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Surgery Monday...am a mess

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/1/2011 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
I have had this scheduled for a few months and am terrified and very sad.  It didn't help that my son's girlfriend just left after a really great visit and I will miss having her around.  I cried all the way to the airport.  I know I just need to get it done, but I am so scared.  I am really not afraid of the pain, I am afraid I won't wake up and see my family and friends again (there I go crying again).  Anyway, any words of encouragement would help. 
Posted 1/1/2011 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
Where are you getting the surgery done?
Posted 1/1/2011 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
It's hard in the grip of fear but try to think of all the positives....
Surgery is not experimental - it is frequently done and very successful. Every time we get in a car we can't be sure we will arrive safe and sound, but we drive because experience shows most journeys are safe and statistically - most accidents are minor and cause few problems in the long term. The most difficult decision seems to be choosing when surgery is the best option to recover your life. You have every chance of getting your life back really soon and your family will support you every inch of the way.
Best wishes for your speedy recovery.
Sue
Posted 1/1/2011 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Disneynut. I haven't had a colostomy, but I have gone through a hysterectomy and major lung surgery. Meds definitely helped with the pain!

I think what Sue stated is pretty much to the point regarding it not being experimental, but there can be risks and complications, etc. Not to minimise your fear, but that holds true for everything.

I think we have to trust that the doctors know what they're doing and that the nurses who care for us are compassionate and knowlegable...with that we move forward to healing.

It seems you have wonderful family support, and I'll assume friends as well.
There are most wonderful members on the ostomies forum many of whom have been here initially. I think, that in itself, would have me less fearful knowing I can be in contact with someone at any time of the day or night.

Your fear is warranted...I'd be scared as well, but more of the prospect of a new process of pooing. The pain of surgery, I've experienced, and KNOW that pain meds are good stuff..lol.

Looking forward to your update.

quincy xx
Posted 1/2/2011 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone.  I am having it done at the Cleveland Clinic, so I am in very good hands.  Feeling a bit better.  Scrap Girl had her surgery done at the CC and she remembered that my surgery is Monday and sent me good wishes.  That really helped, as does the support of all the people here. 
Posted 1/2/2011 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
CC is the cream of the crop, so you are giving yourself the best chance of a successful outcome. I think some fear is normal. I may be following in your footsteps soon, so once you are back on your feet I may need some words of encouragement from you!!

Best wishes to you.
Posted 1/2/2011 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
I know that words are just words but I wanted to say that I think you will be happier after you have it done. I have not had THE surgery but fro what I have read, it is the best thing that those who have had it have done. They all seem to wish that they had done it sooner.

I did have a sched. C section in 2009 due to breech baby and the days leading up to it were very scary. I had fear for me and for my unborn child. They do call a c section major surgery  (I didnt know at the time) and recovery sounds a lot like your surgery.

I think it is normal to feel scared but trust that you are going to be happier and healthier than you have been in a long time when all is said and done.

Good luck.

Posted 1/2/2011 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hey, you've got this entire board pulling for you, so that means you WILL have a great surgery!
:)
Ok, so maybe that won't guarantee you'll have a great surgery, but we WILL all be thinking of you on Monday! Best of luck, and I can't wait for you to post and let us know how it went.
((hugs))
Posted 1/2/2011 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Of course you're nervous - I think nerves are a normal part of the anticipation. And some of us get more nervous than others! When I had my hip replaced, sheesh, I was as downright scared as if they were going to chop off my head - my nerves had no basis in logic!

Just keep breathing, focus on your breath, and know we're all backing you!

((((HUGS))))
Posted 1/2/2011 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, thank you all so much. It means so much to me.

I am so used to being self-sufficient and taking care of everyone and everything. I think giving up some things and telling my hubby where everything is, making sure I got all the bills paid and making sure everyone knew the kids' schedules kind of freaked me out. It felt kind if final. I just need to let go of all that and concentrate on having a great outcome. I know once I get to the cc I will feel better. They really know how to take care of patients.

Prep tomorrow...hope it's the last movi prep EVER! I am hoping I will be so cranky from the prep I won't think to much about Monday. Doing the prep in a hotel isn't ideal, especially since we are sharing a suite with my parents and only one bathroom (what was I thnking when I made that reservation), but it will be fine.

Thanks again. Just finished my last bowl of popcorn for a long time!!!
Posted 1/2/2011 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Will be thinking of you and sending healing thoughts your way!! On to a new and better quality of life for you! 

Jo

(son 15 y.o. UC)

Posted 1/2/2011 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
I can promise you that your prep will be the last one you will ever need!

