HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Just had Dr's appt, having surgery...help

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/15/2010 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all,

so the time has finally come....my dr's pretty much gave me two options...be a case study for new medicine at Cedar's or surgery....I took surgery, I want this out of my system.  I know of the risks involved and I am ready to tackle everything head on. 

Anyone have advice on getting through the surgery, what to expect, recovery, etc.  I have done my research of course, but actually talking with people here really helps.  I will document my surgery on here and let everyone know how it goes. 

Thanks,

Vick

Posted 8/15/2010 7:13 AM (GMT 0)
I can't help with any experience, but I look forward to reading about yours.

When are you going for surgery?

q
Posted 8/15/2010 7:16 AM (GMT 0)
I see the surgeon this week and we will set a date then....I am very excited, but also scared.
Posted 8/15/2010 7:25 AM (GMT 0)
I would be as well....but it's a way to get your life back and off the meds.

q
Posted 8/15/2010 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
Can't comment but wish you very good luck. Alot of people seem to really be happy w/ the surgery and are so happy to be UC free! Good luck!
B
Posted 8/15/2010 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
Expect to feel immediately better when the colon is gone but do understand that recovery is long and adaption to the pouch can take months. If you're going to Cedars in LA there is a great support group that meets at UCLA. They had a meeting yesterday, next meeting is in November. I usually attend those meetings; they are helpful for newcomers. PM and I can give you more info.

Sue
Posted 8/15/2010 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
I am actually going to meet with my surgeon on monday and thinking we are going to be setting a date. I am thinking sometime in september. We can go through this together...it helps to know that there is support here and we aren't alone!!
Posted 8/15/2010 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
I would check out the ostomy board here. Lots of great information there.

what is the trial at Cedars for?
Posted 8/15/2010 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
The best of luck to you. I had my surgery on June 28th. I won't lie to you, it is no walk in the park but it is a world better than suffering with UC. At least you KNOW you will be on the road to recovery and not worry when your next flare is going to be. No one was more frightened than I about having this surgery, but I am glad I did. My husband and I can now plan trips and daily outings. Before surgery I was glued to the house with port a pots in three rooms because I couldn't make it to the bathroom and we live in a rancher.
God bless.
Posted 8/16/2010 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the support...I will def be stopping in and documenting my journey.....I do not know what the trial at cedars was, notsosickgirl. They said they have several, but used the word MIGHT be able to help you...it was not convincing to go that route.....

SueBear...what is your life like now, especially since it's been a few years since you had the surgery....???
Posted 8/16/2010 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
My life has been awesome post surgery! Surgery was the best choice for me; no more meds, no more diets, and no more unpredictability in my life. I couldn't be happier.

Sue
Posted 8/16/2010 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
surgery isnt easy, and it takes a lot of time for recovery, but its sooooo worth it!!!

Ya'll didnt mention whether you are getting j-pouches or perm ileos, but either way a good surgeon is the most important!
Posted 8/16/2010 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Lynn and Vick, I can't say as I blame you to opt for surgery.

I have an appt with a surgeon this week too. I have a slightly different diagnosis (diverticular colitis) but the colazal, antibiotics and enemas are not getting me well. I have been feeling systemically sick with joint pain, fatigue, occasional fevers and all.  I am curious as to what the surgeon will recommend but I am actually feeling so bad, I am ready for surgery.

 I've been dealing with this for 2 years with no remission of much duration. Sometimes I'll have a good week or a few good days but that's it.

 I am a bit concerned b/c my ASCA test for crohn's is positive but we'll see what he says about that. So far, my biopsies just show garden variety colitis with diverticular disease. It's been hell though.

I think I would opt to have a pourch or bag if I had a UC diagnosis. Gladly at this point. It sounds like there is an adjustment with the ostomy but it sounds like most do not regret getting their colons out.

Best of luck to you and God bless. I'll be looking for your posts to see how it is going for you.

Posted 8/17/2010 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Summerstorm, I am going to have a J-Pouch done. I see my surgeon next Monday and we will set a date then and go over all the details.

Does anyone know how common a 1-step is? I wish they could get it all over and done with in one step, if not oh well...I am not worried about having the bag....
Posted 8/17/2010 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
A one-step is determined by patient health (no pred use in the last year) and the surgeon's comfort level. You can ask for a one-step but the surgeon won't know if you are a viable candidate until you are opened up. I asked for a 2 step because I wanted to immediately feel well and not take on the challenge of healing and adapting to the pouch at the same time. I had 8 weeks between my two surgeries. This is a great question for your surgeon.

Sue
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply