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Posted 12/13/2007 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
I have some good news to share. I have had a g-tube in my abdomen since my surgery in August of '05. I needed it to provide nutrition after my various surgeries. Fortunately, I have not had to use it for several months. It has been a constant source of annoyance. There is weeping at the site of insert and it constantly gets infected, not to mention that I have this big honking tube sticking out of my abdomen!

Well, today I went to the surgeon and he feels that I no longer needed this "back-up" and he removed the tube! I know this is a relatively small thing but I am walking on air! Not only do I not have to deal with this constant annoyance but this affirms the fact that I am getting better!

My next project is to close the opening in my trache caused by being on a ventilator for so long. I am looking at an outpatient(I Hope!) procedure to be done in Jan. '08. The surgeon was also on board for this!

It may be snowing in New York today but the sun is shining on me!

Richard

Posted 12/13/2007 4:42 PM (GMT 0)

Richard,

That is just such great news for you!!!   Yipppeeeee!  

Are you on any special kind of diet to maintain you weight so you don't have to go back to tpn?   Or, like me, eat everything!  yeah

I'm so happy for you and esp to have great news like this right before the holidays.  Congrats!

Posted 12/13/2007 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear your news Richard! every small improvement means so much to us all, best wishes, Gillian
Posted 12/13/2007 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Richard,

This is wonderful news. This is not a small thing at all. This is a big accomplishment. You have had to deal with this issue for over 2 years. I am so glad you do not have to deal with the g-tube anymore. It sounds awful. You must be a very patient person to have tolerated having a tube in your abdomen for so long. If the tube was a source of nutrition, does this mean you are going to have to increase your calorie intake? Of course, an excuse to eat more is never a bad thing... :o)
Posted 12/14/2007 1:29 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for your posts. To answer your questions, I have been on a normal (ileostomy diet) for the last six months. Like all of us, I guess, raw vegetables and fruit with tough skins do not really digest, but, I eat about everything else. My weight has gone from 115 lbs. in January/February '07 to 170lbs. today (I'm 6' 3" tall). Before getting sick I was a husky 220lbs.! I still struggle mightily, however, with hydration but I guess that comes with the territory. I celebrated with a lunch of pizza and spinach roll with a Vitamin Water to wash it down. I also just finisshed a nice chicken dinner with baked potatoes and my ever present Vitamin Water. Life is good!

Richard

Posted 12/14/2007 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
Richard,
That is such great news! I'm celebrating and praising God with you! WOO HOO!!! yeah
Posted 12/14/2007 8:49 AM (GMT 0)
That is wonderful Richard. I'm doing the happy dance for you :) Let's hope it keeps getting better and better for you.
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