HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Time for a Bowel Resection

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 23 4 5
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/31/2013 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
omg!!!!!!!!!!! Gordon, it's heartbreaking you've been through such a horrific experience. What a relief they worked quickly to get you to surgery.

I hope that the temp ileo will get things healed in the meantime (2 - 3 months should do it)..and that you regain your strength to get ready for the take-down.

Please keep us updated as to how you're doing...it's appreciated :-)

q
Posted 8/31/2013 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
will do, I just had jello and apple juice and I'm in heaven.

in regards to pain meds, they gave me morphine on the "button" but that stuff gave me the freakiest dreams and visuals I couldn't handle it. Eventually we got Dilauded in the pump instead.
Posted 8/31/2013 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Amazing how apple juice and jell-o can get you to feeling so much better. Hope the next step to eating will as well.

Yeah, those drug freakies can be horrific! My mom couldn't take morphine, she went crazy.
Are you still on the Dilaudid?

q
Posted 8/31/2013 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
I am so sorry! Why can't things just go as planned?? This does sound like hell and I wish you a speedy recovery!
Posted 8/31/2013 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
I still have the dilauded pump but virtually have no need for it. They still give me Tramadol with the Anti Inflammatory mixed with it which helps fine. They won't let me out till I'm tolerating solid food fine and probably my remaining distension goes down. I was going crazy on the Morphine, I would close my eyes and instantly I was in the most vivid dream I've ever been in. It was always my hospital room transforming into other crap. If I opened my eyes and closed them immediately, I would be in a new completely different dream. I found myself talking to people out loud and trying to grab them o_O
Posted 8/31/2013 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Oh WOW...you better start writing a story...maybe it'll become a best seller!

I had an aunt that saw chickens on people's heads when they came to visit her (while on morphine).

We have our cat on tramadol rubbed in her ear, works pretty good.

Scary about those psycho dreams. Although not the same, sometimes when I close my eyes before I try to fall asleep while in bed, I have like 10 or 20 flashes (like a strobe) of different scenes...and I'm not opening my eyes. Eventually it fades to black. Cool and weird. But that's the norm for me. Wellbutrin was way 3D weird, hated that part of it, and I was only on it for 2 days..lol.

Happy dreams and good sleeps!

q
Posted 8/31/2013 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
one of the freakier feelings was some of the dreams, I would close my eyes and I would see the wall open up in front of me and I can feel my bed being pushed into it and then go slowly up in the air just floating around a large room looking at people below me.
Posted 8/31/2013 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
OK, that's REALLY scary!. Make sure you put on your hospital record you are allergic/intolerant to morphine. That's way too freaky.

How's it been since you've been off it?

q
Posted 8/31/2013 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
it took about a day to clear from my system and I've been good :D

I'm starting to walk more here, my legs are SWOLLEN bad. both arms blew up like a balloon from all the IV's. at one point I had 4 in one arm while the other went down. I'm hoping the more walking will make the swelling disappear. They've tapered my prednisone to 10mg now too
Posted 8/31/2013 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
owww, I bet you gave them a scare as well. Yes, walking will definitely do you a lot of good.

Just as an aside Gordon, I want to tell you about something related to you (kind of cool!).

I did a lot of horseback riding in my younger years (mid -70s), and where I boarded my horses there was an almost black horse with white blaze and socks named Gordon. He was a very stately looking horse...I think with some Standardbred and some draught...maybe Percheron or Clydesdale...cool, right?

:-)

q
Posted 9/4/2013 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
that's pretty cool quincy, I love horses :D

Got to tell you it's still a bit rough trying to walk around. Trying to adjust to this bag too. So much I have to do with it the first few weeks. I'm scheduled for staple removal next tuesday as well as to see the stoma nurse. It's so hard to stand upright, it feels like I'm going to pull something out. I still can't lay on my sides, idk why but it's too painful still. I've been sleeping on my back for 10+ days and it hurts pretty bad. Even hurts bad to breathe sometimes. I have to tell you the steroids they gave me has put fat deposits all over my midsection....I look bad. My swelling in my legs has come way down too
Posted 9/4/2013 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Gordon, I was thinking that it was time for your next installment of updates. I didn't expect that you're in so much extreme pain. I wonder if you being on pred is part of the problem regarding the healing process?

