An Update - Crohns Disease Forum - Support group and forum for IBD, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

sickranchero · 02-26-2010, 12:36 AM

Hello everyone,

It has been a while since I have posted about me. A quick fill in about my situation before I start with the new stuff.

To make a long story short, in Jan 1994 I was diagnosed with Crohns at age 10. I got into remission quickly and stayed in it for 10 years using Sulfasalazine. From 2004 to now I have been fighting a pretty much constant flare with many treatments: prednisone, 6MP, imuran, remicade, humira, asacol, lialda, antibiotics, probiotics, entocort,.... I am pretty much dependent on steroids.

Over the past 5 years I have had colonoscopies and a pill camera done. Three years ago I got a new GI and he specializes in IBD's. After all of this testing and my symptoms over the past 6 years he has always told me it matches with UC more than Crohn's, but he never wanted to jump to that conclusion because of my original diagnosis. I have finally reached my extent of treatments and the side effects are causing more problems than good. For the past year he has been suggesting jpouch surgery, BUT, we must be certain that it is UC and not Crohn's or it will be a waste. Lately I have gotten more second opinions from other doctors including Stanford Medical, and everyone agrees about my tendency towards UC.

My GI just did another colonoscopy on Monday and so far the biopsy results say that there is no Crohn's in my colon but UC instead, and that my small intestines are normal. My past 5 years of colonoscopies have shown the same thing, I just didn't have this doctor and other opinions. So if all the rest of the results say that it is UC and not Crohn's, it looks like I might be having jpouch in the near future.... a cure! Hopefully

Pirate · 02-26-2010, 12:51 AM

I hope so too. Its great to see somebody that has a bright outcome and can say things are looking great.

Good luck.

farm · 02-26-2010, 02:59 AM

Well I know we all dread surgery, but what a relief it will be for you!!

tamesis · 02-26-2010, 03:05 AM

hi there,
great to see the update, and i hope that things work out positively for you.

keep us updated!

imisspopcorn · 02-26-2010, 04:13 AM

HI Ranchero, I have a friend who just had the Jpouch procedure done at Mayo in Phoenix....The doctor there has revolutionized the surgery so there is no incision. The surgery is done solely through the ostomy site or through the rectum.....They are doing so many great things for us IBD sufferes....I hope this surgery gives you back some quality of life....Good luck and keep us posted!

Jennjenn · 02-26-2010, 04:16 AM

Hi
I hope everything works out well for you so that you can start to feel better. Good Luck

sickranchero · 02-26-2010, 12:06 PM

Thanks everyone. It's just a waiting game now to see the rest of the results and to work with the surgeon if that is the best direction. Even though it is a possible cure for UC, there are still complications that worry me about the surgery, and lifestyle changes because of it. I am just glad that I was able to get more opinions and more attention from doctors. I hope I'm not too optimistic, I don't want to jinx myself. If anyone has any questions about my experiences over the years, don't hesitate to ask.

soupdragon69 · 02-26-2010, 10:52 PM

Good to see you back and able to update us regarding everything you have been through!

Certainly has not been an easy time for you at all and really feel for you.

Truly hope the surgery goes ahead and all works out well in the future. Keep us posted.

Will be thinking of you! ((hugs))

Sue-2009 · 02-27-2010, 01:22 PM

Hey THere...good luck. I have the jpouch and it has been great. I've had it for over 4 years. Unfortunately, this year I have developed crohns. BUt, even with that, I am glad I opted for the pouch. Life had been good before the crohns with the pouch. If thats your photo, you look young. It is a good option for you. I hope things work out..Good luck to you and keep us posted! Sue

ameslouise · 02-27-2010, 02:50 PM

Hi Ranchero! I am in the same situation as Sue 2009 - original diagnosis UC, and got the pouch in 2002. I was recently rediagnosed with Crohn's, but the pouch has been GREAT!!! Definitely worth any surgery risks. I would recommend it to anyone that is a candidate. It will bring so much relief after years of suffering.

