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Upcoming J-Pouch surgery

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/3/2013 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
I have scheduled my surgery for Jan 18th and was wondering if anyone had any advice about how I could prepare for it? The surgeon expects to do it in two stages but he has left the final decision between a 2 or 3 stages to when he opens me up. He told me that just wants me to put on as much weight as possible between now and then and get some exercise done too. How else can I be better prepared? Should I order any supplies to have around when I get back from the hospital, etc? Any suggestions will be much appreciated.
Posted 1/3/2013 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
I think the best advice I could give would be to expect the best outcome but plan for the worst. You never know what complications can pop up in any surgery. I had some set backs after my first step that I just didn't expect (infection and drains that I had to keep in for weeks) and if I had kind of prepared myself for the "what ifs", I think I wouldn't have been so down in the dumps. Of course it all worked out fine in the end.

Don't worry about supplies right now. The nurses will go over all that with you in the hospital. You should be able to try out some different appliances and bags while you are there. They brought me a bunch of stuff to try before I went home. That may be a good question to call and ask about prior to your surgery date.

One thing I do recommend that helped me a lot was I had a home care nurse come for about 4 visits after I get home from the hospital. It gave me peace of mind having a nurse there the first time I changed the wafer and bag myself. The first severAl times is nerve wracking. Then you get used to doing it pretty quickly.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hope they can get it done in two steps for you! :)
Posted 1/3/2013 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
Don't have advice but wanted to wish you good luck w/ the surgery. Pls keep us posted on how you are doing. Which Dr. did you decide to go with for the surgery?
B
Posted 1/4/2013 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
The idea of the home care nurse is great. I will look into how I can get one to swing by once I am home from the hospital. Also, I will keep my expectations realistic. No point in hoping that I will be the exception who has no complications.

hateuc - I decided to go ahead with Dr Joel Bauer and Dr Gorfine. Thanks for your best wishes!!
Posted 1/4/2013 1:16 PM (GMT 0)

UCWarrior2010 said...
The idea of the home care nurse is great. I will look into how I can get one to swing by once I am home from the hospital. Also, I will keep my expectations realistic. No point in hoping that I will be the exception who has no complications.

I hope I didn't worry you about complications. It doesn't mean you will have any...just know what can happen. I am really bad about asking questions so my surgeon never really elaborated on what could happen. You are in excellent hands there at Mt. Sinai....you will do great! :)

PS.- right before I was released from the hospital, they set up the whole home care nurse service for me. They came in and asked me if I wanted the service. My insurance covered it too.
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