Have you been on the ostomies fprum? I think you should check it out for sure to touch base and get support there as well. Someone might be able to give you some insight as to questions or issues you're having at this point.

I'll assume that the "extra cleaning on the inside" you had to have done after the resection rip, the rearranging of your innards and the restitching has something to do with the extra pain.

How is the Dilaudid helping? Have you talked with the doctor as of yet?

For sure go to the ostomies forum for other perspectives.

I assumed you loved horses...unless your name means something else..?

Hope you're able to regain your footing after this last surgery...at least getting to know the why is helpful.

I can't relate to this type of surgery, but when I had the thoracotomy, recovery was very slow and extremely painful. Hang tough...get the answers and request better pain meds if you need them.

Thank you for the update!
q
Posted 9/5/2013 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
I don't feel the pain is directly connected to the incisions themselves. those are achy but tolerable. There was a couple days when I still had my NG tube I got hit with a violent cough. Now trying to support your belly and coughing with the tube down my throat was no picnic. I think I must of pulled something in my sides I coughed so hard. When I've been laying down for a long period of time and try to take a breath, that's where the bad pain comes in sometimes. Once I'm up and moving it resides a bit. I can pinpoint the pain and press on it and it will stop...I know, weird. Feels like it's in my ribs.

I did post over in the ostomies forum today asking for advice. One thing I know is I'm looking to get a two piece bag that snaps on and off.

One thing that really hurt was when they pulled the drain out of my stomach. It felt like it grabbed every nerve in my body. I had very bad scrotal edema and when she started pulling, that's where I felt the pain. It's gone down quite a bit but holy heck that was weird.

The Dilaudid was perfect. When I go for my takedown that's what I'll be asking for if I'll be getting a button again. My oral med here at home is percocet which is fine. It's taking care of any aches that I'm having.

In relation to my name, I do love Clydesdales which originate in Scotland. My parents are both Scottish and I have a very Scottish name so there's a little tie in for ya :)

I will say it kind of feels like a bit of depression is starting to creep in. I'm reading it's fairly common after this type or many types of surgeries for that fact. I'm trying to fight it but I get those moments where I just really don't care, sleep all day and have no desire to move.
Posted 9/5/2013 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Gordon...well, another thing in common...Scottish ancestry (Father). Clydes are awesome!

Wow, a cough with the ng tube? Sounds horrible. Has it finally gone?
The pillow across the abdomen/chest is a huge help. Maybe they can wrap your chest lightly with elastic bandage for a short time to help give you some pressure along there to give you some support?

What has the doctor said about that? and have they done an x-ray to make sure you haven't created a hernia? or even a cracked rib?

Those tubings being pulled out are horrible and very painful. I think it part depends on what nerves it touches on the way out. Your guts have been through hell... Did anyone say why your scrotal area had edema? It could be from the skin trauma alone and it being an area that would just accommodate swelling.

It's very understandable you have depression...I cried a lot while I was in the hospital when I had my surgery. But I was basically tied to my bed with tubes into the wall...and I was in horrific pain. I couldn't wait for the next Demerol shot...my only relief actually.

I think it's OK to rest, but you do need to get up and move around to keep your circulation flowing. How are you eating at this point?

Hope the ostomies forum will give you answers and support that will get you through this phase of healing.

Have you told the nurses that you're feeling a bit depressed? Maybe ask to see a psychologist or someone who you can vent to ... that could be a great help.

Keep me how you're doing.

q
Posted 9/5/2013 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
I can't remember if I posted or not that I'm out of the Hospital. I was discharged on Tuesday and I'm at my sisters house probably through next week. Things have blended together and I've forgotten simple things along the way. My brain has been in a fog.

Yeah that cough disappeared completely. At the time the nurses had me put the pillow over my abdomen to brace myself. The cough was caused by the tube irritating my throat. It gave me that little "tickle". The hard part was I went into the hospital with an acid reflux burn on the left side of my throat and that's exactly where the tube was rubbing against.

during that week they took a few chest and abdominal xrays and all seemed to be fine. The hardest part was them doing the abdominal xray. They had to roll me on my side and place that hard board under me. That actually hurt so bad I was screaming at the top of my lungs cause it was stretching my body out completely flat.