Surgery is scary but try to focus on the positive aspects. You will be healthy again. You will have much improved quality of life. You will get to do all those things that UC denied you.

In the words of my surgeon, who is my God, you will be fine.

Sue
Posted 1/2/2011 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
its totally normal to be scared it would be weird if you weren't. Just remember all the reasons why you are doing it! no more prep ever again for one thing, woo hoo!
and yeah there is a tiny chance something awful will happen, but like was mentioned earlier, there is a tiny chance you will get hit by a bus, or be in a plane crash. nothing is for certain, you just have to have faith it will be ok. and know that the small chance is worth it!
and it wont be that long until you have popcorn again! a few months, but next time you have it you wont have to worry if it will make you run to thebathroom all night!
Posted 1/2/2011 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
Sending you lots of positive, calming and healing thoughts. We will all be thinking of you and looking forward to your post-surgery update.
Posted 1/2/2011 8:51 AM (GMT 0)
by the time I had my surgery I was ready for it on the day of step 1 the anesthesiolost came in and ask "any questions?" I just said "nope, knock me out, lets get this over with." Its been nothing but forward progress since that day.
It hurts a little you'll prolly get a pain pump it helps just be careful if you've never had the pain med they give you it may cause a reaction. I got itchy all over and my eyes looked like I had pink eye after about a day till they figured out it was the Dilauded and swapped me over to Morphene.
I think the liquid diet for so long before after surgery was worse than the surgery. Im a little skinny guy at 120lbs at the time of my surgery but skipping a meal was not part of my agenda and ice chips and chicken broth just dont cut it.
Posted 1/2/2011 11:33 AM (GMT 0)
Its been just over a month since I had my step 1 of 2 surgery and I hope you are as happy with your decision as I am now. The first two weeks after the surgery were rough and not without complications. Be prepared for some set backs and when things get rough remember that it won't be long before you are feeling better and free of UC.
Posted 1/2/2011 2:05 PM (GMT 0)
Your fear is very understandable! If I ever go that route, I'm sure I will be a nervous wreck as well! Hang in there with the prep and remember to keep telling yourself that after your surgery.......YOU WILL UC FREE!!! No more going to the bathroom multiple times in pain, no more watching tons of blood going down the toilet, no more having to watch what you eat, no more sitting on the sidelines and watching life pass you by :)

I'm rooting for you and I am sending prayers of a safe and speedy recovery your way.
Posted 1/2/2011 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
       The best of luck to you!  I won't tell you not to worry because it is only natural.  You are having the surgery at the best place.  As long as you are happy with the surgeon you chose and he has plenty of experience in the type of surgery to be performed, it should put your mind at ease.

      Cleveland Clinic is too far from my home, a ten hour drive.  I didn't want to have to put my husband through that.  We are up in age, I am 64 (63 at the time of my surgery) and hubby is 72.  I did the next best thing, searched the net for highly qualified colorectal surgeons in Philadelphia (we live in south Jersey but there is NO way I would have my surgery done in one of these local hospitals).  My surgeon served his residency at the Cleveland Clinic and is head of colorectal surgery at the Univ of Pa Hospital.  Good enough for me tongue .  He would not do a j-pouch because of my age and extended use of prednisone and he also requested that I have a stress test performed before my operation.  He is super cautious. 

      I have no problem wearing a 'bag'.  I feel wonderful and so will you!  I will keep you in my prayers. 

Posted 1/2/2011 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
Good Luck to you!! Hope that you will be able to keep us posted during your recovery.

Stacy
Posted 1/3/2011 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
You will be in our thoughts tomorrow. The next few weeks will have up and down days. On the down days remember that a good day is just around the corner and the good days will just get better and better. This week is the 1st anniversary of my son's J pouch and I cannot tell you how well he is doing. He is completely healthy and has his life back and under his control.

Remember to WALK. WALK, WALK and CHEW, CHEW,CHEW.....the magic six words!

Best of luck,
Cathy yeah
Posted 1/3/2011 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck!!!
Posted 1/3/2011 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Goodluck today! I hope you're back soon feeling healthy.
Posted 1/3/2011 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck, I had bowel resection surgery three months ago and here I am typing away, alive and kicking !

There are many checks and balances to make sure that you will be kicking too !

What made the difference for me after the surgery: After the initial two days of the surgery, try to sit up as much as you can. Reclining in bed slows down the process and enhances the accumulation of liquid in the lungs. In all my surgeries I sat up, walked around the ward twice a day and it made all the difference to me.

Have a speedy recovery !
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