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Goodbye colon!

2thFairy

2thFairy

Total colectomy next Tuesday with hopes for J-pouch. Just wanted to say thanks to this forum for helping me get mentally prepared for this. I feel like I am miles ahead going into this than I would be without you guys.

Thanks for being here!!!!

-Karen

edit/update: Surgery postponed for another week--January 17
 
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Terriernut

Terriernut

Moderator
Karen! Best of luck with the op! Keep us updated please.

Fingers crossed this will be your cure! Oh I sure hope so!
:kiss:
 
DustyKat

DustyKat

Super Moderator
Sending you loads and loads of love and luck for a very successful surgery and a fab and speedy recovery!...:goodluck:

Dusty. xxx
 
lari

lari

I hope all goes well with you. My next surgery will be a colonectomy too. I don't know if I spelled it right. But they are going to take my whole colon out. I haven't decided when I want to do this yet. I keep putting it off.... please keep us updated on your recovery. I wish you the best
 
Gav

Gav

Karen,

All the best with this op. Good luck on your journey. I will have my fingers crossed it goes swimmingly and that you recovery is steady and quick!

Gav :)
 
glum chump

glum chump

Good luck, Karen! I'm sure your surgery will be absolutely successful, and hope you make a quick recovery. Looking forward to hearing from you about how it all goes...

Wishing you great health,

Kismet
 
Brian'sMom

Brian'sMom

Location
Midwest
Karen,
My son's aunt is contemplating this surgery. If you wouldn't mind keeping us posted on how the surgery goes for you I'd be most appreciative. She asks my opinion, but I don't know anything about this. Also my son has crohn's while she has UC. She goes next month to talk to her doctor about having the surgery. She's 36 yrs old, but was diagnosed with UC when she was 20. She's never been in total remission and she's tiring of the whole thing and although she was against having her colon removed initially, at Christmas she was sounding like she was onboard to 'get on with it', as she put it.
 
Terriernut

Terriernut

Moderator
Oh dear! That just popped your bubble! I can feel it over here! (empath) The shits! Why did they do that!!!???
 
Terriernut

Terriernut

Moderator
Well, there must be a good reason, and lets hope it is because it wouldve turned out worse for you on that date.

You will think I'm being silly...but let me tell you a secret. I was due for my emergency op 21st Dec 2010. Been starved for days by then. I didnt want it that day. It was the equinox, there was all sorts going on, a lunar eclipse, you name it! I said 'self...this ISNT a good time for surgery'. Well, it didnt happen that day, it happend the following evening, which actually was better. Theres always a reason. Anyway, god rest her, the girl who got in on my spot...didnt make it thru surgery.
 
Terriernut

Terriernut

Moderator
Toothy (thats your nickname in my head...sorry), wow am I EVER glad it worked out too!!!

Theres always a good reason for things though isnt there? There must be a good reason for yours to be delayed. I'd like to think someone was watching out for me upstairs.
:kiss:
 
DustyKat

DustyKat

Super Moderator
Anyway, god rest her, the girl who got in on my spot...didnt make it thru surgery.
Click to expand...
Holy cow, that sends shivers down ya spine! brrrrrrrrrrr.

I sure hope that things work out for you this time Fairy.:hug: Waiting is the pits! :voodoo:

Dusty. :heart:
 
Snap

Snap

Location
Kirkwood,
Wishes and Prayers!!!

:hug: Hello! Just sending you lots of healing wishes and hope and strength and all that! Go slow when you get home from the hospital. Hope your nurses are awesome to you--and we are all thinking of you in hopes of a speedy and uneventful recovery!:ycool: Dana
 
ameslouise

ameslouise

Moderator
Hi Karen - Good luck on the 17th! The waiting is the hardest part!

Are you having the colon removed and the j-pouch created in the same surgery? Or will it be two steps? It's a big deal, either way. I had mine done in two steps because my colon ruptured.

It was almost ten years ago, but feel free to ask any questions - I'll see if I can remember any details!!

- Amy
 
2thFairy

2thFairy

The plan is for a 2-step surgery, but due to prior abdominal surgeries and a belly full of adhesions (small bowel stuck to itself) J-pouch may not be possible at all. Won't know until surgery.

I will probably wear you out with questions once this all gets rolling. Thanks!
 
Terriernut

Terriernut

Moderator
Karen, ya'll ready??? I'd like to see a big TOOTHY grin from you after you're all healed up and ready to take on the world!
:ghug:
 
2thFairy

2thFairy

I'm certainly working on it. I've been wearing a bag since yesterday so I can start getting used to it. The ostomy nurse gave me different kinds to try so I can see if I have an allergic reaction to the adhesive.
 
glum chump

glum chump

Ugh, i hate the wet bag, as well. I blowdry mine on the very low setting which helps. I love 'bag free' showers on change day...it feels very luxurious to get the stomatillo all cleaned up and letting the surrounding skin breathe for a bit.

You're getting close to the day...yay!

Kismet
 
Samboi

Samboi

Location
Australia
It's so close to your surgery date - so just checking in to wish you good luck for the big day. I hope it all goes well and the results are liberating.
 
2thFairy

2thFairy

Thanks! I'm certainly learning a lot from your ongoing experience, Samboi. I'm planning my last real meal for this evening before starting the bowel prep tomorrow. This is really going to suck, but I'm hopeful for the future. :)
 
Terriernut

Terriernut

Moderator
Toothy....the prep is nasty, as you know. The first few days are the worst, but, this is the beginning of a better life. A REAL LIFE.

Hugging you and wishing you all the very best!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
2thFairy

2thFairy

Two weeks in the hospital, one midline incision from breast bone to pubic bone, new heart rate issues, two bouts of dehydration, and 14 pounds lighter.....BUT SOOOOO WORTH IT!! It was a complicated surgery, but all in all everything went well and the extremely skilled surgeon was able to create the J-pouch after all.

I've already adapted to Sideshow Bob. (My ostomy looks like a clown nose and makes some of the most obnoxious squeels and fart noises at the worst times!) I'm pretty weak and had to take some extra time off from work, yet doing very well and feeling soooooo much better than before surgery.

Again---thank you all so much for being here and sharing your experiences. I would have been so freaked out with each new thing that popped up while I was in the hospital if I hadn't already heard about the expected complications and how to handle them. You guys are the best!
 
Nyx

Nyx

Moderator
Glad to hear it went well and they were able to give the J-pouch! Take it easy..
 
Terriernut

Terriernut

Moderator
Great to hear from you Toothy!!! I'm sorry you've had a few glitches, but I guess that kinda goes with the territory.

I hope every single day improves for you!!!
:hug:
 
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