Well, I have 2 weeks, 2 days, and around 8 hours (not counting) until I go into the hospital to have an ileostomy reversal. I've been a bit naive and ignorant of the possible poor outcome from this procedure. I have had a colostomy and then an ileostomy since May last year when a perforated bowel caused a fraction of grief. I am glad to be coming to some sort of closure (pardon the pun) but concerned as well. One thing that is pissing me off is that the day after I go in is my birthday. Due to stacks of complications after both surgeries, I know most of the staff in the entire hospital, so they better get me a cake and sing "Happy Birthday," or else there will be trouble. I will have to take names and kick butts! One bonus is that I will see my football team, the mighty St. George Dragons, win the comp before I go in. For all of you who don't know who the Dragons are, don't worry, just get on the bandwagon with me. Only the good follow St. George.
Hi Kenny,
It's understandable to be a bit apprehensive about reversal surgery, but there are plenty of success stories, so think positively and I'm sure you will be fine.
It's a shame you will be post-op on your birthday, but yes, definitely demand the cake!
Okay, I will cheer on St George in the rugby if you barrack for Collingwood in the AFL!
Best wishes for your upcoming operation and recovery,
Cheers,
Jo x
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,404 members.
“I mostly read and still feel like I belong.”
“Doctors took notes; they want others to find this website.”
“From midnight blowouts to big wins, there’s always a hand to hold.”
Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.
I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)
So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.
And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
"what a long strange trip it's been!"
Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.
Thanks for that, Jo. Yes, I will ensure there is cake and festivities galore in my ward. Gee, I hope they put me in the bed closest to the toilet.
You have me. It is probably about time for the Magpies to win again. Go the Pies!
Learn all about skin barrier extenders.
