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Posted 11/9/2008 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Still no discharge date. Overnight I had another couple hours of IV. This morning the doctor ordered an x-ray of my abdomen. The nurse came in with a wheel chair and took me to the 5th floor for an x-ray. They took several with me lying down and several standing up. I won’t know the results until tomorrow morning when the doctor visits me. I had a much needed shower today (usually every second or third day). I was getting ready for a heavy date tomorrow. It will be our 17th wedding anniversary. Anyone have any ideas where I could take my wife for an intimate night out under the circumstances? lol.

Take care,
Posted 11/9/2008 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Paul,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Even though you've had a few set backs, you are doing great! I had ileostomy surgery two years ago and was in the hospital for 3 weeks. My output was so high that I ended up dehydrated and had to spend a couple of days in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), so I'm glad that didn't happen to you. Even though I had a rough time in the beginning, it has been smooth sailing ever since, and I love being disease-free!! Hang in there, it will be worth it in the end. :-)

By the way, Happy Anniversary! Maybe you two could take a romantic stroll down to the cafeteria and have an nice, sit down dinner together.

Take care,
Cecilia
Posted 11/9/2008 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Paul,
I remember all too well what it's like to be where your at...well sort of. I was in a cot beside my daughter (19 at the time) went through what you're going through. She had one SBO (small bowel obstruction) before leaving the hospital and two more while she was waiting for takedown surgery. The surgery itself is hard because the doc is in there manipulating your intestines and it just takes a while for things to "wake up" and start working properly. I wanted to write and give you some encouragement because here we are 2 years later and she's doing great with her jpouch. She can eat anything she wants (and is even experimenting a little with alcohol...so funny she and her girlfriends share a shot :) and the only thing she does to help with digestion/maintain her jpouch is that she takes VSL #3 DS pretty faithfully. She goes to the bathroom 4-6 times a day and has no urgency at all. Her surgeon recommended the probiotic immediately after takedown and I totally believe this is what is keeping her jpouch healthy and pouchitis free.

Take it easy when you get home...give yourself time to heal and I wish you all the best!
Posted 11/9/2008 5:17 AM (GMT 0)

Paul

sorry to hear there is no discharge date. have they ruled out a 'day pass'? guess you won't be forgetting this anniversary in a hurry!

my preadmission clinic is in 2 days and i'll be in hospital for my operation the day after that.

congrats (sort of) for making 100 posts for this thread - i think. 

PF

Posted 11/9/2008 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
Happy Anniversary! But I'm sorry you had to have both your birthday and anniversary in the hospital. I hope you're discharged soon!
Posted 11/9/2008 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Happy anniversary to Paul and Mrs. Paul! Sorry you had to spend it in the hospital but I am sure that you two made it a very special day.
Posted 11/10/2008 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone,

Yesterday my wife and daughter visited about an hour before dinner. They brought some McDonald’s nuggets and fries. We had an intimate McDonald’s dinner in bed for our anniversary. Earlier in the day my sister and her husband drove 2 ½ hours to visit me.

Today is 3 weeks since surgery and I don’t seem any closer to going home. My outputs are still about 1.5 liters and I’m currently on IV to top up my fluids. The doctor this morning said that my x-rays from Saturday didn’t show anything. I’m still taking it one day at a time.

Take care,
Posted 11/10/2008 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hang in there, Paul! With all the meds they give during & post-surgery it probably overstimulated your body functions so they need a while to calm down. I'm sure it's frustrating/tiring for you to still be in hospital + being exposed to your roommates' problems besides. Hopefully, your body will get back closer to track this week. I still think it's better for you to get the care there rather than have emergency situations at home. Best wishes! Keep us posted. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])

Posted 11/10/2008 7:54 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Paul

Can't be long now - hang in there.

Hope you are not going for the record for the longest stay!

PF

Posted 11/11/2008 6:14 AM (GMT 0)
Paul, You Will be an Inspiration
My daughter had ileal pouch-anal anastomy surgery a year ago at the Mayo Clinic. She had many complications, including a blockage that we could not get treated properly at home in southern California and flew back out to Mayo on an emergency basis for. For awhile it seemed like one step forward and three steps back. But a year later, all is well. This evening, we met with a young woman facing the same surgery. She wanted to know what to expect. My (now 17 year old) daughter told her that there were low points in the recovery and with complications, but that its all just a memory now because she is doing so well. You will be that inspiration to others in just a matter of time.
God Bless You!
Sarah's Mother
Posted 11/11/2008 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
Paul,

I am sorry that your recovery has been so challenging. Just checked in and read about your experience and wanted to offer you some encouragement. I had my surgery on 6/17/08 and was in the hospital over three weeks waiting for my small intestine to "awaken". I experienced three ng insertions and so many catheterizations that I finally asked to be sedated beforehand.

I am 55 yo and battled UC for almost 10 yrs. Exhausted all meds. options and had no alternative to surgery. I opted for a permanent illeostomy after all my GI's and surgeon said they would opt for a pouch over the j-pouch if they were me.

Now the good news. I was released from the hospital 30 pounds lighter ( I was not over weight pre-surgery) and very weak. One month afterward, I regained my strength and was able to walk 1 mile, drive and eat just about everything. I think the fact that my system was resting for so long made my ultimate recovery that much quicker.

I am now almost 5 months post-op, regained all my weight, no symptoms, no joint pains, and finally no accidents with the pouch. I feel great and want you to know that I was despondent and worried about ever fully recovering. I have in every way. I am back working out, lifting and swimming and feel great.

Please stay positive.


Mike
Posted 11/11/2008 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys, I appreciate your posts. I came into the hospital weighing 230 lbs, I now weigh 200 lbs. I hope I can keep off that 30 lbs and maybe even lose a few more. Today the doctors came in and said that I can go home this afternoon. I first have to see the home care coordinator. They will arrange a home care nurse to visit me at home every few days for a few weeks. My wife is coming to get me at about noon. I can’t wait to get home. It has been 3 weeks and one day since I entered the hospital.

Take care,
Posted 11/11/2008 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Bravo, Paul! Great news that we've all been waiting to hear ... !!!!!!   yeah Take good care of yourself now. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])

Posted 11/11/2008 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
Yahoo! What great news Paul. It will be such a sweet homecoming for you...take care and let us know how you are doing when you get home!

Posted 11/11/2008 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Yay! I'm so glad you finally get to go home!
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