Good luck to you - keep us posted!

sickranchero · 02-27-2010, 06:14 PM

Thanks ladies,
I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am cleared for the surgery. I have been trying to get as much information about life after surgery and what to expect. For those who have had it what was it like pre and post takedown? Any suggestion from your experiences? If I am a candidate for it, then I need to organize all my time off from work and make sure I am confident and can control my body before resuming normal life again. I should hear some results/answers this coming week.

sickranchero · 02-27-2010, 06:18 PM

Sue,
I'm 26, actually my 27th b-day is Tuesday, so hopefully my age helps with my recovery and life after surgery, if I'm cleared for it.

I've been on prednisone soo much over the past 6 years that after a bone density test last summer, I have osteoporosis and osteopenia now. Luckily the Dr said that due to my age I can regain bone density still.

sickranchero · 03-01-2010, 02:57 PM

Update! The final colonoscopy results came back and show no Crohns but inflammation due to Ulcerative Colitis. My GI had me send a message to the surgeon letting him know the recent information and that the disease is not under control and we have exhausted effective means of treatment. So now I'm waiting for a response from the surgeon, and see what he says should be done. Hopefully I hear something soon!

sickranchero · 03-11-2010, 03:34 PM

Another update. I have spoken with the surgeon and I am going to do it. He is having his department call me to set up a pre-op appointment. He says they are booked 4-6 weeks out, but I will find out when they call. I also asked him about recovery time since I have to arrange it with work. He says the first surgery is about 6-8 weeks and the second surgery that is 10-12 weeks later has a 4 week recovery. I'm excited and nervous at the same time, but I am looking forward to it. My GI had me stop taking Imuran a couple days ago, but still continue steroid enemas, humira, and lialda for now.

I also found a really awesome website called

http://ucvlog.com/

It has soo much information about the jpouch surgery and a video log of everything. I recommend taking a look and watching some of the videos.

Jettalady · 03-11-2010, 03:50 PM

Hey SR, I feel so bad I missed this thread and you are looking for support!

It is a good thing you have a positive attitude towards your surgery, and had sometime to think about it. A surgery decision should never be made lightly. I understand your excitement to get this done, and then a second surgery... the best part is you WILL be out of pain! It takes time but hopefully, since you are young you will bouce back quicker.

I am curious tho, did your doctor mention any drugs after your surgery? I know you will be just fine, I am happy for you too. No one should be in pain, with all the treatment and surgery nowadays something should help.

My thoughts are with you, good luck and happy you kept us updated!

Astra101 · 03-11-2010, 04:08 PM

Hi there!
I've missed this thread too, so sorry
Hope everything goes well for you and with your positive attitude and youth, I'm sure it will!

good luck
xx

alexandros8 · 03-11-2010, 04:13 PM

Hello. We're the same age, and I can tell you from what my doctor has said about my surgery- that our age is a huge benefit to recovery. I've had a relatively simple and quick recovery which the doctor largely attributes to my age.

Good luck with the procedure, I hope it brings you the relief you're looking for.

ameslouise · 03-11-2010, 04:45 PM

Ranchero - That is great news! Glad you are going for it - I am sure you will find a big improvement in your quality of life.

Keep us posted along the way so we can follow your progress!

Take good care of yourself! - Amy

sickranchero · 03-30-2010, 11:36 PM

An update everyone! I have my surgery date! May 6th is the day that my colon and rectum will be removed, jpouch constructed, and a temporary loop ileostomy created. I am counting down to hopefully a success. I have a pre-op April 16th and then go again May 3rd so the stoma nurse can mark the location and to teach me about living with a stoma. Thanks for the support everyone!

Jettalady · 03-31-2010, 01:30 AM

I am happy for you! I know you must be nervous. I have had resections but not a stoma. Some day I know that is down the road.. but having a painfree life is our aim. Keep us posted on how you do in the post surgery too!

ameslouise · 03-31-2010, 02:53 AM

I hope the next 6 weeks goes by quickly for you and all is well before surgery!

Good luck! Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to recuperate.

- Amy

sickranchero · 04-09-2010, 02:26 AM

Thanks everyone, I am really looking forward to this in hope for relief. I have started tapering the steroid enemas and substituting 5-asa enemas in between. One more week until pre-op.

Astra101 · 04-09-2010, 03:30 PM

sending lots of good luck, and hoping this will give you some normality back
xxx

ameslouise · 04-30-2010, 02:40 AM

You're a week away from surgery! Just wanted to say good luck!

Please pop back in and let us know how it goes!

