HUGS))) I can't believe you are able to check in already!!! Oh.. I hope they do something for the vomiting, that is the worse thing!!

How wonderful this forum is here for you/I/us to support us all before, during and after.

Judy, I am sooooo happy to know you still can eat chocolate! I mean.. it's okay if I am only to eat a little at atime, it will help keep me at a better weight, but I don't want to live without it!!
Posted 8/18/2009 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hodaya,

So glad to hear from you! I have been checking daily and praying that everything went well. As others have asked did you have an NG tube? My surgery is in October and my doctor said that he does not put in a NG tube unless he absolutely has to. I really hate you have been so sick to your stomach. I am praying for you and hoping you start feeling better soon.

Jen
Posted 8/18/2009 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Wow!! You made it OK thru the surgery. I hope and pray this is the beginning of much happiness, and new health.
Posted 8/19/2009 12:44 AM (GMT 0)

Hodaya-Hey girlfriend, I hope you are feeling a little better.  I only had a moment to write a quick note earlier.  I can't believe you are writing already!  Did the vomiting stop?  See if you can get some zofran for the nausea, this works great for it.  As for the bloody D this is normal to begin with. I'm sorry you're having pain; I pray that your pain eases soon. 

Let us know how you are and know that we love you are are always praying for you,

((((((HUGS))))))

Judy 

Jenise-Just want you to know that I eat mini reese cups EVERY day and have never had a problem; well maybe a little, sometimes they cause a little loose stool but I would NEVER give up peanut butter or chocolate.  My kinesiologist who is also a nutritionist always tries to get me to eat dark chocolate because it is better for us but I always tell her it's a lost cause, I just LOVE milk chocolate.  I did switch to organic peanut butter though; she is very happy about that:) I drive her crazy sometimes; it's a good thing we have become very good friends:):)

Posted 8/19/2009 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Hodaya, Yes I also had the swelling to one side. I didnt look at my insicion until I got home. I think I was too nervous to. And the vomiting, I totally know what your feeling. Good grief, I think that was the worst part. I know you are struggling right now. You have to think about the future, thats what I had to do. Phenergan helped me with the vomiting plus it helps you sleep. The bloody diarreah is also normal as others have said, I think mine quit about the third day. Each day will get better, I promise! As long as you can keep that in mind, you will do great!! Just remember we all love and support you.

Jenese- I also keep a restricted diet. I do not eat fruits and veggies and also stay away from tuff meats such as steak or roast. I really do not eat beef at all anymore. I eat a lot of cereals, chicken, rice and potatoes. As far as chocolate I have started eating small amounts.

Everyone who is post op- I started having the blood in my stool again today. And my pain is a bit more than usual. Especially when I push to have a bm. Is this OK? I called the doc today, but they have not gotten back to me. What are the symptoms for leakage around the anastomosis? I am really worried about this. Could someone answer me asap since the nurse hasnt called me yet. I would deeply appreciate it.

Thanks, Marisa
Posted 8/19/2009 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Marissa,
Gosh girl! I am worried about you. I don't know what the symptoms are, but in the hospital they took me back into emergency surgery for a suspected leak at the site. My stomach was so huge, unbelievably! I was extremely nauseated, couldn't hold my head up, and it extreme pain. Do you think it could be from hemroids? Please let me know what you find out. I'll be praying for you.

Hodaya,
So excited to hear an update on you! My stomach was swollen on one side much more than the other, but they put a drain tube in to help with that. I never threw up because I had an NG tube. When they took it out, I was so sick to my stomach and they gave me Reglan, Zofran and Phenagran - all of them help with the nausea. Please know that it only gets better from here!!! You can make it through this and you will look back six weeks later (like me) and say it was worth it!!

Love all of ya,
Christy

I EAT CHOCOLATE!!!!!!
Posted 8/19/2009 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hodaya....

So good to hear form you....I miss you so much. I am glad you are feeling ok and hope the pain and nausea is better. I was the same as you and vomiting bile. Shound slike an ileus and maybe you need an NG. I pray for continued healing. walk and rest....love you.