I had a couple of the doctors look at the edema. There was no pain associated with it at all and everything below my waist was swollen bad as well. Funny thing was when they pulled out that drain tube is when the edema started to go down. I'm about halfway back to normal.

As far as eating, they have me on Flagyl and Cipro at the same time and those always turn my stomach and kill my appetite. I'm eating small meals throughout the day. I'm not gorging myself as I don't have that type of appetite yet. This morning I had a couple pieces of white toast with some gatorade, lunch was some rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes, I'll eat some pudding in between and probably tonight some pasta with a little butter and cheese.
Posted 9/5/2013 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Ah, good you're home and at your sister's where you're around others rather than alone.

Thanks for the clarification...you might have mentioned it you were out, but I didn't check back either.

It is interesting about the swelling going down after the tube was removed, but that seems in tying with a foreign object in there and your body's reaction to protect it. I get the same with stitches...redness always goes down almost immediately when they're removed.

Sounds as though you're getting in good nutrition...maybe a drink such as the V8 with fruit/veggies will help too? I've never tried them, but at least there's flavours that might spur your appetite.

What other stuff do you do during the day that keep you somewhat active mentally? Does your sister have kids?

q
Posted 9/5/2013 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
when that drain came out the pain shot right to my scrotum so that made me think it had something to do with the swelling.

I'm here with my sis, her husband and my niece and nephew. They also have 3 dogs (4 currently as one is mine) so they give me a good reason to get up and let them out to walk around. They have stairs so I try to go up and down a couple times to get my legs strengthened a bit. They shake so bad. Other than that it's pretty much TV and still using my lung thing they gave me to strengthen a bit.

Time to get up actually, my bag looks like a hot air balloon...full of air
Posted 9/6/2013 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
You're in a good environment for recovery....and pets definitely keep us in line if we keep their wellbeing in mind too.

Allow yourself to heal...it'll take a while considering the crisis your body's been through.

When's your next appointment with the specialist? will that be with the surgeon or your own GI?

Hope today has you in a good state.

q
Posted 9/7/2013 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
I meet with my GI on this coming Thursday to see when he wants me to continue my previous meds. I have my surgeon appointment on October 7th for my followup. I really need to find out where these breathing pains are coming from, they really do hurt after a while of laying down. As soon as I sit up in bed, they're gone
Posted 9/7/2013 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
I have been following your thread and hope you find out the cause too. Hope all else is healing well.
Posted 9/7/2013 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Gordon, where exactly are the breathing pains when you're laying down? It's good you can get relief from sitting up, but hopefully the doctor/doctors can get it figured out quickly.

q
Posted 9/7/2013 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
It's a little hard to explain but I've had them in various locations but mostly on my sides and on my back on either side of my spine. This morning I had a bad one which was about 6 inches below my armpit and felt like it was on a rib. If I pressed real hard on my rib I could get the breath in with little pain. It's just so odd. The one on my back I had during the night, if I took a deep breath, pain shot out in all directions from where the pain originated. As soon as I sit up though I get relief. Maybe it's possible muscles are tightening up or something along those lines. I'm still limited to laying on my back now for over 2 weeks. I think those hospital beds weren't the best for my body.
Posted 9/8/2013 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
I can see that as a possibility, especially since you have been adjusting your body position for comfort.

Curious if you have a chiropractor? if yes..maybe it's time to see him/her?

I do get pains as you describe, many to the point of difficulty to breathe. But, they don't go away with changing position...only to lessen a bit.

Have you tried a medication with methocarbomal, such as Tylenol back pain relief?

q
Posted 9/8/2013 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
I've never had a chriopractor but I don't feel any direct pain on my spine. This morning I felt the pain on the front of my chest on the outside of my pectoral muscle by my armpit. I'm going to try aleve and see what happens. Maybe that will give some relief
Posted 9/8/2013 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
I wonder if the pains can be this? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurisy

one of the causes is inflammatory bowel disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12345