- Amy

sickranchero · 04-30-2010, 03:15 AM

Thanks Amy, I'm counting down! I forgot about my thread and updating it.

My pre-op went great, the surgeon gave me some more details about what to expect. He also told me that I will have a catheter and that they can do a certain epidural which he recommends. He even mentioned that it is possible to do the whole procedure in one surgery, no temp ileo, but not for me however since I've been on steroids, biologics, and imuran so long.

Next up is my appointment with the ostomy nurse on Monday to mark the location and learn about living with an ostomy. Thanks everyone.

Jettalady · 04-30-2010, 01:02 PM

Getting closer eh? I bet you are nervous and excited at the same time. What I would give even 6months of a painfree life! Good that you are getting the epidural, you will be happy about that. Keep us updated ok? Looking forward to no pain would be a great gain!

CodeBrown · 05-01-2010, 12:43 PM

Hey Ranchero...I had that epidural and it is awesome. It eliminates the need for a PCA pump and I felt NO pain whatsoever after my surgery. I had used the PCA pump before with a different surgery and it didn't work so well for me...the epidural is definitely the way to go! Let us know as soon as you can how your surgery goes...I will be think of you.

acg101 · 05-01-2010, 01:36 PM

Hi Ranchero, All the best wishes for next week. please keep us posted with your progress.
A great web site of videos, 'how to live with ostomy' is

http://ucvlog.com

Will be thinking of you and once you recover from the surgery I hope it brings you the relief you're looking for.

you Good luck with the procedure,

ameslouise · 05-01-2010, 04:26 PM

Not sure how different an ostomy is for a man than for a woman, but there are some great threads on here where you can get a lot of great tips.

One thing I will say about the year I had mine - it was GREAT and I was amazed at how FREE I was after all the suffering and AMAZED at how much I could do - exercise, swimming (in a 2 piece!), sex, wearing "regular" clothes. Really, I found there to be no limits to my life at all.

Good luck! Hoping for a fast recovery!

sickranchero · 05-01-2010, 05:35 PM

Thanks everyone! I am excited(as weird as that sounds) for the surgery. I am going to do the epidural because it sounds like the best thing to do. The only thing making me nervous is when I am there on Thursday and they tell me they are injecting the anesthesia and knowing that I am going to fall asleep any second and wake up with a different body and not know what to expect. Another thing is they told me I will be in the hospital for 7-10 days after, I really hope they have internet or something, or else I will go crazy with boredom. But I can't wait! Thanks again.

02-26-2010, 12:36 AM	#1
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	An Update Hello everyone, It has been a while since I have posted about me. A quick fill in about my situation before I start with the new stuff. To make a long story short, in Jan 1994 I was diagnosed with Crohns at age 10. I got into remission quickly and stayed in it for 10 years using Sulfasalazine. From 2004 to now I have been fighting a pretty much constant flare with many treatments: prednisone, 6MP, imuran, remicade, humira, asacol, lialda, antibiotics, probiotics, entocort,.... I am pretty much dependent on steroids. Over the past 5 years I have had colonoscopies and a pill camera done. Three years ago I got a new GI and he specializes in IBD's. After all of this testing and my symptoms over the past 6 years he has always told me it matches with UC more than Crohn's, but he never wanted to jump to that conclusion because of my original diagnosis. I have finally reached my extent of treatments and the side effects are causing more problems than good. For the past year he has been suggesting jpouch surgery, BUT, we must be certain that it is UC and not Crohn's or it will be a waste. Lately I have gotten more second opinions from other doctors including Stanford Medical, and everyone agrees about my tendency towards UC. My GI just did another colonoscopy on Monday and so far the biopsy results say that there is no Crohn's in my colon but UC instead, and that my small intestines are normal. My past 5 years of colonoscopies have shown the same thing, I just didn't have this doctor and other opinions. So if all the rest of the results say that it is UC and not Crohn's, it looks like I might be having jpouch in the near future.... a cure! Hopefully

02-26-2010, 12:51 AM	#2
Pirate Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Freeland, MI. Posts: 1,167	I hope so too. Its great to see somebody that has a bright outcome and can say things are looking great. Good luck. __________________ I'm the Captain of my own pirate ship. You'll find me on the POOP deck! Greg Yancer Diagnosed w/ CD Febuary 1986 No surgeries Current meds:REMICADE (CATS SCARE ME), Pentasa, Nexium, Probonics.

