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Pre-surgery meeting and Pre-op Today

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Posted 9/20/2010 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
David,

My wife and I wish you the very best. Her experience more relevant than mine. She's the person I mentioned who'd had an ileostomy for 25 years. In fact, she had it for fifteen years when we were married. I hadn't talked to her about it for a long time, but just now she and I were talking about you. She said in her case, it gave her freedom. Maybe it will do that for you. She also said it is very major surgery, even by the standards of us guys here, so I'm sure you will take your time in the recovery process. Of course, when she had it done, she was a youngster, but on the other hand, surgical practice has come a long ways since then. I used to help her out with all the paraperinalia, and I do know that having a good ostomy nurse is key. It's sort of an art, for example, to use just the right amount of adhesive. When you're past this next hurdle, and into your next phase of life, maybe the wife and I can offer some pointer, if you're interested.

Best regards, DJ
Posted 9/20/2010 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
thank you, mal.

i must admit that my supply of courage and endurance has been fading fast the past couple of months. i don't have as much bounch as i did before, the culmative effect of all the operations and radiation having taking a toll on my spirits and my body. just about at the point where i simply can't take it much more. i am struggling to make it to the surgery day this coming thursday, and while i want a good outcome, at what price will it come in terms of recovery. my worse fear is exchanging one set of problems for a new set, just a little on the "gun shy" side at this point. its got to get better, this ordeal is not normal. couldn't imagine many PC guys going through all of this, on top of the normal stress causing treatments and side effects.

david in sc
Posted 9/20/2010 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
DAVID - from what I have read in the postings, I applaud you for resolve, your research, and determination to go forward with this solution... the only thing that seems to be missing right now is contentment ... an internal understanding and feeling that this is the best answer for this solution.

- I have discussed before my uncle and his bladder cancer - he had no trauma with his stoma and coped well even with the radiation burns he suffered.
- I recently ran into my contractor ( to my home renovation here in Ptbo) and he told me of his j-pouch realignment of his colon ( from colon cancer) ... and the stoma he now has ....
- I can imagine how gun shy you must feel - but with the love of Peggy and family and of self, you will be able to find the contentment to start this new journey - and slowly put the painful past where it belongs - in the past ...

- to borrow from the other post - you have the faith, hope and love of your brothers and sisters here at HW who are all pulling for you.
- wishing you all the best for thursday, Sept 23 - and a steady boring recovery.
:-)
hugs
BRONSON
Posted 9/20/2010 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
dj, thank you for your insight on the subject, and best wishes to your wife. sounds like she's well grounded on the subject. the stoma nurse i met with friday at the hospital, was real kind and knowledgable. She has devoted 31 years as a nurse to that specific subject, and i thought it was amazing, at my hospital her entire carrer. before parting, she gave me personal phone number of her and her full time assistant, and said once this has happened, she would be glad to answer any questions or worries 24/7. she said with the modern devices for an urostomy, its much easier to deal with then it was years ago. on the surface, it appears our version of blue cross will pay for the bulk of the supplies, which is good. she will be dealing directly with my wife and i once i am in a room after the surgery. she said the fact that my wife is use to deaing with patients on a daily basis, will make it much easier. just like with the caths, i won't be happy until i know all i can about this new way, so that i don't have to be a burden to others. if i have any other questions, i will come back to your and your wife for assistance.


bronson, thanks for a great post on this subject too. if this were a colostomy instead of urostomy, i would be so uptight and worried. for those that have to deal with that daily, my hat is off to them. i have come to depend on the security of re-enforcing hope and support from my brothers and sisters here at HW. I have always admitted this, I easliy take, as much as I give here. I don't have any special powers of strength or endurance, nothing magical in my backround. just dealing with the cards dealt, and with the ultimate game we call life.

i have a much better support network here on the home front, then even when i had my open RP surgery nearly 2 years ago. i know this will help me get through the tough times ahead.

you have been a good friend to me, and to the board in general, since you joined us. i, for one, appreciate the sincerity of your care in your posts, that means more to me than all the glitzy answers that some give. if its from the heart, then its real to me. my best to you and steve.

david in sc
Posted 9/20/2010 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
David,

My wife just told me to pass along a few more things. Even with the old applicances of decades ago, she had no problems for decades. Until she got pregnant, but you shouldn't have that problem. The newer ones are lighter and more comfortable. Also, she lost a lot weight while her intestines were healing. So she says, eat a lot of chocolate ahead of time.

DJ
Posted 9/20/2010 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
dj, they had me go home friday wearing the "wafer" side of a two piece device, just to see how the marked location felt, I was suppose to take it off that evening. After an hour, I forgot it was there, and didin't realize until mid morning the next day that I still had it on. Then I removed it. If that is going to be typical, it won't be hard for me to get use to it once I am healed.

The stoma nurse insisted that between now and the surgery, to eat as much proteien as I can stand. Not sure why, but that was advice. I told her, that for months now, I have no natural apptite, been losing weight, just never feel hungry. But when I do eat, I am leaning toward craving meats/protein, and of course the "evil" sugar. I told the nurse that part, and she said that was the least of my worries right now.

