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Surgery booked - 3 weeks to go

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Posted 10/18/2011 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
I had my pre-op and stoma site marking today. Certainly makes it more "real". I am quite nervous, but also looking forward to getting my freedom back.

I was wondering about whether I would still have UC in my rectum while waiting for my next surgery.

Any last minute bits of advice?
Posted 10/18/2011 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
My rectum was removed with my colon. My J pouch has replaced my rectum. I believe that's the way it's always done.

Some people can get cuffitis which is inflammation of the remaining rectal cuff. (the 1-2 cm that is left.) Some surgeons strip it so it will not occur.

Best wishes with your surgery!
Posted 10/18/2011 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks - byebyeUC,

My understanding is that the rectum stays because of the prednisone use. I think it helps to heal better until the next surgery?? In my first surgery, they are only taking out my colon - nothing else.

Anyway, guess I'll find out soon enough!
Posted 10/19/2011 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Oh I see. I had my surgery done in two steps. The 1st was the proctocolectomy and j pouch creation. And the 2nd step being the take-down. I have to remember a lot of people have it done in 3 steps. :)
Posted 10/19/2011 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
You had your marking 3 weeks before surgery? Thats actually good you can pay attention to where it is when you sit and move. Ask your et for a sample and put the bag on with some applesauce or oatmeal in it and make sure you can wear yoour clothes and that its not in a skin fold or something.
Good luck!
Posted 10/19/2011 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
I was supposed to have a 3 step and they left, I think, about 7 inches of rectum after step 1. Yes, I still had massive UC in the rectum, still bled daily, but because the rest of my colon was gone I wasn't in pain from the colitis. Enjoy the days before surgery (as much as possible) It takes a toll going through these surgeries but so worth it in the end! Best of luck to you!
Posted 10/19/2011 4:39 AM (GMT 0)
Wow panda, things are moving so fast. It will be nice when you're healthy and UC is in the past.
Posted 10/19/2011 10:13 AM (GMT 0)
don't have UC, but just wanted to say GOOD LUCK! summer gave you some great advice to prepare your self! :)
Posted 10/19/2011 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
     I was the opposite.  My UC was IN the rectum and in the twelve years I suffered with it, never did it invade the colon!  I suppose the Colazal did do its job to a certain extent.  The sad thing is though, they will not remove the rectum and leave the colon, so the colon had to go cry .  Oh well, at least I have my life back yeah .
Posted 10/19/2011 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
Christine - I understand that. At my last scope, I only had 35cm of inflammation. The Remi helped to heal higher up, but nothing works (except high pred) on the lower part. Seems wrong almost to be having surgery when there is so much healthy colon. But, as you said - oh, well!

Thanks everyone and especially to summer - I do have a sample, and I will try the applesauce. The nurse did spend a lot of time making sure it was in the best possible spot and checked it sitting, standing, bending over etc. Still, the applesauce idea will help me get a good idea of things to come.

notsosickly - It is moving fast because I booked the surgery back in Sept when I had my consult. I figured I would either get better or need surgery so it was better to book it with the option to cancel.

tryingtokeep - That is my concern too, since I have lots of inflammation in the rectum. I wonder if my suppositories would help after the surgery?

My surgeon is going to aim to do the surgeries in 2 steps. 2nd step is creating the jpouch and hooking it up, if she thinks that I have healed well enough. Otherwise, it will have to be 3 steps.

I am getting exciting but still very nervous....
Posted 10/19/2011 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi mom2panda, I don't have UC, but I am having a total colectomy and my surgery is in 3 weeks as well - so I totally understand the excited but nervous feeling. If you're anything like me you're probably pretty nervous, but counting down the days. What day is your surgery?

Good luck with everything! It sounds like you've got a great plan, especially because you'll have some time to experiment with your marking/placement and everything.

Ali
Posted 10/19/2011 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
mom2panda, I tried Canasa suppositories after surgery but it never did heal the rectum. I had the surgery like you explained.. step 1 to remove the colon then steps 2 & 3 together. I was very glad it was done that way and so far, no problems with it.
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