02-26-2010, 02:59 AM	#3
farm Captain Insaneo Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NC Posts: 6,359	Well I know we all dread surgery, but what a relief it will be for you!! __________________ Have you sharted lately? (Just wait.)

02-26-2010, 03:05 AM	#4
tamesis Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: B.C. Posts: 1,720	hi there, great to see the update, and i hope that things work out positively for you. keep us updated! __________________ Currently awaiting an answer to my multitude of symptoms..... Taking Tylenol 500mg 3 times a day, Buscopan 10mg three times a day, Probiotics 3 times a day, Multivitamin daily, Nexium daily, Cipralex 20mg daily, and trying Pred, 40mg daily.

02-26-2010, 10:52 PM	#8
soupdragon69 ele mental leprechaun Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Leicestershire UK Posts: 1,356	Good to see you back and able to update us regarding everything you have been through! Certainly has not been an easy time for you at all and really feel for you. Truly hope the surgery goes ahead and all works out well in the future. Keep us posted. Will be thinking of you! ((hugs)) __________________ Jan IF YOU DON'T JUMP YOU WONT EVER LEARN TO FLY Brittle asthma 1996, Hypothyroidism 1998, Severe Crohns ileitis 2006 , Severe IBS 2007, Inflammatory/Rheumatoid Arthritis 2008, Sebhorreic Eczema and Folliculitis 1992, Roseca, steroid induced acne and Hidradenitis Suppurativa 2008, Multiple allergies and food intolerances diagnosed from 2003. Newly diagnosed fibromyalgia Dec 2009. Newly diagnosed calcific tendonitis Jan 2010.

02-26-2010, 04:13 AM	#5
imisspopcorn Punctuation Impaired Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5,945	HI Ranchero, I have a friend who just had the Jpouch procedure done at Mayo in Phoenix....The doctor there has revolutionized the surgery so there is no incision. The surgery is done solely through the ostomy site or through the rectum.....They are doing so many great things for us IBD sufferes....I hope this surgery gives you back some quality of life....Good luck and keep us posted!

02-26-2010, 04:16 AM	#6
Jennjenn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N.Y. Posts: 580	Hi I hope everything works out well for you so that you can start to feel better. Good Luck

02-26-2010, 12:06 PM	#7
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	Thanks everyone. It's just a waiting game now to see the rest of the results and to work with the surgeon if that is the best direction. Even though it is a possible cure for UC, there are still complications that worry me about the surgery, and lifestyle changes because of it. I am just glad that I was able to get more opinions and more attention from doctors. I hope I'm not too optimistic, I don't want to jinx myself. If anyone has any questions about my experiences over the years, don't hesitate to ask.

02-27-2010, 01:22 PM	#9
Sue-2009 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 360	Hey THere...good luck. I have the jpouch and it has been great. I've had it for over 4 years. Unfortunately, this year I have developed crohns. BUt, even with that, I am glad I opted for the pouch. Life had been good before the crohns with the pouch. If thats your photo, you look young. It is a good option for you. I hope things work out..Good luck to you and keep us posted! Sue

02-27-2010, 02:50 PM	#10
ameslouise Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 663	Hi Ranchero! I am in the same situation as Sue 2009 - original diagnosis UC, and got the pouch in 2002. I was recently rediagnosed with Crohn's, but the pouch has been GREAT!!! Definitely worth any surgery risks. I would recommend it to anyone that is a candidate. It will bring so much relief after years of suffering. Good luck to you - keep us posted!

02-27-2010, 06:14 PM	#11
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	Thanks ladies, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am cleared for the surgery. I have been trying to get as much information about life after surgery and what to expect. For those who have had it what was it like pre and post takedown? Any suggestion from your experiences? If I am a candidate for it, then I need to organize all my time off from work and make sure I am confident and can control my body before resuming normal life again. I should hear some results/answers this coming week.

02-27-2010, 06:18 PM	#12
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	Sue, I'm 26, actually my 27th b-day is Tuesday, so hopefully my age helps with my recovery and life after surgery, if I'm cleared for it. I've been on prednisone soo much over the past 6 years that after a bone density test last summer, I have osteoporosis and osteopenia now. Luckily the Dr said that due to my age I can regain bone density still.