P.S> anytime is the right time for good chocolate
Posted 9/20/2010 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
wishing you ALL THE BEST...thank you for your candor in this difficult period

bob

 

Posted 9/20/2010 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
thank you bob. best to you too.
Posted 9/21/2010 11:59 AM (GMT 0)
David,

I've read many posts on HW in my short time here, and you are an inspiration to me. I'm having RP on 9/23, and if I can be half as upbeat/brave/tough as you, I know it'll all be fine.

I'll be thinking of you brother.
Posted 9/21/2010 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
David,

Just a quick note to say you are in my thoughts and hope all goes well and exceeds your expectations. Take care my friend.

Michael

Posted 9/21/2010 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi David,

Hope you have an uneventful surgery and recovery. It's not fair that you have gone through so much and I hope that a few weeks/months from now that life settles down into a new pain free norm.
Paul and I wish you all the best.

An
Posted 9/21/2010 2:05 PM (GMT 0)

David, scanning these last few postings, it appears that your upcoming surgery is planned for very soon.

I offer my prayers of strength and healing, and wish you well.

-Casey

Posted 9/21/2010 2:48 PM (GMT 0)

David,

Just want you to know, we will be thinking of you with hope & prayers & a very good feeling that finally this is the real start of your recovery! As a nurse, you are my inspiration , what I would  hope to be if ever needed. I know the ostomy specialist will be a huge help to your wife..(nurses everywhere call them ALL the time) & support goes out to her too! Ask Rod, he agrees, nurses as wives might not let you feel too bad for yourself because we'll do it for you:) We'll keep you in our thoughts & keep huge smiles ready for your recovery. Annie & Rod 

Posted 9/21/2010 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
jeff, thanks, but hope your surgery goes fine, and you need to get on the other side quickly. we are having surgery on the same day

an - thats all we can hope for on this side, that there will be improvement

nurse annie - you are definitely my on-line nurse! i will be smothered in nurses soon, not so bad, think i can handle that part
Posted 9/21/2010 8:37 PM (GMT 0)

David, I wanted to get on here today with my hopes for a successful surgery.  Please know that many people find you to be a special person.  I understand you have even met several.  I also offer my prayers for strength and that you will be able to report back to us with good news!

God bless you,

Aimzee

Posted 9/21/2010 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Aimzee.

So far, I have met 3 guys and 2 wives from HW in the flesh. It adds a new dimension to the brotherhood. Brother Sonny is in route to my house as I write, due in later this afternoon, will be my 2nd visit with him and his wife. He's managed to find a place to park his RV just 3 blocks from my house. Looking forward to sitting down and having a good talk. There are now a couple of fairly new guys, both live within 1o miles of me, hoping to meet them soon after I recovery.

Thank you for your care and concern.

David
Posted 9/21/2010 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
David:

Will you still be on HW for tomorrow's chat session?

Mel

Posted 9/21/2010 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Dave,

I really appreciated when you responded to my questions, I can see where you have much more experience with this issue than most people. A little pain, a little gain...from the looks of things you just need to get one big gain from this one. I think we all need some one like the "magic man" in Stephen King's novel "The Green Mile". I always think of Tom Hank's situation when I pee.

I hope that this will help you out as much as you have helped every one out in this website.

Best always

Steve F
Posted 9/22/2010 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
mel - planning on being on tommorw night. though starting midnight tonight, will be on a clear diet, even though surgery not till thursday morning, and i have to start the "cleansing" process tommorow, so not planning on leaving the house. got to get up at 0700 on thursday, which is an unthinkable time for me, lol. getting nervous as it looms closer. the outcome is going to be another major change for me, but the alternative, especially the pain i have endured the past 2 weeks, keeps pushing me onward.

steve - thanks. i need a big gain out of this, to make it all worthwhile, and that is what we are hoping for.
Posted 9/22/2010 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
David.
You are in my prayers for painless and fast recovery.
Rick
Posted 9/22/2010 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Rick
Posted 9/22/2010 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi David,

Just stopped to wish a successful surgery and speedy recovery. I'm sure you'll be glad you went through it when all is said and done.

 

Posted 9/22/2010 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
David, best wishes to you.

I had a friend who had a pouch due to bowel cancer. He said one of the great advantages was that every day he had a bag to mail to people he didn't like, so there may be upsides to all of this you've never thought of.

You'll have a big cheering section awaiting news. I hope you can arrange for your wife to talk to someone who can post a "David Report" after you're out of the recovery room and she's had a chance to talk to the surgeon. Don't forget --- we're family and we care.

Sheldon AKA Sleepless
Posted 9/22/2010 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
squirm, thanks for dropping by, wondered where you had been lately! yep, this next surgery is just 31 hours away, gulp. be glad to be on the recovery side. a bit nervous, but to be expected.

sheldon, you are a good friend, always appreciate your comments and thoughts. tonight we met with sonny and his wife in person at my house, had a great visit. my wife will be calling him and cajun jeff with news as soon as the surgery is over, and my surgeon updates my wife. they are both free to report here at hw on my behalf when I am out of pocket. you are also on my list of brothers that i hope to meet one day.

david in sc
Posted 9/22/2010 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
Purgatory,

We will be thinking about you in the coming days. We are new here, but it didn't take much reading on the forum to see how generous you have been to others with your advice and good wishes. I hope knowing that all those good wishes are coming back your way will bless you beyond measure!

Juliet
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