Pre surgery appointment and second surgery date

Yesterday I had my pre surgery appointment for my second and final J-pouch surgery. I had the first surgery Oct. 20, 2008. I went to the appointment not having a surgery date. I have been calling my surgeon’s secretary once a week for the last month asking for a date and she wasn’t able to give me one. She told me it looked like it wouldn’t be until at least March. She still wanted me to go to the pre surgery appointment without a surgery date.

I arrived at the hospital just before 1:00 pm and was called into an examination room a few minutes later. I was given several forms and questionnaires to fill out. While I was filling them out my surgeon’s secretary came in the room and told me she had a surgery cancellation for this Wednesday (tomorrow) and asked me if I wanted it. I said I would love the appointment but I was worried about a cold that I was just getting over. It was at its worst last Wednesday and Thursday. She told me to talk with the doctor about it when I see him and get back to her after the appointment.

The nurse then came in the room and went over the forms I filled out. She gave me 2 cotton swabs, one for my nostrils and the other for my bum. Not sure what they are looking for. She also took a blood sample. Next the pharmacist came in to talk about my current medications.

One of the doctors on my surgeon’s team came in next. He did a quick physical checkup, described the surgery and answered my questions. They are going to put a small incision next to my stoma to allow them to pull out my intestines far enough to reconnect them. They will then put it back inside and close up the stoma. It should take about one to one and a half hours to complete it. I asked him if my cold would interfere with the surgery and he said as long as I don’t have a fever or am coughing up phlegm, it shouldn’t mater. For this surgery I don’t need any prep other than not eating or drinking after midnight before the surgery.

The anesthesiologist came in next. Normally he wouldn’t visit me but because of my cold he did. He told me the same thing as the previous doctor and didn’t see my cold as a problem. After the appointment at about 3:45 pm I went to the surgeon’s secretary to tell her I’ll have the surgery this Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 1:30 pm. I must be at the hospital by 11:00 am. I should be in the hospital for about 5 days. I’ll be glad to get rid of this bag. Wish me luck.

Wow! You go in thinking you won't be having surgery possibly until March, and now you're having surgery tomorrow! That's pretty exciting. Keep us posted and I hope you have a smooth recovery and enjoy your new j-pouch. GOOD LUCK!! :D

God's Speed!

How have you been doing?

Wow, you got shoved into the express line! What confuses me: didn't you post last month that the female surgeon wanted you to have Step 2 done in late Jan. or early Feb.? Then by her judgment, you're going in right on time. Best wishes for a smooth reconnect/hospital stay & please keep us posted when you can. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])

I sure love hearing how things just fall into place. I'm glad to hear that your's fell right where it was suppose to be. I will be praying that all goes well for the final step in the surgery process.

Wow

Its all happening so quickly now!

Good Luck, hope it goes well.

PF

Thanks everyone. We will be leaving home for the hospital in about half an hour. I’m bringing my laptop with me so I should be able to give updates after surgery.

Take care,

I’m out of surgery and in my room. I’ll start a new thread tomorrow. I’m just too tired right now.

Paul

Great to hear that in a couple of weeks, life will become normal!

PF