03-01-2010, 02:57 PM	#13
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	Update! The final colonoscopy results came back and show no Crohns but inflammation due to Ulcerative Colitis. My GI had me send a message to the surgeon letting him know the recent information and that the disease is not under control and we have exhausted effective means of treatment. So now I'm waiting for a response from the surgeon, and see what he says should be done. Hopefully I hear something soon!

03-11-2010, 03:34 PM	#14
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	Another update. I have spoken with the surgeon and I am going to do it. He is having his department call me to set up a pre-op appointment. He says they are booked 4-6 weeks out, but I will find out when they call. I also asked him about recovery time since I have to arrange it with work. He says the first surgery is about 6-8 weeks and the second surgery that is 10-12 weeks later has a 4 week recovery. I'm excited and nervous at the same time, but I am looking forward to it. My GI had me stop taking Imuran a couple days ago, but still continue steroid enemas, humira, and lialda for now. I also found a really awesome website called http://ucvlog.com/ It has soo much information about the jpouch surgery and a video log of everything. I recommend taking a look and watching some of the videos.

03-11-2010, 03:50 PM	#15
Jettalady Your Story Forum Monitor Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Western, ONT Posts: 3,604	Hey SR, I feel so bad I missed this thread and you are looking for support! It is a good thing you have a positive attitude towards your surgery, and had sometime to think about it. A surgery decision should never be made lightly. I understand your excitement to get this done, and then a second surgery... the best part is you WILL be out of pain! It takes time but hopefully, since you are young you will bouce back quicker. I am curious tho, did your doctor mention any drugs after your surgery? I know you will be just fine, I am happy for you too. No one should be in pain, with all the treatment and surgery nowadays something should help. My thoughts are with you, good luck and happy you kept us updated! __________________ Formerly: Pen Symptoms of Crohn's 35 years DX in 1993 2 resections, 1993 & 2003 Been on too many drugs to list. Methotrexate- didn't work. Quit June 2010 Nexium.& odd Flagyl, VSL#3 900 Billion probiotic bacteria & Pentasa, 3000mg daily ...winging it now.

03-11-2010, 04:08 PM	#16
Astra101 Your Story Forum Monitor Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: St. Helens, Merseyside, UK Posts: 2,043	Hi there! I've missed this thread too, so sorry Hope everything goes well for you and with your positive attitude and youth, I'm sure it will! good luck xx __________________ Joan Diagnosed 2005 (but symptoms for 15 years!) been on Azathioprine, Mercaptopurine, Budesonide Metronidozole, Bye Bye Prednisolone we're so over! Pentasa 2 (4 times a day) Multivitamins & Iron CalciChew + Vitamin D x2 Cod Liver Oil with Vitamin D http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.p...4208290&ref=ts No-one should make you feel inferior without your consent!

03-11-2010, 04:13 PM	#17
alexandros8 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Posts: 100	Hello. We're the same age, and I can tell you from what my doctor has said about my surgery- that our age is a huge benefit to recovery. I've had a relatively simple and quick recovery which the doctor largely attributes to my age. Good luck with the procedure, I hope it brings you the relief you're looking for. __________________ 26M - Atlanta GA. Diagnosed with Crohn's in 2001. Ileocolectomy in February 2010.

03-11-2010, 04:45 PM	#18
ameslouise Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 663	Ranchero - That is great news! Glad you are going for it - I am sure you will find a big improvement in your quality of life. Keep us posted along the way so we can follow your progress! Take good care of yourself! - Amy

03-30-2010, 11:36 PM	#19
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	An update everyone! I have my surgery date! May 6th is the day that my colon and rectum will be removed, jpouch constructed, and a temporary loop ileostomy created. I am counting down to hopefully a success. I have a pre-op April 16th and then go again May 3rd so the stoma nurse can mark the location and to teach me about living with a stoma. Thanks for the support everyone!

03-31-2010, 01:30 AM	#20
Jettalady Your Story Forum Monitor Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Western, ONT Posts: 3,604	I am happy for you! I know you must be nervous. I have had resections but not a stoma. Some day I know that is down the road.. but having a painfree life is our aim. Keep us posted on how you do in the post surgery too! __________________ Formerly: Pen Symptoms of Crohn's 35 years DX in 1993 2 resections, 1993 & 2003 Been on too many drugs to list. Methotrexate- didn't work. Quit June 2010 Nexium.& odd Flagyl, VSL#3 900 Billion probiotic bacteria & Pentasa, 3000mg daily ...winging it now.