I still feel like crap. Still not sleeping, and having every hour during the night night sweats ( I wake up drenched in the air), I have been so exhausted, fatigued physically and feel i have taken a few steps back. I am weaning off my antidepressant. I thik the wt gain, insomnia, and seats are all from it....after talking with the pharmacist at work. I thre up today and yesterday )first tines since surgery) and sill changing bag every f'in day. I am just having a bad day. Sorry to vent,

Thinking of you all. Biofeedback again tomorrow am....wish me luck.

lIzzie

Posted 8/19/2009 3:34 PM (GMT 0)

Hodaya-Hoping and praying you are getting better. Hope to here some good news from you soon.  Love you!!!

Marisa-Worried about you; has your dr called you?  Please let us know how you are. Praying that you are okay and everything is fine.

Lizzie-You poor thing; I always feel so badly when you are having a bad day, you've been through so much and it's so time for it to be OVER!!!!!!! I continue to pray that this bio... will work and you can have your surgery soon.  Hang in there and know that we love you and are here for you.

Jenise-I live just over the PA/NY boarder.  I think Lake George is like 4 hours away; it would be a great day trip and I would absolutely love to see you.  Ok now for a typical day of eating, it's different now than when I first had the surgery.  I'll give you a post surgery day and a present day.  Post surgery: one slice of bread w/ organic PB & applesauce cup for breakfast, chicken noodle soup & 1/2 grilled cheese for lunch, and usually soup & grilled cheese again for dinner. I would have another applesauce cup sometime throughout the day and I also had 3 cheap chocolate chip cookies (I have weird cravings).  I probably ate this for about a month post op.  I then started eating a turkey breast sandwich for lunch and added a peach cup; for dinner I started eating chicken breast or a hamburger, mashed potatoes or rice I didn't put my meat on bread, it was too much food as I still ate small portions for a really long time, well i guess i still do.  Just before I got sick in May a typical day would be 2 slices of bread w/ organic PB and a peach cup for breakfast, a greek yogurt @ 10:00, PB & fluff for lunch & flat earth chips for lunch (they contain a 1/2 serving of veggies in every serving & I always ate the spicy salsa ones-YUM), for dinner: usually some type of chicken with hot sauce (I LOVE spicy, hot things), noodles, potaotes, or rice and a cooked veggie of some sort.  I also ate 3 of those cheap chocolate chip cookies everyday, don't ask why, I'm just weird and I always had a bowl of Panda Paws ice-cream with milk on it to mix it to make ice crystals.  Oh yea, I also ate 3 mini reese cups.  Wow, i sure did eat al lot, I don't know how I didn't gain the weight back:)  One thing I don't do is use bread on a sandwich, only for lunch.  If I have a chicken sandwic, hamburger, or philly cheese steak, I always get it without the bread.

I hope this helps.  You can eat a lot of things and yes I was thrilled when I could finally go back to eating hot spicy things because I put hot sauce on just about everything, so don't worry about your diet.  The only thing I truly miss is salad.  I also REALLY miss watermelon but my dr said I can start to eat it again, YAY.  I just love it with fat free cool whip:) :)

Talk to you later, I'm going to catch a few rays,

Love and hugs,

Judy

Posted 8/20/2009 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hodaya,

Thought about you alot today. I am praying that you are doing well tonight and that tomorrow will be an even better day than yesterday! Keep hanging in there. It was worth it even if it doesnt feel that way now! You will be so much better off.

Marissa,

Did the doctor call you back. How are you feeling now?

Lizzie,

Worried about you. I pray that this setback does not damage your chances for reversal. I'm sure trying to get the antidepressant out of your system is causing alot of problems. Hang in there.

Judy,

I'm going swimming, well just relaxing around the pool, not really strong enough to swim yet. I really need the sun. It's been along time since I got any rays!!

Christy
Posted 8/20/2009 3:09 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone,

Hodaya I am thinking of you and praying you are doing well. 

I just got a call from my surgeon's office.  My surgery date will be October 15th! :-)   I am glad but at the same time I am already so nervous I am sick to my stomach.  Seriously already!  I don't know how to settle my nerves I am soooooo worried something will go wrong, and I will be left off worse than I am now.  shakehead   

I read good things then bad things so it can make you crazy as I am sure you all know. 

