Surgery in 8 days!

Congrats, sounds like the best xmas present ever (getting rid of UC and it's troubles and worries), and a new year with new possibilities! Without UC I plan to...X, Y, and Z!

Hi 3time - I have been following your posts and I am rooting for you!
I am in pretty good shape, UC-wise; I am having the surgery due to dyplasia. I was diagnosed with UP in 83 and UC in 86 - at which point my excellent Dr. predicted I would have my colon out within a decade. So I've done well!

Have not been on pred since 1988. I have used steroid enemas but have not needed those since Humira kicked in last summer.

I am overweight to the point of medically obese, but I led a group on an international tour 3 months ago and walked 7-8 miles a day during that; walked a charity 5 K a month ago. So I am one of those "fat but fit" folks.

I am having the surgery at Yale, which is not far from where I live. Great surgeon.

My insurance, through my Hubby, rolled over Dec 1 so I'll have to swallow the whole deductible. But Hubby just turned 65 and.... I don't want him to continue the stressful job just so I can have surgery! I figured I'd better do it ASAP in case retirement (by choice or not) comes soon.

As I said, I have been following your posts! Keep us informed with what's happening. I am sending you good vibes.

iPoop, it will be fascinating to see how I feel on the other side. I "think" I have energy and no particular food limits; but, since I've had UC for more than half my life, have I simply become acclimated to it? I will post! Thanks for the cheery note!

Song sought of same history. I got UC in May of 85. Had been under control pretty much til 2008 when I had Pnuemonia in both lungs. Was in hospital a week with IV anti biotic which I didn't know at time would give me Big D for 8 months. Since that time slowly downhill with my UC. Dr wanted to put me on Humira or Remi but they lower your immunity and fact I don't have spleen my immune system is already surpressed so my severely scarred colon is coming out. Just turned 59. Looking forward to getting this nightmare body part out of me and living a great life. R u a Red Sox fan ?? One of things I miss is going to sporting events(Yankees,Rangers in ny) bc of this disease. Can't wait to go to event with no worries. Good luck. Be well

Perfect timing in the way to start the new year.
Hugs,
q

nssg, the ostomy nurse suggested I wait until my 2 week post-op appointment to load myself down with supplies, because she said she could see how it all looked and recommend what might work best. Does this sound sensible? I am torn between trusting that I will get a load of samples in the hospital and from the visiting nurse once I'm home, and my natural urge to prepare ahead.
I had to laugh - thank you for your comment "all my other obligations." Good grief, I have felt overwhelmed several times these last weeks! And a little cheated, since we normally don't begin our holiday socializing until after Dec 25 due to work.

I have been going down my checklist, and I should make it! The days ahead hold several public events I'm part of (and leading), but then I can focus on the surgery.

Thanks Michele, hateuc and Q - I will keep you posted!

NSSG or anyone else. After u wake up from surgery do u have tube in mouth or up nose and for how long?

Gotcha. Will ask at my pre admission appt. Good luck and Happy Holiday

Wishing you all the best; I'll be thinking of you & watching for your updates. BTW, WKCR-FM (89.9 & Wkcr.org) will broadcast its 40th annual J.S. Bachfest continuously from 12/24 at 1 AM until 11:59 PM on 12/31. Maybe you'll have a few minutes here or there to listen in & draw strength from the masterworks. / Old Hat (37 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

Songlady, best wishes for you. I am keeping you in my thoughts.

3timechamp said...
NSSG or anyone else. After u wake up from surgery do u have tube in mouth or up nose and for how long?

I did not have any mouth or nose tube. I was having trouble staying awake though. They asked me a number from 1-10 about how much pain I was experiencing and I gave them a response and the pain team managed. it was actually pretty well organized and I didn't experience unmanaged pain immediately following the surgery. Waking up was stressful initially but they manage it quickly. The day to follow is hard because you have to start getting moving on your own and that's when things are difficult, but I had a pain pump which helps A LOT. One of my nurses was really great at helping to teach me how to roll and pull myself instead of using my abdominal muscles. You will get the hang of things, and then before you know it, the pain will be much more limited and you can get up normally. If I can do it, anyone can, trust me

I had major anxiety about a tube because I was stuck on one for a long period when I had pneumonia. I had expressed it to my surgeon and he said it was not likely to be the case. he was right. I had 3 steps and never any breathing tube,

I would imagine it's from the flare up and the D, but I still struggle with fatigue, even after surgery. I've always dealt with it, since I was a child. The pred usually gives me a lot of energy, but not good energy where I feel great, it's a weird anxious energy. Do your best to take care. It's just a few weeks, then no more UC worries.

How are you doing songlady? Did you pick up your prep? I did prepopik for surgery and it was the best prep I have ever done. Low quantity or fluid and effective. I wish I had known about it when I had UC.


3timechamp, I guess you can always wait and see how you're feeling. if you feel like you would benefit from some rest and fluids, definitely go early.