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Posted 12/10/2011 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
I had my proctocolectomy and permanent ileo as planned.  I am litterally knocked on my butt still with exhaustion and pain, but I guess that's to be expected with this type of surgery.  It's baby steps every day, but I truly can't wait to turn the corner and feel much better than now. 

Going into the surgery I wasn't well, and to date I lost 18 pounds off a frame that was petite to begin with.

How long did it take before you felt human again after this surgery??  I see everyone getting onto the Christmas spirit with shopping, cookie baking, etc., and I am sad I barely have the energy to walk across my house.  I also hate the idea of being on these pain meds, but if I don't take them I am still in a great deal of pain. 

 

 

Posted 12/10/2011 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Give yourself time. The feelings you are describing are completely normal for how far you are in recovery. Most people talk about six weeks being a spot where they felt significantly better or pretty much "normal". For me, getting my energy back seems to take the longest of anything. You had a huge surgery and your body has to heal while also Learning how to get the nourishment and hydration you need from your new system. It takes some time. Take the pain meds if you need them. Keeping the pain away will help you sleep better and move around better which are all important for recovery.
Posted 12/11/2011 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
     It took a good six months before I felt really well.  I am a good deal older than most people in this forum.  I was almost 64 at the time of my operation last year but knew if I didn't have it, I wouldn't see 65.  It is just so wonderful being off all those high powered meds.  The surgery is not easy and not everyone over on the UC forum would agree, but I believe having the surgery is 100% better than living life confined to the house, having pain, urgency, bleeding.  Not to mention all those meds..ugh!  If the UC doesn't kill ya, those meds sure will.
Posted 12/11/2011 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hubby had his surgery 12/17th last year. Of course the first week is not fun but it is a different kind of pain too...we came home on 12/27th and it was a 3 hr drive but we stopped on the way home and went in to a favorite seafood place on the way home!!! We split a seafood plate...he had some fries, scallops, shrimp and fish...I ate the clams. He didn't eat a lot and took small bites and chewed really well but it was just so wonderful that he asked me to stop there and that moment was like eating in a 4 Seasons...lol.

It did take a good 6-8 weeks as I remember for him to feel really good and it took 8 weeks to wean off his pain meds he was on with a pain management doctor and did so really well.

Our Christmas last year was bittersweet and I did what I could to make it merry for him as we were at Mayo clinic before, during and after but he was very tired too but he was so happy to have had the surgery.

Measure your progress by the week and not by the day and you will find as each week passes you are doing better and better.

We did a lot of decorating outside this year and it was so enjoyable for the first time in many years and he even commented he was so happy to have this all behind him now.

Before you know it you will be feeling the same way too!!!
Posted 12/11/2011 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hang in -- it hasn't been very long. I heard the six week figure and then was pretty bummed when I didn't feel a lot better then.... but I got there. If you were on a lot of prednisone, the healing can take longer.

Are you able to walk some? That helped me a lot ... I was feeling so weak at first, and I pushed myself a bit .... first just walking around the living room, then some more laps, then walking around the block with someone else there etc. Just builds strength and stamina.

You will probably still be recovering at Christmas, but most likely you'll be feeling a lot better than you are feeling now. Hang in.
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