I had surgery- what an experience!!!!

Hey guys-
Wedesday I had an appointment with the surgeon to schedule surgery. I was feeling exceptionally bad so I told him about my hospital visit last week etc.. He checked my records from the visit and he said well let's do it--- the surgery that is. He admitted me in to the hospital and told me that he would perform the surgery Friday... Boy, was I shocked. He didn;t want to take the chance that I would deteriorate any further.

Unfortunately, he said the best thing was to do a three step instead of two step. Because of extended pred use and how sick I was it was the best for me.

Thursday was the day for tests- x-rays, EKG, lots of blood work etc

Friday at 4:30 pm, I was wheeled in to the OR and I was in reovery by 9:00pm
Got back to the room by 10:00

Ok- was I in pain -- real pain whoooooo..... I have a pain pump which really helps


They got me up today to walk and I sat in the chair for a while. Not bad at all.

The stoma is working well- they already emptied out twice. It doesn't bother me at all to look at it, in fact it is rather fascinating.

And it farts --- too funny. When the physical therapist came to help me it farted very loudly. My daughter was so embarrassed- he and I just laughed.

Well, at least I had the surgery laparscopically which he wasn't sure he could do.


Any questions?

I will keep you updated- I hope to be out by Tuesday.... Keep your fingers crossed.
Oh yeah, I have to change my profile.... :)))

The surgeon said that the colon was in horrible condition and that is really good we got it out when we did. No wonder I was soooo sick. That is the reason it has to do a three step....

Glad to hear that you are doing well! You sound really happy. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Thanks for taking time to let us know already! Wow!
You sound happy. I wish you a speedy recovery, good things.

So glad that nasty sick colon is gone and for good!

Thanks for the kind thoughts. To answer your questions-

the first step is removal of colon - they leave a bit of the rectum
Second step is creation of the jpouch -
third step is connection of the jpouch.

The 3 steps allow for more recovery time.

As far as feeling differenty Uc- wise. I do feel differently. It is weird that I don't have to run to the bathroom and no cramping or extreme UC pain. I like that part.

I have been having gas pain- I guess from the surgery and stuff- which is annoying but not toooo bad. Tums helps a bit.

I know there will be good days and bad days- so I am trying to take one day at a time and know that recovery will take a while. I do feel better walking around and sitting in the chair like I am now.


Stoma nurse should come by tomorrw and change the bag. I am observing the emptying of the bad and it looks easy --- nurses have different techniques , but they are experienced with this. I think I will be okay with the bag after I get used to it.


It does pass gas a lot. A bit worried about this once I am out in public

That is wonderful. You sound like you're in high spirits. Congrats and goodluck having a quick recovery :)

Hi I am new to this site. I have had Ulcerative Colitis for 40 years. Actually things overall hadn't gone too badly, this last year I have had somewhat more problems. I am faced with stepping up my medications to keep this more under control. I am so scared to death, I can't sleep at night. My doctor has called in Rx for 6-MP, but am so afraid of taking this, I can't seem to do it. Have been thinking instead of having colon removed and having the J pouch, know that this is a big step as I haven't been as sick as some with UC, but always having to go to the bathroom and not making it many times has taken it's toll over the years. I need some advice from anyone who has any for me. THanks.

mollymcbutter said...
Hi I am new to this site. I have had Ulcerative Colitis for 40 years. Actually things overall hadn't gone too badly, this last year I have had somewhat more problems. I am faced with stepping up my medications to keep this more under control. I am so scared to death, I can't sleep at night. My doctor has called in Rx for 6-MP, but am so afraid of taking this, I can't seem to do it. Have been thinking instead of having colon removed and having the J pouch, know that this is a big step as I haven't been as sick as some with UC, but always having to go to the bathroom and not making it many times has taken it's toll over the years. I need some advice from anyone who has any for me. THanks.

hi there...just wanted to comment on the 6-mp...i have been on it for about a month.  i was scared as well...put it off for a long time before i gave in.  i have not noticed any bad side effects to this point.  it has not kicked in yet, but they said it could take up to 3-5 months so i'm just taking it and waiting.  it's a strong drug. but if it works and gives me some quality of life back that it will be worth it.  good luck with your decision...also read theough the threads- there are a bunch on 6-mp and people's thoughts and experiences.

Peety, I hope this is reaching you as I don't know how to work this site.  Thank you for writing.  Please help me along to be able to chat.  I need a lot of advice right now.

Peety said...
mollym, why don't you start a new thread, so we can talk with you ~
I'm also a long time sufferer, hoping to start Humira soon.

MollyMc Butter: Just go to the "new Topic" area and write what you want in the subject line--just like you see on the main page. Then write your questions and comments. I think you would benefit from lots of reading of what is already out here. Just scroll thru the pages(top right), and you will see the questions and comments from our smart group. We try not to go off topic from the original poster's requests. Sorry to have just done that. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice Katmom.  I am slowly finding my way through this.  I am looking for all the information about 6MP that I can gather, as I am to go on it in a couple of days...MollyMcB

Katmom said...
MollyMc Butter: Just go to the "new Topic" area and write what you want in the subject line--just like you see on the main page. Then write your questions and comments. I think you would benefit from lots of reading of what is already out here. Just scroll thru the pages(top right), and you will see the questions and comments from our smart group. We try not to go off topic from the original poster's requests. Sorry to have just done that. Good luck!

Wow, JBlue, that was a fast one! Glad to hear you are on your way to better health. Take care and keep the updates coming...sending all my healing strength vibes to you!