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Husband to have surgery

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/10/2009 6:01 AM (GMT 0)
This is my first post here, so I hope it works!

My husband has had UC since January 2008.  He has tried all kinds of medication with little to no positive results.

So, on Thursday, he is having surgery to remove his colon.  He'll have to use a bag for a few months and will then (hopefully) use the j-pouch.  He keeps saying that this surgery will "give him his life back."

Anyway...my question is:

What kind of things should I get for him to make his hospital stay more comfortable?  Also, what items might help him when he comes home to recuperate?

Thanks for your help!

Posted 10/10/2009 6:26 AM (GMT 0)

BetterHalf,

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  I am Kitt.  I have a hubby with Crohn's disease so I do commend you for taking an active role in wanting to learn as much as you can re your hubby's surgery and his post op needs.

I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit with the stoma nurse specialist.  This person will assess your husband's needs and guide you as to what will help your husband in the hospital and at home.

I know there will be members here responding to your questions in more detail but I wanted to pop in and say hello and welcome.

To you and your husband, I wish you peace,

Kitt

Posted 10/10/2009 6:34 AM (GMT 0)
BetterHalf, welcome to HealingWell. I know your husband is looking forward to a better future after his surgery.

There aren't too many of us who have had the surgery, so you might get more responses either on the Ostomy forum here or on

http://jpouch.org/

That is a site specifically dealing with the j-pouch and other surgeries done for UC.

I wish your husband a good recovery.

Posted 10/10/2009 1:45 PM (GMT 0)

Take his bathrobe.  They will make him walk 24 hours after surgery and it's not flattering to walk the halls in a gown!  You also might want to take some slip on shoes for walking.  If he listens to music take his music player.  There are times when music helps to relax.  

Your husband might also want to check-in at www.j-pouch.org for more information.  There are over 6000 jpouchers on that site; some getting ready for surgery, some between steps, some with complications, and some like me who are totally fine!

Sue 

Posted 10/11/2009 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
here are a few things to take
gas-x (you dont want to have to wait for the ddr to prescribe it)
chapstick
ipod or mp3 player
clothes that are way too big in the belly, lol what i did was buy like 2x ( i wore a medium) so they wouldnt touch my stomach area

Here are a few things to remember
When he first comes out, the output is gonna be this awful green stuff that smells to high heaven, i mean its bad! And he willhave on this clear bag. BUT once he starts eating, that smell and green stuff will change to a more normal color
And when you get home you can use a regular bag
I so wish someone had told me that cause i woke up freakign out!
Its good to hold a pillow on your stomach to sneeze or cough.
Snake the pad from the bed at the hosptial, he can sleep on it at night and use it to lay on for changes, much easier to clean than the whole bed!

and GOOD LUCK!
Posted 10/11/2009 4:39 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the suggestions!  I appreciate the help!

And - I have checked out the j-pouch site.  I think that will be helpful too!

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