Back from surgery #1

Got back home last night from the first step of my j-pouch surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Was there for one week. Feels good to be home. A few days before my surgery I developed a horrific sinus infection - thanks Humira - and I was worried that I would have to postpone everything. It was a nightmare because I couldn't take anything for the pain because of the upcoming surgery but I did get to take an antibiotic. As some of you know it was only a week between my consult and surgery and I think that is the way to go. You really don't even have time to think about it because you're so busy trying to get everything tied up at home. I'm feeling pretty well. The incision pain isn't terrible. I can tell it's getting a little better every day. I did not have it done laproscopically. The biggest adjustmet is the "appliance." At the hospital they use the clear ones and hopefully I will be switching to the opaque ones any day now because I really don't like to look at my stoma or the bag's contents. Having the home healthcare nurse over shortly to help me with supplies, questions, etc. Also, my stoma is very noisy and I'm hoping it settles down. Many people have told me that they gently place their forearms over it to muffle the noise but I can tell right now that is now going to cut it. My husband heard mine last night two rooms away. Right now I've doubled up - I actually have two bags on me because I was having a lot of drainage at the bottom of my incision where I guess the rectum stump? is so they put a child's size pouch down there because I was having to have the gauze changed every hour it was draining so much. Needless to say, my clothing choices are a little limited right now. Hopefully, that will come off in a week or so. I go back in six weeks for a checkup and then hopefully he'll set a date for surgery #2, which could be anywhere from 3-6 months down the road for me (hoping 3 but it may be more like 5). My doctor is pretty conservative and he's going to do what's best for the patient, even though it may not be exactly the timetable you want. He won't rush things. One of the doctors there told me that the fact that I was having all of that drainage was another indicator that I needed a three-step. I am really enjoying not having any urgency. When I was in the hospital I started to think about some of the things I would like to do that my UC has kept me from doing. I even thought about going back to school to become a nurse. Met one nursing student at the Cleveland Clinic who was an accountant for two years and decided it wasn't for her so now she's going through an accelerated program that will allow her to become a nurse in 15 months, since she already has a degree. I'm looking at this whole thing as a journey that will lead to a better life. I'm so glad Summerstorm and SueBear are here to provide support and relieve fears. Thanks for all the well wishes from everyone. I'll keep you posted. Yes, I need to update my signature.

Congratulations! Like your CC surgeon, mine scheduled my surgery 2 weeks out. It really helped with reducing the anxiety. You will do fine and remember to measure your recovery in weeks, not days.

Sue

Congratulations! Just curious who your CC surgeon is. My GI is there and I have consulted with a surgeon there.

Good to "see" you! I imagine you're glad to be home...best of luck for a super-speedy recovery!

Scrapgirl:

Welcome back to the forum.  Congratulations that it is over.  I agree with juju0010 about the UVVlog on youtube.  He has done a video complication of his surgical experience with J pouch surgery.  Then again your living it. 

Again, welcome back!

MyUC

Welcome back and congratulations! I am glad you are doing well, and I am glad to hear how things went. I think it is wise of your doc to be conservative, as difficult as I am sure that is knowing you have to wait.

And I am so happy to hear you making plans for the future!! That is wonderful-UC won't be holding you back anymore!

the excessive stoma noise at first is normal but it will indeed settle down over time.

i didn't have an end ileostomy since my surgery was only two steps, but i hear it's easier to take care of than the loop ileostomy which you'll have after the second procedure. so you should be fine and you'll be feeling great before you know it! congrats on no longer having UC!!

Congratulations! I wish you the best of luck with your recovery. Thanks for keeping everyone updated.
B.

Great that you're back home & online, too!!!!!!!!! The drainage & fluid processing seem to be most post-step 1 surgery patients' biggest concerns. Maybe Paul L will come on to advise you. How is your appetite? Bet your gang is thrilled to have you back, but take things easy. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

Glad to hear from you..please keep us updated as to your progress. Get lots of rest and when you are able to get out and do things that you enjoy since you are UC free....

So glad you're doing well!!!! :o)

Thanks for all the kind words.

Expecting226, My surgeon was Dr. Lavery at the Cleveland Clinic.

Hi ScrapGirl! Awesome to hear you're doing well with no complications except for a noisy stoma...also that your spirits are up with the relief of not suffering any longer with UC.

Did the doctor say anything about your colon's condition? I recall others saying it was worse than was imagined, etc.

It's good to see you back. Definitely let us know how you're healing..

Rest!

quincy