Jen

Posted 8/20/2009 3:54 PM (GMT 0)

Jen-That's awesome that you've got a date!!!!!! Like I've told many people on here, sometimes too much info can be not a good thing.  Focus on the positive and be determined that this is the best thing for you and that nothing will go wrong.  I've ALWAYS had that mindset when I've gone into every surgery and even if something did go wrong I knew that I could and would get through it and I would be a stronger person once it was overwith.  Remember that I never had one complication from my surgery and it was open and I was only in the hospital for 5 days.  You too can have a great surgery; just keep telling yourself that that is what is going to happen.  There was a possibility that I might have woke up with a temp. bag but I kept telling my husband that if I did my surgeon better run because he was in big trouble and I didn't so; ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS think POSITIVE.

For now, get your house in order, stock up on groceries, cook meals and put them in the freezer if your husband doesn't cook; or start buying gift certificates for take out so you don't have to use extra money when you aren't working; hire a housecleaner for when you get home for a couple of months; get everything possible in order so that all you have to do when you get home is lay around and heal and walk, walk, walk!!!!!!! Oh, and buy an ipod if you don't have one-I tell everyone to-because I'm addicted to mine and it's the very BEST thing to drown out the hospital noises especially at night:)

Remember, that we are ALL here for you to help get you through this and we love you!!!!!

Hugs,

Judy

Posted 8/20/2009 3:56 PM (GMT 0)

Hodaya-Sweetie, I'm starting to get worried; I hope and pray you are doing okay.  Let us know how you are doing. 

Love you,

Judy

Posted 8/20/2009 4:23 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Judy.  You are an inspiration, and I keep thinking back to you when I tell myself that I will do well.  Three doctors have told me that they think I will do very well but still it is worrisome.

I am already trying to get everything done in the house.  I have projects going on like painting the front porch and cleaning the basement.  Something all the time.  Then I have to worry about my husband and kids while I am down and out.  My husband is a saint when it comes to helping out so I feel good about that, but he CANNOT COOK!  My son has autism so that is a handful in itself.  So much to think about and the time I am sure will creep up on me.  

I have an IPOD and plan to have it updated and ready when I go into surgery.  So much to do so little time!

Hodaya, I too am getting worried.  I think about you all the time.  I hope things are going well and you are able to check in soon.

Jen

Posted 8/20/2009 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hope everyone is well. I have 4 kids and the 3 youngest ones have swine flu. I am shocked and worried. My 10 year old had a fever of 105.4 this morning. Please say a prayer for my kids and another prayer that me and my husband don't get this dreaded flu. Will post more later. Tracy
Posted 8/20/2009 6:02 PM (GMT 0)

Hello everyone....

Hodaya- Whats going on sweetie....worried about you. Let us know how you are???

Judy- Such words of positivity...hope I can find that going into the hopeful third surgery. I have been discouraged all week and I am not sur eif its because I just "stopped" my antidepressant d/t side effects, or what it is. You always make me smile :)

Jen- So happy for your date....mine, if all goes well, should be right around the time of yours. I knows its unserttling the stuff you read...believe me, I have read some horror stories on reversals. Unllike Judy, I did have a lot of complications and I still am here, doing just fine, and I made it through either way. My story is not the typical and not one to focus on.....:)

Tracy- So sorry to hear about your kids...how did this happen? Are they sure its swine flu? Are they hospitalized??

So I am still doing ok. I do not know if it was the dramatic stop in antidepressant, mentrual cycle, or what. I just feel on edge and very down and out and discouraged. I usually have 1-2 BM's per week with ileo and have not had but one in last 1.5 weeks. Not that this really means much....I have an ileo. Also, I should look at the positive that my biofeedback resting tone dropped 5 microvolts. I am resting at 5 which is normal, but still working on some things. Also, it could be the lack of sleep still and the fact that I was up for 2 hrs with leak last night....I had just healed my skin and now its all ulcerated again and yeast covered. I just want to crawl in a hole, but i will be ok.

Hope u all are well.

