TOTAL COLECTOMY PART 35 THREAD 13

Barb,

After my surgery, I didn't notice stools being especially "stinky"...so I'm not sure about that. I did go about 10-15 times a day, and for the first month or so it was very very loose. I slowed down considerably around month 3...to the point I was uncomfortable, so after a few months of still having trouble going, I started miralax and now still go about 10 times a day, but only because of the miralax. I also have a pelvic floor problem, so I'm sure that's the biggest reason I slowed down. I'm glad you're doing so well! Isn't it nice to poop?? LOL

Hodaya,
I've been meaning to post to say good luck, but just haven't had a chance until now. I hope this new surgery will make thing so much better for you. I know you're scared, but only you know how you feel, and you definitely need to get your life back. I would honestly do the same thing if I was in your shoes. During that period when I was so miserable before I started miralax, I honestly thought I would have to have the surgery also. I'm so sorry miralax didn't work for you, but I'm sure you'll be much happier after surgery and after you get used to your new system!! Good luck sweetie and be sure to keep us posted!

Tracy,
Sounds like you're getting pretty good at figuring your ileostomy out! My doctor gave me lomotil to slow things down. I'm not sure how much stronger it is than immodium, but it's prescription and not expensive, so you may want to ask your Dr. about it. I only take it once in awhile now, if we're going out where I really don't want to have to run to the bathroom. One pill will slow things down for me for several hours, and not move stool to the rectum so that I'm so uncomfortable until I take miralax. I'm not sure who wrote that after surgery your diet is changed forever, but it seems to be that way for me. I can actually eat most anything I want as long as I take miralax, but I have to eat only at certain times unless I want to chance running to a bathroom or feeling uncomfortable.

Val,

I think your surgeon is being very optomistic if he thinks you'll be out in 3 or 4 days; I was in for 8 with no complications other than having trouble peeing when the catheter was taken out. My bowels didn't even wake up until day 6. I also know there is no way I could have gone back to work in 3 weeks. I'm sure some have had a speedy recovery, but this sounds a little too quick to me. I had so much diarrhea at 3 weeks that I couldn't have gone to work if I wanted to. I actually took 12 weeks off; it took about that long for me to figure out how to eat. I was lucky that I was able to take so long, but it was nice having that time to figure things out. My surgeon had told me to plan on 8-10 weeks anyway though. Good luck!

Lori,
Sorry I missed you at the hospital, too! I can only think I had your last name wrong, but Lizzie was sure I was right! Anyway, I hope your recovery is smooth and that you're feeling better soon. I'm sure it looks like a long journey ahead, but look what you've been through and how much you've already accomplished by making it through such a tough surgery and having an ileostomy that works! Good luck!!

Rosemary,
Have a great time on your cruise...always fun to read about your adventures:)
Lizze, as always praying for your recovery...will chat soon!

Happy July 4th to all,

Hugs,
Janie

Lori, good to hear from you! yeah, i'm hoping the ileostomy will help me feel better ad save me the hrs i spend in the b/r every day. i'm so glad you're feeling better. i hope your wounds heal fast and you don't get a hernia. you're one brave lady going through all that to have. Barb, glad you're home! things sound good! about the smell, ever since i had my colon removed i've noticed my stools is much less smelly. maybe it's something you're eating? what are you eating? Jenise, thanks for your prayers hon! i hope you too don't have a hernia! Rosemary, have a blast for all of us!! :))) Val, i wish you all the best with your surgery! mine is scheduled for the 8th.... just 4 more days!! Tracy, don't eat that yogurt with the pieces of fruit, i don't thing it's a good idea. isn't it funny?? going from barely having ay output to having too much... hope things balance for you soon. personally, i find it very hard to believe i'll ever be in a situation that i have too much output. Janie, thanks. i'm trying not to think about how it will be like etc. the more i think, the more i drive myself crazy! so i'm not thinking of anything! i just know it has to be better than this.

LOL Trace...... WOO HOO i'm dancing a happy dance for you girl.... :):) but are these farts noisy??????? i mean, come on i can't fart unconrolably like that all the time!!!! it's gonna change right...???? the farts won't be noisy, right????? RIGHT?????? o.k a bit hysterical here lol. i am just SO happy for you lol. i think i'll also have too much output at the first few weeks, it's always like that when you invade the guts, even with the smallest procedure. my surgery is on the 8th!!!!! just 4 more days!!!!! i can't believe it, i truly cannot believe it!! yep, this is going to be easy peasy, just reversing the ileum to the outside of my abd instead of being attached to the rectum, it's really a peace of cake...... but living with it, that's the issue, the adjustment, you know. but i have to say, i have a feeling i'm gonna love it/him/her. it's gonna give me my life. the colectomy was the hardest thing i have ever did... but then again i never had surgeries in my life *shrug*.

NO WAY!!! 6-9 months????? that's a looong time!! MAN what am i gonna do..? it's also about 90 here in israel, and VERY humid. it doesn't make a difference to me with or w/o the colon, the heat in the summer was the same when i had my colon.

Hodaya, yes it is noisy....but atleast with mine, it seems to come in spurts...so, it will be quiet, then will fart and sputter for several minutes, then be quiet again. It also poops silently most of the time...so basically I will look down or feel the bag and wa-lah, it is time to empty...and I never heard a thing. Isn't that so cool?

Sarah, good luck sweetie, you're always in my thoughts and prayers! Tracy, your attitude is amazing! you take everything with humor and that's just awesome and it helps me too to not be sad or depressed... thank you so much for inspiring me like this :) thank you too so much Rosemary for reasuring me. i had my pre op today and i don't think i am prccessing all of this. i say lets just do it and get it over with.... it all just seems so weird it's actually happening.

Does anyone here exercise on a regular basis? How long after sugery unil you are able to do things like.... hill walks, then jogging, and then eventually go to the gym and doing weights?? stomach exercises??

Any ideas? Thanks!!!!

Happy Monday All!!