03-31-2010, 02:53 AM	#21
ameslouise Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 663	I hope the next 6 weeks goes by quickly for you and all is well before surgery! Good luck! Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to recuperate. - Amy

04-09-2010, 02:26 AM	#22
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	Thanks everyone, I am really looking forward to this in hope for relief. I have started tapering the steroid enemas and substituting 5-asa enemas in between. One more week until pre-op.

04-09-2010, 03:30 PM	#23
Astra101 Your Story Forum Monitor Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: St. Helens, Merseyside, UK Posts: 2,043	sending lots of good luck, and hoping this will give you some normality back xxx __________________ Joan Diagnosed 2005 (but symptoms for 15 years!) been on Azathioprine, Mercaptopurine, Budesonide Metronidozole, Bye Bye Prednisolone we're so over! Pentasa 2 (4 times a day) Multivitamins & Iron CalciChew + Vitamin D x2 Cod Liver Oil with Vitamin D http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.p...4208290&ref=ts No-one should make you feel inferior without your consent!

04-30-2010, 02:40 AM	#24
ameslouise Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 663	You're a week away from surgery! Just wanted to say good luck! Please pop back in and let us know how it goes! - Amy

04-30-2010, 03:15 AM	#25
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	Thanks Amy, I'm counting down! I forgot about my thread and updating it. My pre-op went great, the surgeon gave me some more details about what to expect. He also told me that I will have a catheter and that they can do a certain epidural which he recommends. He even mentioned that it is possible to do the whole procedure in one surgery, no temp ileo, but not for me however since I've been on steroids, biologics, and imuran so long. Next up is my appointment with the ostomy nurse on Monday to mark the location and learn about living with an ostomy. Thanks everyone.

04-30-2010, 01:02 PM	#26
Jettalady Your Story Forum Monitor Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Western, ONT Posts: 3,604	Getting closer eh? I bet you are nervous and excited at the same time. What I would give even 6months of a painfree life! Good that you are getting the epidural, you will be happy about that. Keep us updated ok? Looking forward to no pain would be a great gain! __________________ Formerly: Pen Symptoms of Crohn's 35 years DX in 1993 2 resections, 1993 & 2003 Been on too many drugs to list. Methotrexate- didn't work. Quit June 2010 Nexium.& odd Flagyl, VSL#3 900 Billion probiotic bacteria & Pentasa, 3000mg daily ...winging it now.

05-01-2010, 12:43 PM	#27
CodeBrown Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 64	Hey Ranchero...I had that epidural and it is awesome. It eliminates the need for a PCA pump and I felt NO pain whatsoever after my surgery. I had used the PCA pump before with a different surgery and it didn't work so well for me...the epidural is definitely the way to go! Let us know as soon as you can how your surgery goes...I will be think of you.

05-01-2010, 01:36 PM	#28
acg101 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 247	living with stoma Hi Ranchero, All the best wishes for next week. please keep us posted with your progress. A great web site of videos, 'how to live with ostomy' is http://ucvlog.com Will be thinking of you and once you recover from the surgery I hope it brings you the relief you're looking for. you Good luck with the procedure,

05-01-2010, 04:26 PM	#29
ameslouise Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 663	Not sure how different an ostomy is for a man than for a woman, but there are some great threads on here where you can get a lot of great tips. One thing I will say about the year I had mine - it was GREAT and I was amazed at how FREE I was after all the suffering and AMAZED at how much I could do - exercise, swimming (in a 2 piece!), sex, wearing "regular" clothes. Really, I found there to be no limits to my life at all. Good luck! Hoping for a fast recovery!

05-01-2010, 05:35 PM	#30
sickranchero Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 60	Thanks everyone! I am excited(as weird as that sounds) for the surgery. I am going to do the epidural because it sounds like the best thing to do. The only thing making me nervous is when I am there on Thursday and they tell me they are injecting the anesthesia and knowing that I am going to fall asleep any second and wake up with a different body and not know what to expect. Another thing is they told me I will be in the hospital for 7-10 days after, I really hope they have internet or something, or else I will go crazy with boredom. But I can't wait! Thanks again.