Lizzie

Posted 8/20/2009 7:28 PM (GMT 0)

Lizzie-hang in there, your feelings are most likely from stopping the antidepressant. You've been through soooo much but if you can just hang in there for a little while longer this will hopefully soon be over.  It's still so amazing that things have starting working for you and you are possibly; no, GOING to (we are thinking positively) have your reversal surgery. Keep your thoughts on the end goal and that will help with the down moments. Always know that you are in my thoughts and I pray for you many times a day.  Hugs and love to you:)

I know that I keep telling you girls that I didn't have any complications from this surgery and I didn't but I have had soooooo many difficulties from all of my past surgeries and illnesses (kind of like my kidney stone removal turned into a 3 mon ordeal)and my body doesn't react the way most normal peoples do to things that it is a miracle that I did so well with this surgery.  My kinesiologist who works with at least 15 people a week tells me that I am her most unique and difficult case as my body doesn't react the way it should; but she enjoys the challenge.  So you really don't know if you will or will not have complications; just always keep positive and it's so great that with all that you have gone through Lizzie you can still remain positive and encouraging.

Tracy- I'm so sorry to hear that your children are so sick.  Is the swine flu going around at your school?  I know that you are scared but I'm sure that they are getting the best care, just remember to do really good hand washing.  I will pray for your children and you and your husband.

Have to go I am tutoring a little boy in reading and have to get his lesson ready, then going out to dinner with my hubby. Talk with you all later.

Hugs and love,

Judy

Posted 8/20/2009 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
I posted earlier that my surgery date was October 15th.  They called and changed it to October 26th because Dr. Fuller wanted Dr. Robinson to assist.  I guess two colorectal surgeons are better than one.

 

Jen

Posted 8/20/2009 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hodaya, I hope you are doing okay.. check in and let us know a briefing as soon as you feel up to it. Take your time, but know we are praying for you!

Judy, do not ever lose that upbeat attitude! You have been through so much with a lot of past surgeries. I am so happy that this one went by without complications! Thanks for posting a typical day of eating, it helps!

Lizzie ((HUGS)) sorry you are having a difficult time, and I bet it does have a lot to do with getting off your med's so quickly. Was there a reason that you stopped suddenly instead of weaning yourself? Do focus on that positive bio- feedback - that's really good news!! Sending positive vibes to you ~~~ and hope you have your surgical date soon!

Tracy, did they test for the swine flu? My sister's children doctor was almost positive 2 of her kids had the swine flu. She bought this $150.00 medication , but when the test results came back.. it wasn't swine flu. Sending a pray to your family!

Jen, you got a date!! :-) I know you must be both excited and soooo nervous too (I am). Everything I have read is pretty positive.. meaning that most people who have this surgery are happy that they did it. I'm on vacation till the 18th of Oct, so I am hoping that I will be soon after that date (but need a couple days to unpack and prepare)! I am glad I have this time, as I am exercising and dieting to get into the best shape I can prior to surgery - and hope it helps!

Since I just had surgery 5 months ago, and was in the hospital for 5 days.. things are pretty fresh. I know all Judy's suggestions are GREAT - need to get the house ready and stock up on food. Buy a nice night gown & robe, get books, dvd's and other things to pass the time away during recovery. Hard no driving and shopping. My husband was wonderful.. and cleaned everyday and really helped me so much. Ipod/iphone - gotta have! I ended up not using my computer at all in the hospital, I really was just too weak and wiped out. Maybe I won't be so much with this surgery? My last surgery was 8 hours and I think being under that long made it more difficult waking up...?
Posted 8/20/2009 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Jen, you posted as I was typing... now our dates are going to be very close! I'll know my date next week - but 2 ARE better then 1!
Posted 8/20/2009 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Jenise, Thanks for your words of encouragment. I too am going to try to get into shape before surgery. I am ideal weight and do not need to lose any but I am sooooo out of shape. I need to exercise and lift weights to get into shape. Only one problem I only feel well 2 maybe 3 days a week. Guess I will have to figure that out.

Lizzie sorry to hear about the med problem but am glad to hear that the biofeedback is going well. Just try to focus on the positive.

Tracy sorry to hear about the flu, and I know high fevers are scary.

Hodaya praying for you!

Jen
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